What do we mean when we say synthesize your research?
Synthesizing your research means taking the topics from your sources and bringing them together with your thoughts.
For a good demonstration of what synthesis is in the literature review process, check out the video "What is a Literature Review" created by the University of West Florida University Libraries as well as the videos below.
Ways of Arranging/Presenting Sources :
- Chronological
- Topical
- You may need to unpack the topic to reveal the sub-topics that compose it and deal with those as well
- Advancements
- Methodological
- Questions - Major questions in relation to the topic that have been asked by researchers
The burden of interpreting the quotes used are on YOU, the writer, and not your audience. Do not assume knowledge - even your dissertation advisors, professors, or colleagues are not experts in this topic ... you are! Don't use a quote without providing analysis.
Source: Get Lit: The Literature Review by the Texas A&M University Writing Center
Source: Performing the Literature Review by Ted Bergfelt, Humanities Librarian
