HOW DOES THE RESEARCH GAP IN QUALITATIVE RESEARCH DIFFER FROM THAT IN QUANTITATIVE RESEARCH?

One of the biggest mistakes many students make is using the same approach to identify a Research Gap for both qualitative and quantitative research.

This is also one of the main reasons why many Research Proposals receive comments from Supervisors such as:

• “The proposal lacks logical consistency.”
• “The Research Gap is not clearly identified.”
• “The academic contribution is not sufficiently demonstrated.”

So, how do these two types of Research Gap differ?

Research Gap in Quantitative Research

The primary objective of Quantitative Research is to test, validate, or extend existing theories and research models.

Therefore, the Research Gap typically focuses on:

• Missing variables in an existing research model.
• Relationships between variables that have not yet been tested.
• Inconsistent or conflicting findings in previous studies.
• The absence of research within a specific context or population.

The fundamental question is:

“What has not yet been empirically tested?”

Research Gap in Qualitative Research

The primary objective of Qualitative Research is to explore, explain, and gain a deeper understanding of the nature of a phenomenon.

Accordingly, the Research Gap typically focuses on:

• A phenomenon that has not been adequately explored.
• Limited understanding of the experiences, perceptions, or behaviors of the target participants.
• An emerging issue that has not yet been satisfactorily explained.
• The absence of perspectives within a particular cultural or practical context.

The fundamental question is:

“What do we still not fully understand?”

A Simple Way to Remember

• Quantitative Research → Validates what is already known.
• Qualitative Research → Explores what is not yet fully understood.

For this reason, the Research Gap for these two research approaches cannot be identified using the same process.

Once you understand the true nature of a Research Gap, you will be able to develop more logical Research Questions, a stronger Literature Review, and a more coherent Methodology. This, in turn, will enhance the quality of your Research Proposal, Thesis, and your potential for international publication.

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