08Jul
When
beginning a research project—especially at the postgraduate or PhD
level—grasping the distinction between Research Problem vs Gap is one of the
most important first steps. These two concepts—“research problem” and
“research gap”—are frequently used in academic writing, yet many scholars
misunderstand or confuse their meanings. Though they may sound similar, they
refer to different aspects of the research process and serve very different
purposes in framing a strong, relevant, and impactful study.
Understanding Research Problem vs Gap not only helps you define the direction of your research more clearly, but it also ensures that your proposal, thesis, or journal paper is well-grounded in both current knowledge and academic need. Knowing this difference helps you avoid vague problem statements, poor research justification, and unnecessary duplication of existing work.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down:
Whether you’re preparing your research proposal, writing a literature review, or starting your PhD journey, this blog will help you gain clarity on how to structure your study from the ground up—with the right understanding of research problem and gap.
A research problem is a specific issue, difficulty, or knowledge gap that your research aims to address. It’s the foundation of your study—the “what” and “why” of your entire research journey.
“Despite the availability of various e-learning platforms, rural students in India show low engagement and completion rates in online courses.”
This problem points to an observed challenge that your study could investigate further.
A research gap refers to an area or topic that has not been fully explored in existing literature. It shows what’s missing in the current body of knowledge—the “hole” your research is trying to fill.
This could include:
“While many studies have explored e-learning in urban India, limited research has examined the factors affecting online course engagement in rural areas.”
This identifies a specific gap in literature that a new study could fill.
Identifying a research problem requires a mix of field knowledge, observation, and critical thinking. Here’s how:
Finding a research gap is more literature-based. You need to:
Confusing a research gap with a research problem can lead to:
Understanding the difference helps you:
Think of it this way:
In simple terms:
Gap = missing piece
Problem = what you’re solving
Together, they give your study both justification and direction.
“Limited research has explored how cultural factors influence the success of women entrepreneurs in rural India.”
“Many rural women entrepreneurs struggle with scaling their businesses due to cultural and societal constraints.”
These work hand in hand: the gap tells us what’s missing in research, the problem tells us what’s happening on the ground.
Both the research problem and the research gap are critical components of a strong research foundation. While the research problem defines the issue you aim to solve, the research gap explains why your research is important and necessary. Understanding the difference between Research Problem vs Gap will help you write a stronger proposal, choose a relevant topic, and contribute meaningfully to your academic field.
Need help identifying your research problem or gap?
Contact Kenfra Research — expert guidance from topic selection to publication!
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