PR 1 | Research Gaps and Questions

Research Gap

an area of concern where there is a gap in the knowledge and we have no ready responses, therefore we must investiagte a possible solution

Evidence Gap

missing or insufficient data to support a claim

Knowledge Gap

missing information in current understanding

Practical-Knowledge Conflict Gap

disconnect between theory and practice

Methodological Gap

limitations in current research methods

Empirical Gap

lack of experimental or observational data

Theoretical Gap

missing explanations in existing theories

Population Gap

under-represented groups in research

Research Problem

clear and concise statement that outlines the issue or phenomenon the research aims to investigate to act as the foundation for the study and the guide for all the components of the research

Research Problem as Feasible

it can be done with available resources and skills

Research Problem as Interesting

findings can be significant to some sector

Research Problem as Novel

it can contribute to new knowledge

Research Problem as Ethical

the research will not cause harm

Research Problem as Relevant

it is useful for the development of scientific knowledge, for society, and for future research

Research Question

it frames a possible hypothesis or solution to address the research problem while implying the appropriate method to use (whether quantitative, qualitative, or mixed)

Stating a Research Question

• Ask what you want to know in that study.

• Identify the main issue you aim to explore

• Question should dictate what your study will explore

• Create main questions and sub-questions

• Start with “How?”, “Why?”, and “What?”

Characteristics of a Good Research Question

• clear and specific

• refers to the investigated problem/phenomenon

• contributes new knowledge

• uses reasonable design and evaluation methods

• collects real data

• requires analysis

• can be proved or disproved

Purpose of Research Questions

• Guide the study’s direction and focus

• Synthesizes multiple sources to present your unique argument

• Reflect the main problem of the study

• Considers how the research will fit into the field’s body of knowledge

How to Frame Research Questions

1. Review previous studies.

2. Describe background of the study

3. Identify gaps, challenges, and opportunities

4. Articulate research problem and questions.