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Literature Review

How To Synthesize Sources In 6 Simple Steps

Learn how to synthesize sources effectively with our guide. Discover 6 simple steps to combine information and create a cohesive narrative.

Jul 18, 2024

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Are you often puzzled by the intricate process of synthesizing sources during a literature search or for your research papers? If so, this guide is precisely what you need. We'll share valuable insights on synthesizing sources effectively, ensuring you create top-notch study material with AI and write efficient research papers without the need to dive into complex techniques or spend endless hours exploring the world of literature search.

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What Is Source Synthesizing?

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Synthesizing sources in a literature review is vital to any research paper. It involves combining the work of other scholars to provide new insights. This method allows researchers to integrate sources effectively, helping to position their work concerning existing research. When synthesizing sources, it is crucial to emphasize how each source contributes to ongoing debates in the field.

By highlighting points of agreement and disagreement, researchers can engage sources in conversation, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject matter. Synthesizing sources in a literature review goes beyond mere summarization. A deep understanding of the material is required to identify critical arguments and perspectives within the research. Through this process, researchers can present a cohesive narrative demonstrating their knowledge of the topic and its broader implications.

Whether you are giving an overview of the field in a literature review or positioning your research within existing scholarship, synthesizing sources is critical for any researcher. By effectively synthesizing sources, you can provide a nuanced understanding of the topic and offer new insights that build on the work of others.

2 Types of Synthesis

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There are two types of syntheses when it comes to synthesizing sources: explanatory syntheses and argumentative syntheses.

1. Explanatory synthesis

Explanatory synthesis involves combining sources to explain a perspective and its reasoning. Readers of explanatory synthesis are left with a deeper understanding of the topic and how the sources relate.

2. Argumentative synthesis

On the other hand, argumentative synthesis brings sources together to make an argument. This type of synthesis is predominantly focused on persuading readers. Both kinds of synthesis involve looking for relationships between sources and concluding.

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Why Is Synthesizing Important

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1. Synthesis Integrates Information from Multiple Sources

When you synthesize information from multiple sources, you show that you have thoroughly researched and engaged with a topic. This integration demonstrates to your audience that you have considered various perspectives and viewpoints, enhancing the credibility of your work.

2. Research Involves Incorporating Many Sources

You must include content from multiple sources to understand or answer a research question. By synthesizing these sources, you establish connections that help you analyze and comprehend the conversations surrounding your topic. This process enables you to explore different viewpoints and create a comprehensive understanding of the subject.

3. Successful Synthesis Creates Links Between Ideas

Practical synthesis forms connections between your ideas, enabling your paper to flow smoothly and coherently. You can create a cohesive narrative that guides the reader through your analysis and conclusions by linking concepts and arguments. This improves the readability and engagement of your work.

4. Prevents Papers from Looking Like a List of Copied Sources

Without synthesis, your paper may appear as a compilation of copied and pasted information from various authors. Synthesizing helps you avoid this pitfall by blending the information seamlessly into your writing. It allows you to introduce, analyze, and evaluate sources within your argument's context, thereby enhancing your work's originality.

5. A Higher Order Process in Writing

Synthesis is a higher-order writing process where you showcase your critical thinking and reasoning skills. By synthesizing information, you can present a unique perspective on the topic, add value to existing discussions, and contribute to the body of knowledge in your field. This process lets you demonstrate your expertise, insight, and analytical abilities to your audience.

How To Synthesize Sources In 6 Simple Steps

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1. Utilize Otio for Seamless Source Management

Otio is an AI-enabled workspace for researchers that simplifies managing multiple sources. With Otio, you can effortlessly collect a wide range of data from various sources such as bookmarks, tweets, books, and YouTube videos. The tool also helps you extract key takeaways by generating detailed AI-powered notes and Q&A chat grounded in your gathered sources.

Otio streamlines the creation process by assisting you in more efficiently transitioning from a reading list to the first draft. Some of the top features researchers love include AI-generated notes on all bookmarks, the ability to chat with individual links or entire knowledge bases, and AI-assisted writing. Otio proves to be a valuable AI research and writing partner, enabling you to enhance your efficiency and productivity significantly.

2. Read Your Sources Multiple Times for Comprehensive Understanding

To synthesize sources effectively, it is crucial to read each article or chapter several times with specific objectives in mind. Initiate by skimming through sources to grasp the primary ideas and start categorizing them mentally. Subsequently, dive into a detailed reading session, highlighting the primary constructs, findings, or arguments relevant to your claim. The final read should involve meticulous note-taking to capture all essential details comprehensively.

3. Take Organized Notes on Every Source

Every source should be assigned a notes page labeled with the author and year at the top during the third reading. Structured in two columns, these notes should encapsulate the main concept on the left and detailed information on the right. It's recommended to avoid organizing notes by research process steps; instead, focus on capturing concepts directly related to your claim.

4. Identify Relevant Concepts and Sources

After compiling source notes, identify recurring concepts across them. Create a master list of these concepts and match them with authors who addressed them in their work. This process helps recognize familiar themes and ideas that can be woven into your synthesis effectively.

5. Restructure Your Notes by Concept

Once you've identified key concepts, organize them into separate notes pages, with authors on the left and specific details related to each concept on the right. This restructuring process aids in categorizing information and understanding where different authors align or present unique perspectives.

6. Organize Concepts into an Outline for Drafting

Formulate an outline based on the concepts identified, grouping them under major themes that align with your paper's structure. This outline serves as a roadmap for drafting, allowing for a smoother transition from notes to comprehensive synthesis. Organizing your concepts effectively makes the drafting process more streamlined and coherent.

How Is Synthesis Different From Summarizing

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When asked to synthesize sources, it's easy to fall into the trap of summarizing individual sources. However, it's crucial to understand that synthesis and summary are different. While in a summary, the writer shares the key points from an individual source and then moves on to summarize another source, synthesis it entails combining information from multiple sources and adding personal analysis.

Each paragraph in a synthesized text will include multiple sources, citations, and the writer's ideas and voice.

Combining Multiple Sources for Synthesis

When synthesizing sources, you must illustrate how the information from the various sources interacts with one another rather than simply summarizing each source individually. Instead of merely reporting what each source says, you need to show how those sources interact with each other and contribute to an overall understanding of your topic.

Adding Your Analysis

Following this, it's vital to incorporate your analysis into the synthesis to show how the information from the various sources supports your thesis or perspective. Rather than merely listing sources and summarizing their main points, you should also analyze the sources themselves this added layer of analysis positions your work as more comprehensive and insightful.

Drafting Synthesized Texts

When drafting a synthesized text, each paragraph should combine information from multiple sources and include your ideas and voice. In this way, the reader can see the relationship between the sources and how they contribute to your overall argument. By incorporating your analysis, you're providing an added layer of insight to your work.

Revising Your Synthesis

Once you have drafted your synthesis, revising your work thoroughly is crucial. Ensure that you've accurately represented the ideas from the sources you've used and that you have integrated your analysis effectively. Moreover, you'll want to ensure you've included all the necessary citations for each source you referenced. This final step is vital to producing a polished and professional synthesis.

Concluding Your Synthesis

Lastly, after revising your synthesis, you can conclude your work by restating your main argument and summarizing how the sources you've used have supported your thesis. By providing this cohesive conclusion, you're tying together all the information you've synthesized and showing your reader how it contributes to your primary argument.

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Collecting Data Sources in One Place

Otio simplifies the process of collecting data from a variety of sources, including bookmarks, tweets, books, and YouTube videos. No longer will you need to jump between different applications to gather information. Otio consolidates everything you need in one place, making your research process more efficient.

Extracting Key Takeaways with AI-generated Notes

Say goodbye to manual note-taking! Otio uses AI to generate detailed notes and source-grounded Q&A chat, helping you quickly extract the most important information from your sources. This feature saves you time and ensures you never miss a critical detail during your research.

Creating Draft Outputs Faster

Otio empowers you to move seamlessly from reading lists to draft outputs. By utilizing the sources you’ve collected, this tool accelerates the process of creating research papers and essays. With Otio, you can boost your productivity and eliminate the tedious tasks that slow down your writing process.

AI-assisted Writing for Enhanced Productivity

Otio also offers AI-assisted writing, enabling you to leverage advanced technology to streamline your writing tasks. Whether you need to enhance your content or improve the structure of your paper, Otio has you covered. This feature allows you to focus on the creative aspects of your work while the AI handles the technical details.

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How To Synthesize Sources In 6 Simple Steps

Table Of Contents

What Is Source Synthesizing?

Related Reading

2 Types of Synthesis

1. Explanatory synthesis

2. Argumentative synthesis

Supercharge Your Researching Ability With Otio

Why Is Synthesizing Important

1. Synthesis Integrates Information from Multiple Sources

2. Research Involves Incorporating Many Sources

3. Successful Synthesis Creates Links Between Ideas

4. Prevents Papers from Looking Like a List of Copied Sources

5. A Higher Order Process in Writing

How To Synthesize Sources In 6 Simple Steps

1. Utilize Otio for Seamless Source Management

2. Read Your Sources Multiple Times for Comprehensive Understanding

3. Take Organized Notes on Every Source

4. Identify Relevant Concepts and Sources

5. Restructure Your Notes by Concept

6. Organize Concepts into an Outline for Drafting

How Is Synthesis Different From Summarizing

Combining Multiple Sources for Synthesis

Adding Your Analysis

Drafting Synthesized Texts

Revising Your Synthesis

Concluding Your Synthesis

Related Reading

Supercharge Your Researching Ability With Otio — Try Otio for Free Today

Collecting Data Sources in One Place

Extracting Key Takeaways with AI-generated Notes

Creating Draft Outputs Faster

AI-assisted Writing for Enhanced Productivity

Try Otio Today

Related Reading