Synthesizing literature session

1. Synthesizing Literature
Bringing it all together

2. ReviewLast week, in library land...

3. Goal
To learn how to effectively plan for
the synthesis of literature
assignment and organize the
literature.Why are we here?

4. Today
Intro to Synthesizing
Steps to Writing a Synthesis of
Literature
Synthesis Matrix
Integration

7. Poll
What does it mean to “synthesize”?

8. Synthesize
Combine separate elements to form a whole.
Create a narrative of the research, focusing on
connections and analysis.

9. Poll
What is the purpose of a synthesis of
literature?

10. Purpose
Analyze a topic
Critically examine and analyze the
components of a primary
source.
Synthesize research literature
within the context of the topic

11. Biggest Pitfall
Taking your annotated bib and
adding transitional sentences.
Source-by-source analysis rather
than a topic-by-topic analysis.
What to avoid

12. Step 1: Find your Sources

13. Step 2: Review your Sources

14. Review your Sources
Re-read your annotated bib.
Review all your notes about your sources.
Begin taking notes about common themes, threads, topics, causes, etc.

15. Step 3: Determine your Major
Themes, Connections,
Causes, Factors, etc.

16. Your Turn
tinyurl.com/jgwnyb5
1. Open the Google sheet
2. Pick a tab at the bottom and
change the name of the tab to
your name.
3. Fill in your major themes,
factors, causes etc. in column A

17. Step 4: Create a Synthesis
Matrix

18. Synthesis
Matrix A chart that allows a researcher to
sort and categorize the different
arguments presented on an issue.

19. Synthesis
Matrix Major themes, concepts, factors etc.
on the side, sources across the top.

20. Examples ○ NCSU
○ St. Mary’s

21. Your Turn
tinyurl.com/jgwnyb5
1. Open the Google sheet
2. Go to the tab at the bottom
with your name on it.
3. Pick a few of your sources and
put their short citations in row
2.
4. Begin making notes on how
each source contributes to each
of the major themes.

22. Step 5: Fill in the Gaps

23. Return to
Step 1
Then repeat
The matrix helps you identify gaps.
You may not have enough
information about a particular topic.

24. After the
Matrix

25. Step 6: Construct an Outline

26. Step 7: Write the paper

27. Example 1
Much of the literature agrees that capital punishment is not a crime
deterrent. According to Judy Pennington in an interview with Helen
Prejean, crime rates in New Orleans went up in the eight weeks following
executions. Jimmy Dunne notes that crime rates often go up in the first two
or three months following an execution. “Death and the American” argues
that America’s crime rate as a whole has increased drastically since the re-
instatement of the death penalty in the 1960s. The article notes that 700
crimes are committed for every 100,000 Americans. Helen Prejean cites
Ellis in her book t note that in 1980, 5000,000 people were behind bars and
in 1990 that figure rose to 1.1 million.

28. Example 2
The literature on capital punishment suggests that it fails as a deterrent in two key ways.
First, much of the literature suggests that capital punishment does not lower the crime
rate. Helen Prejean, in Deadman Walking, clearly notes that capital punishment does little
to lower the crime rate. Prejean argues that the “evidence that executions do not deter
crime is conclusive [...] the U.S. murder rate is no higher in states that do not have the
death penalty than those who do” (110). Prejean’s point is reiterated from an historical
perspective in “Death and the American.” Here, the author notes that despite the social
and economic upheavals that occurred from the 1930s to the 1960s, the author notes
that “crime rates soared” (2). Steven Hawkins points out that law enforcement officials
also agree that the death penalty has failed to stop crime. He explains that a 1995 Hart
Research Associates survey found that police chiefs believe the death penalty to be “the
least effective way of reducing crime” (1).

29. Steps to the Synthesis of Literature
1. Find your sources
2. Review your sources
3. Determine major themes, connections, causes, factors, etc.
4. Create a synthesis matrix
5. Search for information to fill in your gaps
6. Construct an outline for your paper

30. Literature Review
Guide
guides.library.jhu.edu/lit-review

31. Questions?

32. Before you Go
tinyurl.com/hvvyy3p