Creating a synthesis involves combining information from multiple sources to form a new, cohesive understanding. Based on the provided reference, here's a step-by-step approach to creating a synthesis:
Steps to Effective Synthesis
The process of synthesizing information can be broken down into several key steps, ensuring that the final product is well-supported and insightful. The reference outlines these steps clearly, and we will explore each in detail:
1. Thoroughly Read Your Sources
- Multiple Readings: Start by reading each source material multiple times. This is crucial because the objective of each read changes, allowing for deeper understanding.
- First Read: Focus on grasping the overall message and main arguments.
- Second Read: Concentrate on identifying specific supporting details and evidence.
- Subsequent Reads: Look for connections between different ideas and potential points for synthesis.
2. Take Organized Notes
- Detailed Record: For every source, create detailed, organized notes. This ensures that key points and evidence are easy to access later.
- Use a consistent format for note-taking to make reviewing easier.
- Include direct quotes, summaries, and your initial thoughts about each source.
3. Identify Key Concepts and Supporting Sources
- Concept Extraction: Once you have notes, pinpoint the main concepts addressed across all sources.
- Look for recurring themes, arguments, or ideas.
- Identify sources that support or contradict each concept.
- Relevant Sources: Determine which sources are the most relevant to each concept and note why.
4. Restructure Notes by Concept
- Thematic Organization: Instead of keeping notes source-by-source, reorganize them by concept.
- Compile all notes that relate to a single concept together, regardless of their original source.
- This allows for a clearer view of how different sources contribute to each concept.
5. Organize Concepts into an Outline
- Logical Structure: Develop an outline that organizes the identified concepts logically.
- Arrange concepts in a way that allows them to build on each other and form a coherent argument.
- The outline provides a roadmap for your final synthesis.
Example of Concept and Outline
To illustrate these steps, consider a scenario where you're researching the effects of social media on teenagers.
| Step | Action | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Read Sources | Read articles about social media’s impact multiple times, each time focusing on different things. | First read to grasp the main ideas; second read to identify supporting evidence; third read to identify recurring themes across articles. |
| Take Organized Notes | Write notes on each article, noting key points and arguments. | Note key statistics, quotes, and arguments related to social media's effect on mental health, bullying, or communication patterns in teens. |
| Identify Concepts | Identify themes that emerge from the notes. | Recurring concepts such as ‘impact on mental health,’ ‘cyberbullying,’ and ‘changes in communication patterns’ are recognized across different articles. |
| Restructure Notes | Reorganize the notes by the identified concepts. | Place all notes about ‘impact on mental health’ together, regardless of the original source, then do the same with notes on cyberbullying and changing communication patterns. |
| Create an Outline | Organize the concepts to create a structure for the synthesis. | The outline starts with the introduction of social media effects, moves into the mental health impacts, then discusses cyberbullying, and ends with altered communication patterns. |
Practical Insights
- Critical Thinking: Throughout this process, critical thinking is key. Ask questions about the information, identify biases, and evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of each source.
- Iterative Process: Synthesis is rarely linear. Be prepared to revisit your notes and modify your outline as needed.
- Clarity: The goal is to create a coherent narrative that demonstrates a deep understanding of the topic.
By following these steps, you can effectively synthesize information from multiple sources and create a well-supported and insightful argument.
