Synthesis

USU Libraries  Conducting a Lit review

Synthesis

Now that you've found sources, you need to synthesize the most relevant works into your literature review. Watch this video on what it means to synthesize various resources together. 

SYNTHESIS TIPS

Remember synthesis is not:

• just comparing & contrasting,
• using a lot of direct quotes,
• merely critiques of sources.

Synthesis requires you to formulate your own thoughts and analysis and that you organize your papers idea by idea instead of source by source. It's often a messy process but don't be intimidated! Here are some tips to help: 

• Jot down your thoughts as you read so its easy to remember when you go to write
• Think about gaps and weaknesses 
• Look for common themes in the conversation; what do scholars agree upon?
• Look for disagreements in the conversation; what do scholars disagree about? 

Synthesis matrix

DIRECTIONS FOR USING A SYNTHESIS MATRIX

Using a synthesis matrix, is an easy way to organize important information for your literature review. 

1. In the "Source Column" label with the article title and author's name(s), year and discipline.
2. Along the left side of the chart, record the main points/ideas/concepts you want to write about in your lit review.
3. Then record how your different sources support those main ideas with as much information as possible. 
4. In the "My Thoughts" column add your own analysis on the concepts.
5. Once you've completed your chart, identify common themes, areas or disagreement or gaps in the literature.
6. Once you've determined which authors are talking about certain issues, you can begin to write paragraphs that place them in conversation with one another and yourself.  

Example Matrix

Feeling confused? View an example of a student's completed matrix.  Download completed matrix. 

Test yourself