How to Synthesize Information into a Final Product

Synthesis is putting things together in your head.

Your work should be unique like your opinions.

Think about your sources and start putting them together in your head.

Look for connections between the materials that might help you understand the subject a little better.

Look for connections in your personal database.

Draw your own conclusions and put your thoughts into your own words.

Synthesis is combining information to create something new.

Building on multiple balanced sources allows you to see the whole picture and to come to your own understanding of your topic.

Think of writing a research paper as presenting an argument or point of view.

It is good practice to include sources that agree with your thesis, as well as those that do not, because examining and addressing multiple sides of the issue usually makes your own argument or position stronger.

For a research paper, it is not enough to just present information from your sources.  You also have to summarize the information and draw your own conclusions. 

3 things to include when presenting ideas from an outside source:

• • Lead-in: May include source info, background info, and/or transition phrases.

  • Ideas from one or more sources: Can be a direct quote, paraphrase, or summary.

  • Analysis of the ideas represented: Includes your response, interpretations, or arguments.

Make sure you always properly cite ideas from outside sources.

Ideas that you present from your sources must always relate back to your thesis.