22 Identifying Gaps in Current Knowledge
22.1 Introduction
In this short section. we’ll consider how to uncover areas that would benefit from further research.
Critical reading is introduced as a way to interpret and evaluate existing literature critically.
Synthesis and analysis are ways in which we can amalgamate diverse perspectives to produce new understanding and insight.
Formulating research questions provides a systematic approach to crafting questions.
Finally, we think about ‘justifying your research’ and the various issues and questions you should consider when seeking support and resources for your project.
22.2 Critical Reading
What is ‘critical reading’?
Critical reading is the core of academic scholarship, and begins with the development of strong analytical skills. To understand the essence of a text, we need to break down and identify the core arguments, the evidence that supports these claims, and the logic that ties it all together.
It’s not just about reading the words; it’s about digging beneath the surface. The credibility of research often hinges on the strength of its evidence. Hence, evaluating evidence for its validity and reliability is vital to assess the foundation upon which the research is built.
Understanding a piece of research in isolation isn’t enough. We compare and contrast different perspectives within the research to develop a well-rounded understanding of the topic.
Identifying limitations
Identifying limitations is a critical component of this reading process. This means not only acknowledging the limitations cited by the authors themselves, but also actively looking for them.
For example, we often evaluate whether the sample size is adequate and representative of the larger population. We might critique the data collection methods to determine if they are sound and free from bias. An insufficient or biased data collection method can significantly skew the results of a study.
Recognising bias
Recognising bias is another aspect of critical reading. Author bias can ‘shade’ the interpretation and presentation of research findings. Furthermore, ‘publication bias’ - the tendency for studies with positive results to be published more frequently than those with negative or inconclusive results - can affect the availability and visibility of research.
It’s also important to be aware of cultural and contextual biases that could shape the research’s process and interpretation, acknowledging that no research exists in a cultural vacuum.
Thinking about methodology
Reflecting on methodology involves a careful evaluation of whether the research design is suited to the research question. Does the design allow for a comprehensive and conclusive answer to the posed question?
We should scrutinise the data analysis techniques as well; are they are robust and appropriate for the data set?
No critical assessment is complete without considering the ethical implications of the research. This involves asking if the study was conducted with responsibility towards the participants and the broader impact of the findings.
22.3 Synthesis and Analysis
Integrating ideas
The process of synthesis and analysis is fundamental to advancing knowledge and fostering innovation. It involves the meticulous integration of ideas where merging different perspectives is key. By bringing together diverse viewpoints, a more comprehensive understanding of the subject matter is developed.
This isn’t just about juxtaposing ideas but also about building conceptual frameworks that organise these disparate thoughts into a coherent structure. Through this process new insights emerge, not as mere byproducts but as a direct result of deliberate and critical integration of ideas from various sources.
Thematic analysis
When undertaking thematic analysis, the identification of core themes is critical. It requires a ‘deep dive’ into the literature to discern the dominant threads that run through the research.
Understanding the relationships between themes is equally important; it’s about comprehending how these themes interact with and influence one another, which can reveal the intricacies of the topic at hand. Recognising patterns and trends is also a part of this analysis, allowing us to form a nuanced understanding that can inform and guide further study.
Creating hypotheses
Hypothesis formation is the natural outcome of effective synthesis and analysis of existing research. A sound hypothesis must be based on the evidence that has been synthesised and analysed; it’s not a guess but an informed supposition (a prediction) that’s ready to be tested. This includes the consideration of alternative explanations.
When formulating hypotheses, it is crucial to clarify any assumptions and make explicit predictions. These predictions should be testable through future research, providing a roadmap for subsequent investigation and offering potential explanations for phenomena that the current body of literature you’ve read has not yet fully explored.
22.4 Formulating Research Questions
Building on existing knowledge
Developing research questions is a critical stage in the research process.
It usually starts with building on existing knowledge, which in turn involves identifying the key concepts and theories that form the foundation of the current understanding in the field.
We need to be aware of ongoing debates and areas of debate, not merely as spectators but as active participants who seek to contribute meaningfully to the discourse (which is one of the reasons academics attend conferences)
Addressing gaps
Addressing identified gaps means targeting research questions towards areas that are under-researched yet significant to the advancement of the field.
Evaluating the significance of these gaps is crucial; it ensures that the research embarked upon is not just filling any gap but a gap that matters, one whose bridging will add substantial value to the existing body of knowledge.
Clarifying the research focus
Clarifying the research focus is about refining the question to ensure that it is both precise and manageable. The research question should be sufficiently narrow to allow for a deep and focused inquiry, yet broad enough to encompass the critical aspects of the topic at hand.
Ensuring feasibility is vital; the question posed must be one that can be answered within the constraints of time, resources, and methodologies available.
Your research question must be clear, devoid of ambiguity, ensuring that any other researcher can comprehend the project and its scope.
Thinking about relevance
Considering the relevance of the research question ensures that the inquiry is not just an academic exercise but is aligned with current priorities and trends in the field. The question should hold social or academic value, offering insights or solutions that matter to the scholarly community or to society at large. Justifying the need for research is the final, crucial step in this process.
A compelling justification establishes the importance of the question and why it warrants investigation. This step ensures that the research undertaken is not just an intellectual pursuit but a necessary venture to fill critical knowledge gaps and contribute to the broader understanding of the subject.
22.5 Justifying your Research
Highlighting its significance
In research, the significance and contribution of our work are not merely desirable attributes but essential ones that justify the effort and resources expended.
Argue for the significance of your work, which often begins with highlighting the novelty of the research. Emphasise how the work introduces new concepts, methodologies, or data to the field, expanding the existing body of knowledge.
Demonstrate the importance of your research by defining the potential impact it could have, not just within the academic community but also in broader societal terms. Provide context, explaining the research’s place within the larger academic field, and situating it in the societal landscape.
Demonstrating its contribution
Demonstrate the contribution by highlighting the added value that your research brings. Articulate the ways in which the research builds upon, refines, or contradicts existing knowledge or practice.
Establish connections to previous work; frame the research within a continuum of knowledge advancement rather than an isolated endeavor.
Highlight advancements or progress, whether in the form of improved understandings, new theoretical frameworks, or advancements in methodology or application.
Addressing its implications
Addressing practical implications requires a forward-looking perspective that goes beyond theoretical contributions. Reflect on how your research findings can be applied in real-world scenarios.
For example, evaluate the potential impact of the research on practical applications within the field, which could range from influencing how professionals engage with certain problems to how organisations design their strategies.
Discuss policy implications (if appropriate), especially for research that addresses societal challenges or regulatory frameworks, as it can shape decision-making at various levels.
Establishing its relevance
Establish the relevance to the field, ensuing that your research is not just an academic exercise but a meaningful contribution to ongoing discourse.
Demonstrate alignment with field goals; the research must resonate with the current objectives and aims of the discipline. Providing evidence of need emphasises that the research addresses a genuine gap or challenge within the field.
Make a case for timeliness. It’s about persuading peers that the research is not only necessary but is also being undertaken at a strategic moment when it can have the most significant influence or when the field is most receptive to its potential contributions.