Overview
Research gap identification fails when it produces a generic conclusion that "more research is needed" without specifying what type of research, in what population, using what methods, and with what design constraints would actually fill the gap. Vague gap statements are unfalsifiable: any future study on the topic technically addresses the gap. Specific gap statements are testable: a specific study design with a specific population would address the gap, and researchers can evaluate whether existing studies have already done so.
The Research Gap Analysis Framework characterizes gaps by type (empirical, theoretical, methodological, population, contextual), assesses their priority, and produces a research agenda with specific study designs that would fill each gap.