# Research Gap Detector

> Identify where the current literature is thin, conflicting, indirect, or missing. Use when the user wants to know what is not yet well established and where more research would most improve confidence.

- Skill: `alubiama/research-gap-detector` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add alubiama/research-gap-detector`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/alubiama/research-gap-detector/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Research & Search
- Author: Alubiama (https://skillmd.com/u/alubiama)
- Updated: 2026-09-22
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/alubiama/research-gap-detector

---


# Research Gap Detector

## Goal

Find the most important gaps in the current evidence landscape.

This skill does not summarize what is already known. It highlights what remains weak, missing, or unresolved so future search, synthesis, or validation can be more targeted.

## When To Use

- after evidence synthesis
- when the user asks what the literature still does not answer
- when current support feels promising but incomplete

## Scope Boundaries

In scope:

- identify missing populations, outcomes, comparisons, or study types
- highlight unresolved conflict or thin evidence zones
- name which gap matters most

Out of scope by default:

- generating a full research agenda
- exhaustive systematic review updates

## Workflow

1. State the target question.
2. Review the current evidence picture.
3. Identify gaps in:
   - population
   - intervention or condition
   - outcome
   - quality
   - consistency
4. Rank gaps by confidence impact.
5. Recommend the next best narrowing or evidence move.

## Output Contract

1. `target_question`
2. `current_evidence_picture`
3. `gap_set`
4. `highest_value_gap`
5. `why_it_matters`
6. `recommended_followup`
7. `next_step`

## Guardrails

- Do not call every uncertainty a research gap.
- Focus on gaps that change confidence or applicability.
- Prefer the smallest set of meaningful gaps.