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The best way to identify gaps in the literature is by thoroughly reading through everything you can on a topic and taking note of what is missing. But there are a few tips that can help:

Articles often have sections or mentions of gaps in the literature.

When reading research articles or literature reviews, be on the lookout for sections called Discussion or Further Research. These sections often address what gaps there are and offer suggestions for future research. 

Mentions of gaps in the literature may also be sprinkled throughout an article. Be on the lookout for terminology such as:

• has not been clarified, studied, reported, or elucidated
• further research is required or needed
• is not well reported
• suggestions for further research
• key question is or remains
• it is important to address
• poorly understood or known
• lack of studies.

Go to a journal's website to see what topics they are looking to publish. 

Are there journals that seem to be relevant to your area of study? Google their website and look for a section called something like Call For Papers or Key Concepts. This may clue you into what sort of topics the publisher is seeking to publish since there is a gap in that area. 

As you read, are there different perspectives that could be studied?

Perhaps a topic seems well researched, but consider if there are gaps such as the following:

• Are there different populations/demographics that haven't been studied?
• Are there additional variables that may add to the understanding of the area of study?
• Would it be worthwhile to repeat research using different research methods to see if the results are different?
• Is the literature outdated? Could studies be repeated/modified to show if there has been change over time?