Before going further, you need to understand what research has already been done in your area. This preliminary literature review helps you map the territory and identify unexplored regions.
Current Knowledge: What do we already know about your topic? What theories, concepts, and findings are well-established?
Key Researchers: Who are the main scholars in this area? What methods do they typically use?
Knowledge Gaps: What hasn't been studied? What questions remain unanswered? Where do researchers call for "future research"?
Debates and Disagreements: Where do experts disagree? What findings contradict each other? These conflicts often reveal research opportunities.
Biology: Most microplastics research focuses on marine environments. Gap: "What are the effects of airborne microplastics on human respiratory health in urban areas?"
Engineering: Concrete research typically uses traditional materials. Gap: "How might recycled plastic aggregates improve concrete's seismic performance in earthquake-prone regions?"
Computer Science: Medical AI often requires centralized data sharing. Gap: "Can federated learning enable collaborative AI development while protecting patient privacy across institutions?"
Health Sciences: Prosthetic limbs typically rely on external power sources with limited battery life. Gap: "Can energy harvesting from natural body movements extend the operational time of powered prosthetic devices?"
Architecture: Sustainable design research focuses heavily on new technologies. Gap: "How effective are traditional passive cooling techniques when integrated into contemporary urban housing in developing countries?"
The goal is finding where your specific interests meet genuine knowledge needs in your field.
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