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Writing a Research Paper

What is Synthesis?

Synthesis is a core component of a strong research paper. It refers to the process of combining ideas and arguments from multiple sources and analyzing them to provide new insights.  This process involves more than simply summarizing a source or adding direct quotes from sources to your paper.  When done well, synthesis organizes information in such a way that helps the reader make sense of the sources and better understand how they overlap.

Effective synthesis requires you to emphasize how each source contributes to the known research about a given topic, highlighting points of agreement and disagreement.  In essence, you are putting sources in conversation with each other and thinking about the answers to these questions:

  • Do any sources agree/disagree with other sources?
  • Does one source extend (add to) the research of another source?
  • Does any source raise new questions or ideas about the topic? 
  • How does each source support or contradict my thesis?

How to Synthesize

  1. Read your sources carefully, skimming for big ideas and points that support your thesis.
  2. Reread each source and take detailed notes using a synthesis matrix (more on that below).
  3. Using the topics identified in your synthesis matrix, write complete sentences stating each of the points you want to use to support your thesis. These will become topic sentences for your paragraphs.
  4. Use specific facts, quotes, and paraphrases from your sources in order to expand and develop your paragraphs.
  5. Add your voice to the scholarly conversation by including an analysis of the topic at the end of each paragraph.

What is a Synthesis Matrix?

A synthesis matrix is a table that you can use when researching and writing your paper.  It is not part of the final text.  Synthesis matrices are used to show where there is overlap and differences between your sources.

In a synthesis matrix, each column represents one source, and each row represents a common theme or idea among the sources.  As you're reading a source, jot down ideas that support your thesis in the relevant rows.  Not every source will touch on every theme, so you will have some blank spots in your matrix.  That's OK!

When completed, a synthesis matrix will help you to clearly see the commonalities or points of divergence among your sources.  You can then use the information for each theme to explain a relationship between your sources and construct paragraphs.

Here is the basic structure for creating a synthesis matrix.  This structure can be expanded to accommodate any number of sources or common themes.

Source #1 Source #2 Source #3
Theme #1
Theme #2
Theme #3

 

Example Synthesis Matrix

Topic: Can video games be considered art?

Additional Synthesis Matrix Examples:

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