Synthesizing Sources PEGS’ Graduate Writing Institute for Excellence (GWIE) California State University, Dominguez Hills (CSUDH)

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Synthesizing Sources: What does it mean? A synthesis combines elements from multiple sources to form a whole; in this case, the “whole” is a theme or argument (i.e., thesis) of your paper. When we synthesize sources, essentially we are borrowing information from various sources and combining them with our own thoughts in order to express our viewpoints. Synthesizing allows us the ability to use information and determine relationships to form themes or patterns.

SYNTHESIZING SOURCES: WHAT DOES IT INVOLVE? Synthesizing involves identifying patterns and similarities/differences among sources critically analyzing strengths, weaknesses, methods, and findings of sources identifying and exploring gaps in knowledge to determine what you can contribute to future research on the topic

Five Tasks in Synthesizing According to Jamieson (1999), there are five tasks required for effectively synthesizing source material: Frame the Subject Gather Material Organize Information Write the Synthesis Unify the Presentation

Frame the Subject & Gather Material Potential research topic is identified Organize information Make connections Evolve connections into potential themes At this point, you should have already identified a potential research topic and gathered research material that is both relevant and current. The next step, organizing your information, is crucial in writing effective syntheses because it allows you to easily identify how you can make connections between sources. Ultimately, these “connections” will evolve into potential themes for your paper. Connections is used in a general sense to indicate any type of relationship between sources: similarities or agreement opposing viewpoints contradictory findings varying opinions

Organize Information Peruse sources carefully/Read sources Critically (once or twice ONLY) Review sources repeatedly make connections between sources make annotations for emerging themes Lists summary of central information from all sources summary of peripheral information from some sources summary of information specific to source Synthesis Matrix at-a-glance reference Example: Let’s say that a cursory reading of research related to the topic of human behavior indicates that there are several factors (i.e., themes) that we have discovered to explain what motivates human behavior: self-concept, reward, internal forces, autonomy and self-control, and narcissism. Summary Lists: List 1: Summary of info that is in all sources (probably means this is CENTRAL information) List 2: Summary of info that is in some sources (could be CENTRAL; could be PERIPHERAL) List 3: Information that is NOT shared among sources (probably PERIPHERAL -- meaning, specific to the source you are reading, but not necessarily to your research)

Organize the information: The Synthesis Matrix The synthesis matrix is by far one of the most useful tools that you can use to create an “at-a-glance” reference for synthesizing sources. Refer to the Synthesis Matrix Activity handout.

Write the Synthesis Identify conflicts/ concurrences among sources Connect facts with interpretations Discuss ALL relevant data Refrain from using quotes out of context Stay true to primary author’s intentions Connect facts with interpretations For example, Karl Marx’s theory of history (interpretation) is connected to the observable social phenomenon of class struggle (fact).

Unify the Presentation This is an example of a chart from the text we have been looking at, you can see how easily this could be thought of as a synthesis matrix of a sort – it lists sources and then creates categories in order to compare similarities and differences.

Unify the Presentation When putting together this paragraph on collaboration the authors took sources straight from their chart – see how they all relate? So, when comparing this chart to the paragraph we will soon be taking a closer look at… I wonder, do any questions jump out at you? (I want to point out that EVANS – the last source – is not included. Why not?, I also want to see if they notice that Burstein & Sears are included, despite the fact that under the matrix they are listed as ‘IHE only.’ – could these be possible gaps? Knowing how to write a lit review helps you know how to read one critically as well!)

The Introductory Synthesis This is a good example of an introduction because it has a topic sentence which indicates what will be covered and also tells the reader the specific focus of the literature review in the concluding sentence.

The Background Synthesis This is a good example of an introduction because it has a topic sentence which indicates what will be covered and also tells the reader the specific focus of the literature review in the concluding sentence.

Synthesis Paragraph Including Analysis It is important to integrate your analysis and interpretation of the literature in your literature review. Reading the above paragraph we see how the arguments have been integrated into the paragraph along with student analysis. Analysis is not just student opinion; it needs to be supported by the literature.

References American Psychological Association. (2010). Publication manual of the american psychological association. (6th ed.). Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association. Henning, T. B. (2011). Literature review: Synthesizing multiple sources. Retrieved from http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&frm=1&source=web&cd=1&ved=0CC0QFjAA&url=http: //www.english.lsu.edu/English_UWriting/FILES/item35404.pdf&ei=ePb6UaWNEKGciQLUloGwDQ&usg=AFQj CNGb6Yq2JVSEIVHidpMjvtvstDS5FA&sig2=Z8U-ThAQL1_0kM0R0e7ocw Jamieson, S. (1999). Synthesis writing. Retrieved from http://www.users.drew.edu/sjamieso/synthesis.html Mauk, K. (2008). Synthesizing sources. Retrieved from Mauk, K. (2008, May 7). Synthesizing sources. Retrieved from http://www.cengage.com/custom/enrichment_modules/data/142826213X_WH_Synthesizing_watermark.p df Temple University Writing Center. (n.d.). Synthesizing sources. Retrieved from http://www.temple.edu/writingctr/support-for-writers/documents/SynthesizingSources.pdf University of Florida. (n.d.). Synthesizing sources. Retrieved from http://web.clas.ufl.edu/users/msscha/synthesizing_sources.pdf Walden University Online Writing Center. (2012). Final paper: Weekly breakdown of assignments. Retrieved from http://libraryguides.waldenu.edu/content.php?pid=408802&sid=3344538