A research gap is an area within a field of study where a question or problem has not been answered by existing research, or where there is insufficient, outdated, or contradictory information. It represents an unanswered question, unresolved problem, or lack of data that limits the ability to reach a conclusion on a topic

. Research gaps can take various forms, including:

• Knowledge gaps: Lack of understanding or information about a subject, requiring more research to fill these voids

• Conceptual gaps: Missing or incomplete theoretical frameworks or relationships between concepts

• Methodological gaps: Inadequacies or limitations in research methods used in prior studies

• Data gaps: Insufficient or missing data on specific populations, contexts, or variables

• Practical gaps: Lack of application or implementation of research findings in real-world settings

• Disagreement gaps: Contradictory or conflicting findings in existing studies that prevent firm conclusions

• Contextual gaps: Absence of research in certain populations, geographic areas, or time periods, even if the topic has been studied elsewhere

Identifying a research gap is crucial for defining the purpose and contribution of a new study, as it highlights where new knowledge can be added to advance the field

. Researchers often find gaps by reviewing literature to spot unanswered questions, outdated information, or conflicting evidence

. In summary, a research gap is the missing piece in current knowledge that justifies and guides further research efforts.