Infographic: Five ways to identify gaps in the literature
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1 min
With the number of published papers increasing every year, you might find it challenging to identify gaps in existing literature in your field. As you keep up with the latest findings in your field, here are some ways in which you can identify gaps in existing knowledge, which you can then attempt to address in your own research project.
How to find gaps in the literature
| Strategy | Description |
|---|---|
| Review other studies’ samples | Check whether previous studies have sufficiently representative samples or whether some important population groups have not been explored thoroughly. |
| Appraise other studies’ designs and methods | If most studies are cross-sectional, a longitudinal study may be valuable. If many rely on self-report measures, more objective instruments may be useful. |
| Examine limitations | Read the Discussion sections of papers to identify limitations and suggestions for future research. |
| Consult systematic reviews and literature syntheses | These provide overviews of existing evidence, including limitations and future research directions. |
| Spend time “outside the lab” | Engage with practitioners, patient groups, and advocacy groups to identify unmet needs and real-world challenges. |
Five ways to identify gaps in the literature.pdf
