Play video: How to Find a Research Gap (in 20 Minutes)
Rig Research · Ep 1 · 1:32
How to Find a Research Gap (in 20 Minutes)How to find a research gap for your thesis or PhD: what a research gap is, the 4 types of research gap, and a simple 20-minute method using Google Scholar and a limitations table.Typical structure
| Section | What it should do |
|---|---|
| Title | Name the variables, context and population in about 15–20 words |
| Background | Establish the problem and why it matters now |
| Review of literature | Synthesise key studies and end with a specific gap |
| Research questions / hypotheses | Questions your study can actually answer |
| Objectives | One objective per question, measurable |
| Methodology | Design, population, sampling, tools, analysis plan, ethics |
| Expected contribution | What changes for theory, practice or policy |
| Timeline | Realistic phases, often a Gantt chart |
| References | Recent and foundational sources, one consistent style |
Writing a strong research gap
A gap is not “no study has been done in Pune”. Show what existing studies found, what they could not explain, and why your context, data or method adds something. One clear paragraph is better than a page of vague claims.
Aligning questions, objectives and methods
Build a simple alignment table: each research question, the matching objective, the data you will collect and the analysis you will run. If a row is empty, the synopsis is not ready.
Why synopses are sent back
- Topic too broad for the time available
- Methods that cannot answer the questions
- Literature review that only summarises papers
- No plan for data access or ethics approval
- Unrealistic timeline
Presenting it
Prepare 10–15 slides: problem, gap, questions, method, timeline, expected contribution. Expect questions on feasibility and why your method fits. Practise with someone who will challenge you.
Need personalised guidance?
Talk it through with a mentor.
Share your programme, project area, current stage and deadline.