Joining the Scholarly Conversation | Writing Center Help
Synthesis is the process of connecting big ideas from multiple sources to each other and your own argument. It is how you get from a list of disconnected sources to a final, cohesive project that combines expert information with your own voice. Common steps in synthesis include:
Thoughtfully review your sourcesAs you read, watch, or listen to the sources you found, take notes on major themes, new ideas, and important data points. Keep track of which sources discuss which topics.
Make connections in major ideas between different sources. Also take note of where scholars disagree or where information on your topic is missing. These gaps are opportunities for your own thoughts or future research.
Use information from multiple sources AND your own ideas to support each major theme in your argument. You can paraphrase and quote your sources, but always to support a bigger argument in your own voice.
Each scholarly source you read is part of a larger conversation researchers are having on your topic. Each article or book chapter is that scholar's contribution to the conversation, which other scholars will read, build on, and respond to with commentary or future research.
When you cite these researchers and add your own ideas, you participate in the scholarly conversation. Your voice is important! Synthesizing means integrating previous knowledge with your own perceptions, new ideas, original research, or reimagined purpose.
The Writing Center can help with organizing your thoughts and integrating outside information with your own ideas. Make an appointment to visit MSC 225, get feedback over email, or connect with their online chat.
UMSL Writing Center