SYNTHESIS MATRIX
Intro
PURPOSE & USE
Academic assignments like literature reviews, theses, and
dissertations require a thorough synthesis of the relevant
literature of a topic.
It is used to compare and contrast components of a
research study (i.e., methodology, research participants,
results, etc.)
It is also commonly used to find areas of research that
require additional study.
Or it can be used to compare and contrast themes across
studies.
For you, in general, it will help you manage, organize, and
understand your sources so that you can come to your
claims for Unit 3. You are essentially beginning to write your
paper in each grid as you summarize, paraphrase, and
quote.
OUR SYNTHESIS MATRIX
Synthesis Matrix (15%): You will create a graphic
illustration that sorts source material in ways that help you
answer your research question.
ASPECTS
Your Synthesis Matrix will include:
 Topic and Research Question
 Complete Works Cited list
 A variety of sources
 Quotation, Paraphrase, and Summary
 “Spheres of Inquiry”
SYNTHESIS MATRIX
Examples
Sylvia Plath – The Bell Jar – Plot Diagram
Norman Mailer –
Character Timeline
for “Harlot’s Ghost”
William Faulkner’s Timeline for “A Fable”
J.K. Rowling’s Outline for “Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix”
Joseph Heller’s Outline for “Catch 22”
SPHERES OF
INQUIRY
Intro
WHAT IS IT?
 Sphere
 An area of activity, interest, or expertise.
 Synonyms: realm, field, area, territory
 Inquiry
 An act of asking for information.
 A seeking or request for truth, information, or knowledge.
 Synonyms: investigation, study, examination, analysis, exploration
 So, what do I mean?
 I mean, a theme or an aspect of your larger, overarching
question/topic.
EXAMPLE
Topic: Male methods of contraception.
Research question: Why are there so many contraceptive options for females in the United
States but so few for males?
Big Idea/Step/Category 1: Significance – The occurrence of unplanned
pregnancy in the United States is frequent. In addition, women must take most of
the responsibility for preventing pregnancy, creating gender inequality.
Introduction of more male contraceptive options into the marketplace may help
reduce the number of unplanned pregnancies and create a higher level of
gender equality within families and heterosexual couples.
Big Idea/Step/Category 2: A large volume of research on male contraception
has been conducted, yet there are no male hormonal contraceptives in the
market.
Big Idea/Step/Category 3: Side effects of hormonal contraception for men and
women.
Big Idea/Step/Category 4: Women have traditionally been responsible for birth
control, but it may be in the best interest of both women and men for men to take
a more active role.
GROUP WORK
• Think of at least five “Spheres of Inquiry” and write them
down.
• Share your “Spheres of Inquiry” with a partner you have
not yet worked with.
• This time, you may ask questions if you don’t understand.
• Remember that compliments are not as helpful as criticism.
PRESENTATION
 Topic & Research Question
 How many sources have you explored?
 What kinds of sources have you explored?
 Which source has most extended/changed your thinking?
Why & how?
 What “Sphere of Inquiry” should you explore next?
 What knowledge should you have?
 For instance, if I am writing about male birth control, I should know what kind of
male birth control exists already in research today.