Effective Strategies for Writing Research Articles: Justifying the Gap in Existing Knowledge in the Subject Area

Introduction: A key aspect of scientific research is identifying and analyzing gaps in existing knowledge. However, many researchers do not clearly articulate the knowledge gap they aim to fill, or they merely describe the relevance of their research without commenting on its originality. In some cases, this approach is linked to a lack of novelty in the research and an attempt to appear as though it has novelty.

Purpose: To provide a comprehensive understanding of the nature, types, and strategies of formulating a gap in existing knowledge on a subject. Such understanding will allow authors of scientific papers to achieve a coherent description of their results and increase the chances of publication for their manuscript.

Results: Based on an analysis of current research methodologies, the author describes a typology of gaps in existing knowledge on the subject and techniques for their localization and justification. The importance of critical thinking, an interdisciplinary approach, and academic literacy in the process of identifying unexplored topics are emphasized; the role of digital tools and network platforms in facilitating the search and analysis of scientific information is considered, which, in turn, increases the efficiency of identifying research gaps. Ethical aspects of choosing research topics are also discussed, emphasizing the importance of a socially responsible approach to scientific work.

Conclusion: The article offers a series of practical recommendations for researchers on effectively identifying research gaps, which can serve as a basis for further scientific developments. Thus, the materials of the article will become a useful resource for researchers of all qualification levels who are striving to expand the boundaries of their scientific disciplines and make a significant contribution to the development of science.

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