How to identify a research gap

PSY 215 Module Four Worksheet Guidelines and Rubric Overview: For this worksheet task, due in Module Four, you will identify a gap in abnormal psychology research and begin to develop a basic research question to address the identified gap. First, review the literature from the five articles in your chosen track (three that were provided for you and two that you chose on your own). Using the Research Gap Worksheet as a guide, identify a gap in the research from your articles. Based on that research gap, develop a question to address the gap. This process of reviewing the current body of knowledge and addressing areas that need further investigation is one that psychology researchers engage in on a regular basis. Ultimately, your completion of this assignment will better prepare you to be a wise consumer and producer of research. Note: The Research Gap Worksheet is filled out to provide an example for you to follow. Use the sheet as a template by deleting the highlighted portions and replacing them with your own content. Prompt: The following elements must be addressed, as also outlined in the worksheet and the Final Project Part I Guidelines and Rubric document:

A. Identify a gap in abnormal psychology research presented in the course that is unexplored or underdeveloped. For example, is there an unexplored aspect of abnormal psychology you believe could be further explored?

B. Develop a basic research question addressing the identified gap. In other words, create a question that you could answer in potential research further investigating your identified gap. Be sure to support your developed research question with examples from research to support your claims.

Please refer to the Research & Citations page on the SNHU Online Writing Center website for proper APA formatting of sources. Guidelines for Submission: Your worksheet must be submitted with double spacing, 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, and APA-style citations.

Critical Elements Exemplary (100%) Proficient (85%) Needs Improvement (55%) Not Evident (0%) Value Research Plan: Gap Meets “Proficient” criteria, and

response demonstrates keen insight into an unexplored or underdeveloped area of abnormal psychology based on the research presented in the course

Identifies a gap in the abnormal psychology research presented in the course that is unexplored or underdeveloped

Identifies a gap in the abnormal psychology research presented in the course that is unexplored or underdeveloped, but identification contains inaccuracies

Does not identify a gap in the abnormal psychology research presented in the course that is unexplored or underdeveloped

40

Research Plan: Research Question

Meets “Proficient” criteria, and developed research question demonstrates keen insight into how to develop research questions that address the identified gap

Develops a basic research question addressing the identified gap that is supported by examples from the research

Develops a basic research question addressing the identified gap, but developed research question is cursory, contains inaccuracies, or lacks examples from the research

Does not develop a basic research question addressing the identified gap

40

http://snhu-media.snhu.edu/files/course_repository/undergraduate/psy/psy215/psy215_research_gap_worksheet.docx
https://my.snhu.edu/Offices/COCE/WritingCenter/Pages/default.aspx
Articulation of Response

Submission is free of errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, and organization and is presented in a professional and easy-to- read format

Submission has no major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization

Submission has major errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that negatively impact readability and articulation of main ideas

Submission has critical errors related to citations, grammar, spelling, syntax, or organization that prevent understanding of ideas