Discussion 2: Finding a Gap in the Literature

What exactly is a gap in the literature? Why is it important? How do you find it? How do you ensure that you sufficiently justify your selection of a research problem based on a gap? In this second Discussion, you will consider what it means to determine a gap in the literature and why that becomes the cornerstone of your research problem.

To prepare for this Discussion:

• Review the video Identifying Gaps in the Literature.
• Review the resources found on the Walden University Writing Center: “Basics of Literature Reviews.”
• Review the blog post “Defining a Gap in the Literature: On Proving the Presence of an Absence.”
• Consider what it means to find a gap in the literature.

Post by Day 3 a response to the following:

• What does it mean to find a gap in the literature?
• Why is it important that a gap in the literature be identified to support your research problem? Justify your response.

• READINGS

  • Stadtlander, L. M. (2015). Finding your way to a Ph.D.: Advice from the dissertation mentor. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
    • Chapter 1, “The Dissertation” (pp. 1–10)
  • Martinez, S. (n.d.). How to write an effective literature review. Retrieved June 5, 2016, from http://www.dphu.org/uploads/attachements/books/books_71_0.pdf
  • McIndoo, T. (2014, July 8). Defining a gap in the literature: On proving the presence of an absence [Blog post]. Walden University Writing Center. Retrieved from http://waldenwritingcenter.blogspot.com/2014/07/defining-gap-in-literature-on-proving.html
  • Patterson, J. (2012, February 16). When is a literature review a literature review? [Blog post]. Walden University Writing Center. Retrieved from http://waldenwritingcenter.blogspot.com/2012/02/when-is-literature-review-literature.html
  • Walden University Writing Center. (2015b). Basics of literature reviews. Retrieved from http://academicguides.waldenu.edu/writingcenter/assignments/literaturereview

  MEDIA

  • Laureate Education (Producer). (2016). Identifying gaps in the literature [Video file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.

    Note: The approximate length of this media piece is 10 minutes.