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DIFFERENTIATING ANALYZING, SUMMARIZING, AND SYNTHESIZING
There is a lot of confusion among analyzing, summarizing, and synthesizing, and this confusion often, if not always, shows in the synthesis of reviewed literature and studies in manuscripts of young researchers. Therefore, it is essential to distinguish between analyzing, summarizing, and synthesizing first before discussing what synthesis actually is. Watch this video.
SYNTHESIZING INFORMATION
In research, synthesizing or synthesis refers to combining and integrating information from multiple sources to create a new, coherent understanding of a topic. It is more than simply summarizing individual sources; it involves analyzing, comparing, contrasting, and connecting ideas from different studies to form a comprehensive and insightful perspective.
Here is a breakdown of what synthesis entails in research:
Identifying Relationships. It is about recognizing how different sources relate to each other, whether they agree, disagree, or build upon each other's ideas.
Combining Information. Synthesis involves combining findings, arguments, and perspectives from various research articles, books, reports, and other relevant sources.
Drawing Conclusions. Synthesis aims to go beyond summarizing individual sources and draw broader conclusions based on the combined evidence. It helps researchers identify patterns, trends, and gaps in existing knowledge.
Adding Value. A well-synthesized body of research provides a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of a topic than any source could offer. It helps researchers develop their research questions, design methodologies, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue within their field.
Let us take a look at an example where sources are not properly synthesized, and then see what can be done to improve it. This example is by Eoghan Ryan of Scribbr:
Example of a poorly synthesized text:
Lenneberg (1967) theorized that language acquisition could occur only within a critical period of development between infancy and puberty. Johnson and Newport (1988) have researched the capability of young people to learn a second language. Their findings suggest that young learners acquire a second language more easily than older learners. Schepens et al. (2022) have found that age and language dissimilarity play a role in adults’ abilities to acquire a second language.
The paragraph above provides no context for the information and does not explain the relationships between the sources described. It also does not analyze the sources or consider the gaps in existing research. So how could the text above be improved?
HOW TO SYNTHESIZE INFORMATION
To synthesize sources, they should be grouped around a specific theme or point of contention. As one reads sources, they should ask themselves the following questions:
What questions or ideas occur?
Do the sources focus on the same points, or do they look at the issue from different angles?
How does each source relate to others? Does it confirm or challenge the findings of past research?
Where do the sources agree or disagree?
Once a clear idea is formed about how each source positions itself, the sources should be put in conversation with each other. Their points of agreement and disagreement should be analyzed and interpreted. This approach displays the relationships among sources and creates a sense of coherence.
Both implicit and explicit (dis)agreements should be considered. Whether one source specifically refutes another or simply arrives at different conclusions without direct engagement, this can be mentioned in the synthesis either way.
Synthesize information using:
Topic sentences to introduce the relationship between the sources.
Signal phrases to attribute ideas to their authors.
Transition words and phrases to link together different ideas.
Example of an effective synthesis:
Research on barriers to second language acquisitions has primarily focused on age-related difficulties. Building on Lenneberg's (1967) theory of a critical period of language acquisition, Johnson and Newport (1988) tested Lenneberg's idea in the context of second language acquisition. Their research seemed to confirm that young learners acquire a second language more easily than older learners. Recent research has considered other potential barriers to language acquisition. Schepens et al. (2022) have revealed that the difficulties of learning a second language at an older age are compounded by dissimilarity between a learner's first language and the language they aim to acquire. Further research needs to be carried out to determine whether the difficulty faced by adult monoglot speakers is also faced by adults who acquired a second language during the "critical period."
ANATOMY
Introducing the Synthesis. The synthesis begins by characterizing the general approach of the sources to be discussed, highlighting what they have in common.
Connecting Sources. It then emphasizes the connection between two specific sources and notes how one builds on the findings of the other.
Alternative View. Once it has emphasized connections between sources, it highlights research that is in disagreement with existing research and provides an alternative view of the problem.
Research Gap. The paragraph ends by considering what is missing from the discussion above, indicating a gap in the existing literature.
TYPES OF SYNTHESIS
Knowing the four types of synthesis is important because it gives a researcher patterns on how to write a practical synthesis. A synthesis could be:
Similarity, which demonstrates how two or more sources agree with one another.
Contrast, which demonstrates how two or more sources support a central point in different ways.
Accumulation, which demonstrates how one source builds on the idea of another.
Causation, which demonstrates how one source discusses the effects of another source's ideas.
ORGANIZATION AND STRUCTURE OF THE REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE AND STUDIES
The Review of Related Literature and Studies (RRLS) can be organized in three ways: chronological, thematic, or problem-solution.
A chronological literature review arranges sources by their publication date. This method is especially useful for tracing how a field or idea has developed over time, helping readers see how thinking has changed.
A thematic literature review groups sources based on shared themes or topics. This approach highlights key issues and arguments within the research area, offering a broad view of different perspectives on a subject.
A problem-solution literature review presents sources in a specific order: first, the problem is introduced; next, existing solutions are discussed; and finally, potential new solutions are explored. This structure is particularly helpful in research focused on solving a specific problem, as it shows the progression from identifying an issue to proposing innovative resolutions.
CHRONOLOGICAL ORDER
Tracing the Development of Solar Energy
The development of solar energy technologies has progressed significantly over the past few decades, driven by a growing need for sustainable and renewable energy sources. Early research in the 1970s focused on the use of silicon-based solar cells, which were relatively inefficient and expensive. While these cells could convert sunlight into electricity, their high cost and low efficiency limited their widespread adoption (Hovel, 1975). However, advancements in materials science and manufacturing processes, particularly during the 1980s and 1990s, led to the development of more efficient and cost-effective solar cells. Researchers developed new techniques for growing silicon crystals, improving the efficiency of solar cell conversion, and reducing manufacturing costs (Green, 1990). This progress paved the way for the growth of the solar energy industry in the late 20th century.
The introduction of thin-film solar cells in the 1990s further expanded the possibilities for solar energy applications. Thin-film solar cells are made from materials that are thinner and more flexible than traditional silicon-based cells, allowing for greater design flexibility and potential for integration into building materials (Green, 1995). These advancements made solar energy more accessible and opened up new markets for solar power generation.
More recently, research has focused on developing new materials and technologies for even more efficient and flexible solar cells. The development of perovskite solar cells, which are based on a new class of materials with high energy conversion efficiency, has garnered significant attention (Snaith, 2011). These cells hold the potential for significantly higher efficiency than traditional solar cells, making them a promising technology for the future. Furthermore, researchers are exploring the use of organic materials and nanotechnology to create flexible and transparent solar cells that can be integrated into clothing, windows, and other surfaces, further expanding the applications of solar energy.
Explanation
This composition is an example of chronological order because it presents information about the development of solar energy technologies in the order in which they occurred. It starts with the earliest research on silicon-based solar cells in the 1970s and moves forward through the development of more efficient and cost-effective cells in the 1980s and 1990s, the introduction of thin-film cells in the 1990s, and finally, the focus on new materials and technologies for flexible cells in the 2000s and 2010s. Each section of the composition builds upon the previous one, showing how advancements in solar energy technology have progressed over time.
The use of dates and specific periods (1970s, 1980s, 1990s, 2000s, 2010s) further reinforces the chronological order and helps readers understand the timeline of development. This clear timeline makes it easier for readers to follow the evolution of solar energy technology and understand the historical context of current research and development efforts.
THEMATIC ORDER
The Interconnected Challenges of Marine Conservation in the Philippines
The Philippines, an archipelago nation with a vast coastline, faces significant challenges related to marine biodiversity and conservation. A review of the literature reveals several key themes that highlight the urgency and complexity of these issues.
Climate Change Impacts
Rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification are causing coral bleaching and disrupting marine food webs, posing a significant threat to marine ecosystems (Hoegh-Guldberg et al., 2007). These changes are altering the delicate balance of marine life, impacting biodiversity and threatening the livelihoods of coastal communities.
Overfishing and Destructive Fishing Practices
Overfishing and destructive fishing practices continue to deplete fish stocks and damage marine habitats (Pauly & Zeller, 2016). These unsustainable practices threaten the long-term health of marine ecosystems and the livelihoods of fishers who depend on these resources.
Pollution from Land-Based Sources
Pollution from land-based sources, such as plastic waste and agricultural runoff, is contaminating coastal waters and harming marine life (Jambeck et al., 2015). These pollutants can have devastating effects on marine organisms, leading to habitat degradation, disease, and even death.
Increasing Demand for Marine Resources
The increasing demand for marine resources, including seafood and minerals, puts further pressure on already vulnerable ecosystems (Halpern et al., 2008). This growing demand, coupled with unsustainable practices, threatens the long-term sustainability of marine resources and the health of the ocean.
Addressing these interconnected challenges requires a multifaceted approach that involves sustainable fishing practices, effective pollution control measures, and climate change mitigation strategies. By understanding these key themes, researchers and policymakers can develop effective solutions to protect the Philippines' rich marine biodiversity and ensure the health of its coastal ecosystems.
Explanation
This composition is an example of thematic order because it organizes information around several key themes related to marine biodiversity and conservation in the Philippines. Instead of presenting information chronologically or in a problem-solution format, the composition focuses on the following themes:
Climate Change Impacts. This theme addresses the effects of rising sea temperatures and ocean acidification on marine ecosystems.
Overfishing and Destructive Fishing Practices. This theme explores the impact of unsustainable fishing practices on fish stocks and marine habitats.
Pollution from Land-Based Sources. This theme highlights the contamination of coastal waters and harm to marine life caused by plastic waste and agricultural runoff.
Increasing Demand for Marine Resources. This theme examines the growing pressure on marine ecosystems due to the demand for seafood and minerals.
By grouping information around these themes, the composition provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges facing marine biodiversity and conservation in the Philippines. This thematic organization helps readers understand the interconnectedness of these issues and the need for a holistic approach to address them.
PROBLEM-SOLUTION ORDER
Climate Change and Food Security in the Philippines: A Call for Sustainable Agricultural Practices
The Philippines, a nation with a rapidly growing population and a reliance on agriculture, faces a significant challenge in ensuring food security. Climate change, with its unpredictable weather patterns and increasing frequency of extreme events, poses a major threat to agricultural productivity (IPCC, 2021). Droughts, floods, and typhoons can severely damage crops, leading to food shortages and price fluctuations. Furthermore, the increasing demand for food, driven by population growth and changing dietary preferences, puts further pressure on agricultural systems (FAO, 2020).
Several solutions have been proposed to address these challenges, focusing on enhancing resilience and sustainability in Philippine agriculture. One approach involves developing climate-smart agricultural practices, such as drought-tolerant crops, water-efficient irrigation systems, and integrated pest management (ICRISAT, 2018). These practices aim to minimize the impact of climate change on agricultural production and enhance the resilience of farming systems. Another solution involves promoting sustainable farming practices, such as organic farming, agroforestry, and conservation agriculture, which can help improve soil health, reduce reliance on chemical inputs, and enhance biodiversity (PhilRice, 2019).
Furthermore, investing in research and development is crucial for developing innovative solutions to address food security challenges. This includes developing new crop varieties that are more resilient to climate change, exploring alternative farming systems, and improving food storage and distribution systems (SEARCA, 2019). By implementing these solutions, the Philippines can enhance its food security, ensure the livelihoods of farmers, and contribute to the sustainable development of its agricultural sector.
Explanation
This composition is an example of a problem-solution order because it presents a problem (food security challenges in the Philippines) and then explores potential solutions to address those challenges.
Problem: The first paragraph outlines the problem of food security in the Philippines, highlighting the threats posed by climate change and increasing food demand.
Solutions: The second paragraph focuses on potential solutions, such as climate-smart agriculture, sustainable farming practices, and investing in research and development.
Explanation of Solutions: The paragraph then explains how these solutions can address the specific challenges outlined in the problem section.
By organizing the information in this problem-solution order, the composition provides a clear and concise overview of the food security challenges in the Philippines and the potential solutions to address them. This structure helps readers understand the urgency of the problem and the importance of implementing these solutions to ensure food security for the growing population of the Philippines.
TOWARD BECOMING A TRUE ADAMSONIAN
Synthesizing Information and the Adamson University Institutional Core Values
The lesson primarily focuses on the core values of Search for Excellence and Sustained Integral Development. It also touches upon Social Responsibility, though to a lesser extent.
The lesson emphasizes Search for Excellence because it is fundamentally about improving research skills. By teaching young Vincentian researchers how to differentiate between analyzing, summarizing, and synthesizing information, and then how to effectively synthesize that information, the lesson aims to help them produce higher-quality and more insightful research. The emphasis on identifying relationships between sources, combining information from various studies, drawing well-supported conclusions, and adding value to existing knowledge directly supports the pursuit of excellence in academic work.
Furthermore, the lesson promotes Sustained Integral Development by encouraging continuous learning and the development of research skills. Understanding how to synthesize information is presented as a crucial skill for lifelong learning and intellectual growth. The lesson encourages young Vincentian researchers to build upon existing knowledge, identify gaps in research, and contribute to the ongoing dialogue within their respective fields. These are all essential aspects of sustained integral development.
Finally, the lesson touches on Social Responsibility. By teaching young Vincentian researchers to synthesize information effectively, the lesson indirectly contributes to a sense of responsibility towards society. Well-synthesized research can lead to a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of social issues, which can then inform efforts to address those issues. For instance, understanding different perspectives on a social problem can help researchers develop more effective and socially responsible solutions.
In summary, the lesson mainly focuses on equipping young Vincentian researchers with the skills necessary to achieve academic excellence and to continuously develop their research capabilities. While it has a connection to social responsibility, the primary emphasis is on improving both individual and collective knowledge and skills.
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