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Synthesizing Ideas ENC1102 Sp20
11
Synthesizing Ideas
ENC1102
Spring 2020
Synthesis
We're now at the point in the research process where it's time to synthesize ideas in order to begin writing our final research papers. But what does "synthesis" mean?
What Is Synthesis?
According to The Norton Field Guide, synthesis "brings together material from two or more sources in order to generate new information or to support a new perspective" (519).
"So What?"
& "Who Cares?"
In Unit Three, when we learned about writing proposals and beginning the research process, we read a chapter from They Say/I Say that stressed the importance of addressing two all-important questions in our writing: "So what?" and "Who cares?"
They Say/
I Say Connections
Based on the definition of synthesis, how can synthesizing ideas help us answer these questions?
Patterns
Reading for patterns is crucial to synthesizing successfully. As The Norton Field Guide states, "When you synthesize, you group similar bits of information together, looking for patterns or themes or trends and trying to identify the key points" (519).
Identifying Patterns
What are some patterns, themes, or trends you've so far identified in your research?
Tips for
Identifying Patterns & Making Connections
- Read sources with an open mind; don't jump to conclusions!
Tips for Identifying Patterns
- Take notes and/or write a brief summary while reading each source.
- Pay attention to your initial reactions, since these first thoughts can be very generative.
- Think creatively, "pay[ing] attention to thoughts that flicker at the edge of your consciousness" (522).
Don't be afraid to be playful and see where your ideas lead!
Questioning Sources
As you move from the research to the writing and synthesis stage, you'll have to ask yourself important questions about the sources you've compiled.
Questioning
Your
Sources
Some Questions to Consider
What sources make the strongest arguments? Why are their arguments stronger than others?
Have you noticed any recurring arguments in your sources? What are they?
Some Questions to Consider
Which arguments do you agree with? Which do you disagree with? How could you address the ones you disagree with in your text?
Are any data (facts, statistics, examples, etc.) or experts cited in more than one source?
Are there themes you see across your sources? What are they?
Some More Questions to Consider
What have you learned about your topic? Have your sources affected your thinking on your topic? If so, how?
Some More Questions to Consider
Have you discovered new questions or trajectories you need to investigate?
Keep in mind your rhetorical situation! Have you found the information you need to achieve your purpose, appeal to your audience, and suit your genre and medium?
Synthesizing Ideas by Using Notes
Using Notes
From the questions we just covered, what is likely to emerge "is a combination of big ideas, including new ways of understanding your topic...and smaller ones, such as how two sources agree with each other but not completely" (523).
One way to find these immensely helpful patterns and connections between sources is to concurrently examine sources by using specific note-taking strategies, such as taking notes on note cards. Look at the examples on p. 524 in The Norton Field Guide for some examples of synthesis using note cards.
Supporting Your Own Ideas!
Entering
the
Conversation
Synthesizing ideas makes you aware of the larger conversation going on, thereby helping you discover what you want to say about your topic. Synthesizing information from a variety of sources not only helps you develop your own ideas about your topic, but also provides support for these ideas.
The Norton Field Guide explains that one of the most exciting parts of a research project is when you "begin to see your own place in that conversation...and find yourself entering that conversation" (525).