How to obtain research topics that have not been fully explored in the discipline field?
Identifying research gaps involves systematically reviewing existing literature to pinpoint areas requiring further investigation. This is achievable through rigorous scholarly methods.
Primary approaches encompass analyzing literature saturation via bibliometrics to detect under-cited themes; examining unresolved controversies in theoretical frameworks; tracking emerging societal or technological trends outpacing academic research; importing methodologies from adjacent disciplines; and evaluating limitations acknowledged in prior studies. Scope extends to all disciplines but demands comprehensive familiarity with one’s field. Caution is warranted to distinguish truly significant gaps from trivial omissions.
Implementation proceeds through four key steps. First, conduct a systematic literature review using academic databases and citation tracing. Second, analyze review articles’ "future research" sections for acknowledged deficiencies. Third, monitor preprints and conference proceedings for nascent topics. Fourth, consult domain experts regarding persistent challenges. Resulting topics offer substantial value by enabling original contributions, avoiding redundancy, and addressing unmet scholarly or societal needs.
