Knowledge Gaps – Definition, meaning and Tips for filling such Research gaps

Knowledge gaps points to the gaps left in your knowledge about a subject which may be due to lack of resources available or due to lack of efforts to fill in the gaps. In both the cases, knowledge gaps can be filled by applying more efforts and focus into filling the gaps. Off course, Such gaps in knowledge can be harmful in the long run especially if you are considered an “expert” or “consultant” on the said information.

Knowledge is acquired when you are aware of something so much that you are well constructed about that topic or subject. Similarly, when there comes the word “gap” after knowledge, it means that you either know very little about the topic or know nothing about it. By identifying knowledge gaps, you will get a foresight so that you can address those gaps well on time.

In this post, we will understand the concepts of knowledge gaps and then delve into the steps that can help you in filling those knowledge gaps. So, without any further ado, let us get started here and now-

What are Knowledge Gaps?

Do you remember any subject or topic that irritated you when you were in school, and you tried to escape from it? If yes then any topics that you are reminded after you hear this now you can get the answer why this happened to you- And the answer is it was your knowledge gap.

There can be another case that you have just forgotten that topic now, and you don’t feel like you should’ve ignored it because you need some knowledge about it. It’s because at that time, you didn’t pay much attention to it, and now you are suffering because of a knowledge gap.

It happens to every individual, so you do not have to worry about it; all you need to do is try to overcome and fill that knowledge gap. Just stop underestimating your power to research and study, you will achieve your target if you remain patient and work hard.

Either you can research it and try to comprehend, or you can try several other techniques.

But always remember, you have to be very consistent with what you have picked.

Often people forget about something that isn’t recalled frequently, so try to be disciplined and consistent.

It will not only help you in filling your knowledge gap but will also help you in becoming goal-oriented and disciplined.

This knowledge gap is nothing new; it usually happens to everybody who was less interested in any subject or topic. It also occurs when a person doesn’t understand any topic and this inadequate understanding becomes a part of their life.

Also, this inadequacy of understanding becomes a gap between the person and that subject.

But it can always be filled if the person is ready to comprehend and research on that topic.

Let us decipher this hypothesis further-

Knowledge Gap Hypothesis

The knowledge gap hypothesis is something when an individual can collect more information or knowledge presented by mass media in a higher socioeconomic status than those in a lower socioeconomic status.

Therefore, this is the reason for an expanded gap between both the segments of the society.

It is when both segments are unable to acquire the same set of knowledge or information.

One should know that people with low socioeconomic status aren’t someone who knows nothing, but they are aware of the information but decidedly less than those in upper socioeconomic status.

It leads to an increase of the knowledge gap between both of them.

It happens because people with better socioeconomic status have a better background to acquire knowledge, understand and utilize it.

On the other hand, people who are less privileged to be educated get lesser information.

It leads to a lack of understanding and knowledge.

Higher the status, higher is the chance to be educated and utilize that information in achieving anything.

But people from low statuses can also achieve it if they are ready to learn and acquire knowledge.

Let us now go through some of the critical tips that can help you in filling the knowledge gaps like a pro-

Tips for Filling the Knowledge Gap 

1. Take advantage of opportunities 

Life is full of challenges, and those challenges should be taken as an opportunity to learn every time. Look at them as an opportunity to improve yourself in an area that is your weakness.

Stop wasting your time on anything that won’t let you improve; your time is the essential tool in your life. Once you have lost your precious time, there is no going back; you will only be left with regrets.

Sir Francis Bacon said, “Knowledge is power”.

Therefore, one should never underestimate the power of knowledge.

It comes with opportunities; all you have to do is grab those opportunities and turn it into a lesson of improvement. Not every battle is fought to win; some are challenged to learn from it and evaluate ourselves.

2. Research and study whatever you like 

Researching is essential; every kid is curious all the time, you might remember that.

Start being curious and research on topics that make you feel like you don’t have much knowledge of it. When a person gets curious about education and learning, he/she starts filling that education gap because the first step to becoming an expert is to research.

The day you start researching your weak topics, you have retained the power of knowledge.

Try to take some time out of your busy schedule, or you can do it in your free time. Instead of using your phone, use your brain in learning activities.

Read at least for an hour, make this a habit and you will see yourself as an expert if you keep this habit updated. Don’t ignore those subjects or topics that irritated you, instead, research everything about them.

3. Start teaching others 

Being a teacher means you learn new things every day and you come to know about another opinion on that particular subject.

One doesn’t have to be an expert in any field to become a teacher; all need is research, preparation and confidence to teach others. This will help you to research more about it, and you will feel that ultimately you have become eager about that topic that once made you cry.

Infusing one’s knowledge in others can help the person, as this is one of the best ways to fill the education gap. Teaching needs lots of responsibilities, and these responsibilities will help you to improve in your weaker section.

As everyone says that knowledge increases after sharing, therefore, you should try to be a good teacher, and you will fill your education gap.

4. Keep practicing

“Practice makes a man perfect”- And if you are well aware of these wise words, it would for sure be quite useful in bridging the knowledge gap.

It doesn’t matter whatsoever is your knowledge gap; if you keep in practicing and improving yourself, you will end up being an expert. Try to utilize your leisure time in doing things that will help you in gaining knowledge instead of timewasters. Initially, you will feel attacked and irritated, but gradually you will learn.

Learning comes from practice because practice is about focusing and concentrating.

If you are someone who wants to fill their education gap, but you aren’t ready to practice, you won’t succeed. Real experts never stop practicing.

So, it is recommended that every individual should keep on practicing to improve themselves.

5. Go for online training 

There are numerous training available online these days as web courses are no less than a trend lately.

Video lectures and online teachings have become an easy tool to study and learn from home. All you need is the will to study and plan according to your comfort; you will succeed.

Plenty of online training and courses are available on different sites, some are paid, and some are free, you can choose accordingly.

But keep on going, don’t let yourself stop because roads aren’t smooth, but the destination will be worth it. Therefore, grab every opportunity you get, whether it is regular classes or online classes.

6. Identify your weak points or knowledge gap 

You might know what subject or topic has already made you feel frustrated and irritated.

Therefore, it is easy for you to recognize your knowledge gap, but always take your time and identify those are which you are missing. This will help you improve better, and you will remain focussed on those things, specifically.

It will not only save your time, but it will help you to recognize things faster.

And since you recognize it, you will require less time for becoming an expert in that particular field.

7. Never stop due to errors 

Everyone falls, but only seldom stop and leave that road of success.

You must be aware of what struggle means; it tells you about the challenges you face while discussing your target.

Not every road will be clear and smooth. As you gave chosen to fill your education gap, there will be roads that will have hurdles and obstacles, but it shouldn’t make you stop.

There will be errors, but you don’t have to worry about them.

Every individual while learning might have made mistakes in their life, but this shouldn’t be an excise to let them stop. Nothing can make you stop if your will is strong.

8. Keep up with the experts in your field 

Anyone expert in that particular field that you feel is your weakest point, meet them and ask them for help.

Every expert was once a beginner, and the same is with you.

Even you can be an expert on the day if you keep connecting with those who can help you in improving.

Several social media handles are available, use them and find the experts, be it on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter or Linked In. Use your experience of stalking and grab the opportunity to get in contact with the experts.

9. Analytical skills and personal experiences 

Personal experiences and the way of thinking can always make you improve and fill your education gap.

Surround yourself with people who can learn something, and they keep the motivation you as well.

This will make you improve better; also, it will make you think better on that specific topic.

Use your previous experiences; it can be of embarrassment due to your weaker topic or anything related to that.

Use them as a learning option and try to comprehend where you are lacking.

10. Encourage yourself to learn more 

Self-care and self-esteem are essential to learn anything.

Whether it is a new thing or you want to revise anything, encouraging yourself is crucial.

Even if you have no one around you, you always have your back, and you can always be your motivator.

Applaud for yourself whenever you finish a new topic in your weaker section, you have earned it. Keep motivating yourself that you can learn more and one day you will become an expert in it.

Final Thoughts about Knowledge Gap!

When an individual is less educated or due to lack of time, they have lost the opportunity to get educated; this leads to a knowledge gap.

It is distributed in different manners, just like the wealth in a social system.

Therefore, it is crucial for an individual living in this society to understand what they are lacking, and it is essential to fill that knowledge gap.

If you get an opportunity to increase your knowledge, grab it and start learning.

Making conscious efforts to fill your knowledge gap will, for sure, be quite useful for you in resolving all the issues associated with any topic, niche or filed that have been irritating you.

Do you also have some topics that bother you? Do you want us to help you in filling that knowledge gap? Then feel free to ask the M91 team, and they will guide you in the most customized manner possible.