Synthesizing Information from Relevant

Literature
What is a synthesis?
• A synthesis is a discussion that draws on one or more sources.

• Synthesis refers to the bringing together of materials from

different sources, and the creation of an integrated whole.
Types of Synthesis
1. Explanatory synthesis
- It helps the readers to understand a topic. Its primary aim is to
present the facts in a reasonably objective manner.

2. Argument synthesis
- Its purpose is for you to present your own point of view with the
support of relevant facts drawn from services and presented in a logical
manner.
Categories of Sources
1. Documents
2. Numerical Records
3. Oral Statements
4. Relics
Documents
- These include written or printed materials that have been
produced in some form or another such as annual reports,
books, artwork, cartoons, circulars, records, diaries,
notebooks, etc.

- They may be published or unpublished; intended for private or

public consumption; they may be original works or copies.
Numerical Records
- They may be considered as a separate type of source in and of
themselves or as subcategory of documents.

- Several records include any type of numerical data in printed

form: test scores, attendance figures, census reports, school
budgets and the like.
Oral Statements
- These may include stories, myths, tales, legends, chants,
songs, and other forms of oral expressions.

- The materials leave a record for future generations.

Relics
- These are formal types of historical sources. A relic is any
object where physical or visual characteristics can provide
some information about the past.

- Examples: furniture artwork, clothing, buildings or equipment.

How to Write a Synthesis
The procedure that you can follow in writing the synthesis of your literature review
includes the following:

1. Consider your purpose in writing

2. Select and read carefully your sources, according to your purpose.
3. Formulate a thesis. It is the main ideas that you want present in your
synthesis.
4. Decide how you will use your source material and take down notes.
5. Develop an organization plan according to your thesis.
6. Write the first draft of your synthesis, following your organizational plan.
7. Revise your synthesis.
Techniques for Writing a Synthesis
1. Summary
 It is the simplest way of organizing a synthesis. Here, you write
one after the other the most relevant information and sources
you gathered.

2. Example or Illustration
 It is a reference to a particularly illuminating example or
illustration that you have included in your review. You need to
credit your source/s.
3. Two (or more) Reasons
 This approach can be an effective method by simply stating your
thesis, then give reasons why it is true. Your reasons need to be
supported by evidence from your data and sources.

4. Comparison and Contrast

 These techniques will lead to examining two subjects or data in
terms of one another. Comparison considers similarities while
contrast, highlights differences.
Preparing a Synthesis Matrix
• After gathering all the materials needs for the literature review, you
have to organize them according to each subtopic discussed about the
larger topic.

• The synthesis matrix is a chart that will allow you to sort and categorize
the different opinions and arguments given on an issue in relation to
your study.