Finding A Gap In The Academic Discourse Community

Finding a gap in the literature can lead to the discovery of a new research topic. As an adult learner, doctoral student, a steward in the field of education, and budding researcher, it is my goal to find and research the gap(s) in literature to make a contribution to the academic discourse community. Closing a gap in the literature through research and conducting a relevant and unique study can contribute to new research and knowledge and add to the existing knowledge in the academic discourse community. Increase knowledge in the academic community helps to provide clarity, understanding and fills in the gaps in the literature and practice in the field of study (Grant & Osanloo, 2014). Week four touched on several topics to consider on this

I wondered how I could use the gap in the literature on my doctoral journey. Before this weeks class, I did not think published literature could have gaps or that I could possibly find a research topic needing further study from the gaps. I believed that if there is a gap in the literature, it must not be a credible literature source. I know that I cannot repeat the exact research of another person because that would be dishonest, lack credibility, lack uniqueness and I would not be contributing to the academic discourse community. Could the gap in the literature be a hidden jewel to new research discovery and help me avoid duplicating exact research? I strongly believe it may. Now I view finding the gap in the literature as a form of motivation because there are many gaps in the literature that need to be researched and filled. Through finding these gaps, I am confident that I will find a research topic/question has not been asked and answered already within my topic of interest to answer the "so what?"

Kasworm and Bowles (2010) discussed adult learners and how they may have to re-train themselves to learn how to critically think and analyze the literature and use it to solve problems and contribute to their field of study. I feel that they were speaking to me because I am an adult learner and critical thinking and analysis is an area I am working on improving constantly. I believe I am making improvements with each class meeting this term. I am contributing more to my academic discourse community in the classroom, by speaking up in class and questioning what is unclear. I have noticed my thoughts are becoming more complex because I am learning to think more critically and analyze the literature in greater depth. An example of this is in this paper. I have used more sources of literature to critically reflect on this topic of the gap in the literature than in my previous papers on psychological safety and literature reviews during the first few weeks of this course. This shows that I am feeling and becoming more comfortable with seeking and consuming literature and research. I plan to continue seeking and consuming in hopes that it will lead me to find the gap on a topic of interest and use it to provide my contribution to the academic