SYNTHESIZING
SOURCES
Promoting Excellence in Graduate Studies
California State University,
Dominguez Hills
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SYNTHESIZING SOURCES:
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
 In short, a synthesis simply combines elements from multiple
sources to form a whole; in this case, the “whole” is a theme
or argument within your paper.
 Synthesizing involves identifying patterns and dif ferences
among sources; critically analyzing strengths, weaknesses,
methods, and findings; and describing gaps in knowledge to
determine what you, as a student, can contribute to future
research on the topic.
FIVE TASKS IN SYNTHESIZING
According to Jamieson (1999) there are five tasks required for
ef fectively synthesizing source material:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Frame the Subject
Gather Material
Organize Information
Write the Synthesis
Unify the Presentation
FRAMING THE SUBJECT & GATHERING MATERIAL
 At this point, you should have already identified a potential
research topic and gathered relevant and current research
material.
 The next step, organizing your information , is crucial in writing
ef fective syntheses because it allows you to easily identify how
you can make connections between sources.
 Ultimately, these “connections” will evolve into the themes of
your paper.
 “Connections” is used here in a general sense to indicate any type of
relationship between sources:




Similarities or agreement
Opposing viewpoints
Contradictory findings
Varying opinions
ORGANIZING INFORMATION
 You will need to read through each of your source texts at least
twice.
 The first time through, you will begin to get an overall sense of where you
can make connections.
 The second time through, you will need to make strategic annotations
(take notes, highlight, underline, etc.).
 Try and indicate similar or connecting ideas by using a different method of
annotation for each emerging theme.
 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.
ORGANIZING INFORMATION
 Lists can be very helpful when organizing your information
 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)
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.
WRITING THE SYNTHESIS
 In addition to identifying conflicts and points of agreement
among sources, here are some more suggestions for writing a
highly ef fective synthesis:
 Connect facts with interpretations
 For example, Karl Marx’s theory of history (interpretation) is connected to the
observable social phenomenon of class struggle (fact).
 Discuss all relevant data, including evidence that is contrary to your
thesis.
 Do not use quotes or data out of context: stay true to the original
author’s intentions.
THE INTRODUCTORY SYNTHESIS
THE BACKGROUND SYNTHESIS
SYNTHESIS PARAGRAPH INCLUDING ANALYSIS
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