What is a Literature Review? 

A literature review is an organized approach to gathering and synthesizing previous research on a specific topic. It plays a crucial role in establishing a strong foundation for expanding knowledge and aiding in the development of theories. By integrating findings and perspectives from various empirical studies, a literature review can help answer a research question, identify trends, and highlight gaps in existing knowledge. To be effective, a literature review must be well-structured, clearly convey the study’s findings, and identify areas where further research is needed. For guidance on structuring a literature review, you can refer to our literature review examples. 

A literature review is essential because it uncovers areas that require further exploration by providing an overview of research across multiple disciplines. It identifies inadequacies in the existing literature, known as literature gaps or research gaps, which are critical for generating ideas for future research and dissertations (Snyder, 2019). 

What is a Research Gap? 

A research gap refers to an area or topic where there is insufficient or missing information, which prevents researchers from fully addressing a research question. Identifying research gaps is important as it adds value to the existing body of knowledge and guides future research efforts (Sabbaghtorkan, 2020). Various types of research gaps can be identified, including: 

• Evidence Gaps 

• Knowledge Gaps 

• Practical Gaps 

• Methodological Gaps 

• Empirical Gaps 

• Theoretical Gaps 

• Population Gaps (Miles, 2017) 

Among these, practical gaps have gained increasing importance because recognizing them can lead to the development of strategies for effectively implementing research findings. 

Understanding Practical Gaps 

A practical gap occurs when there is a disconnect between research findings and their application in real-world settings. This gap often arises when research findings are not applied as intended or are not implemented at all. For example, if a study shows that a specific teaching style significantly improves student performance, but teachers do not adopt it in their classrooms, there is a practical gap between the research and its application. Similarly, if a study identifies a new medical treatment as more effective than existing ones, but it is not widely adopted in clinical practice, a practical gap exists. 

Identifying practical gaps is vital for both researchers and practitioners, as it helps in developing methods to bridge the gap between research and practice. This may involve creating policies, instructional plans, or other tools to support evidence-based practices. By addressing practical gaps, researchers can ensure that their work has a meaningful impact on improving outcomes for individuals, organizations, and communities. 

Factors Contributing to Practical Gaps 

Several factors can contribute to the emergence of practical gaps: 

• Insufficient Resources: A practical gap may arise when the resources needed to implement a recommended solution are lacking. For example, an intervention aimed at reducing child malnutrition might require costly equipment that is not readily available in resource-limited settings. 

• Inadequate Infrastructure: Practical gaps can occur when the necessary infrastructure to support a proposed solution is lacking. For instance, a waste management solution might require a robust recycling system that is not present in a particular region. 

• Lack of Real-World Application: Practical gaps can develop when theoretical concepts or models are not applicable in real-world scenarios. For example, a theoretical model for sustainable development might exist, but it may not have been implemented in practice. 

• Lack of Stakeholder Engagement: A practical gap can occur when there is insufficient involvement of key stakeholders in the proposed solution. For instance, a community health improvement initiative may fail if local residents are not actively involved in the planning and implementation process. 

• Legal and Regulatory Barriers: Legal or regulatory obstacles can create practical gaps by preventing the implementation of a proposed solution. For example, laws permitting the use of certain fuels may hinder efforts to reduce air pollution. 

• Cultural Barriers: Cultural norms and practices can create practical gaps when they conflict with the implementation of research findings. For example, cultural restrictions on women's access to healthcare might impede the adoption of a health improvement strategy aimed at women. 

• Lack of Leadership and Management Skills: A practical gap can also arise when there is a deficiency in the leadership and management skills needed to implement a proposed solution. For example, improving the efficiency of a healthcare system may require strong leadership, which may be lacking in certain contexts. 

Conclusion 

A literature review involves systematically collecting and synthesizing existing research, which helps identify areas of inadequacy, known as research gaps. These gaps can be categorized into various types, including knowledge gaps, practical gaps, evidence gaps, methodological gaps, empirical gaps, theoretical gaps, and population gaps. Practical gaps, which occur when there is a discrepancy between research findings and their practical application, are particularly important. They may arise due to various factors, such as lack of resources, inadequate infrastructure, insufficient stakeholder engagement, legal and cultural barriers, and a lack of leadership and management skills. Addressing these gaps is essential for ensuring that research has a significant and positive impact on real-world outcomes. 

What is a Practical Gap in a Literature Review?