On lenses and their improvements for identifying research gaps in literature review

Abstract

Literature reviews play an important role in a researcher's preparation of research problem. In order to find out a gap between what we already know and what we like to know, a researcher can utilize not only concepts (Webster and Watson 2002) but also classifications in performing literature review. It is assumed that a higher order framework can be unpacked into classifications. A classification consists of classes of a dimension, and classes can be concepts (variables). It will be shown that it is possible to derive some guidelines how to improve classifications for identifying research gaps in literature review.