Research Synthesis

1. Research Synthesis Telling what research says about your topic.

2. Research Synthesis Does not include your opinion until the very end (conclusion). Your opinion MUST be based on the research cited.

3. Research Synthesis Start by collecting information on your topic. Be sure it is research (not newspaper articles, magazines vs. journals, sales information).

4. Research Synthesis Read EVERYTHING, and start looking for common themes (these become your subheadings).

5. Possible Themes • Definition (s) • Characteristics • Types • Advantages/Disadvantages • Classroom Applications • Methods

6. Research Synthesis Start looking for statements that AGREE—you want more than one source for statements. A synthesis—not a summary!

7. Research Synthesis Writing comes much later—the hard part is pulling it together first.

8. Research Synthesis Start a section at a time—start with something easy (like definition). You are simply saying what OTHERS have already said—you are just presenting it in a different way.

9. Research Synthesis Since you are simply telling what someone else has said, you must provide a source (or sources) for EVERYTHING. If you quote directly, put it in quotes. If you paraphrase, you still have to cite the author(s).

10. Research Synthesis Don’t use: Lists and lists and lists!

11. Research Synthesis This is a VERY different type of writing—and it is hard! Don’t get frustrated.

12. Research Synthesis Mix in tables, charts, graphs, quotes.

13. Research Synthesis • You need at least 15 sources, more is better. • Don’t forget to use APA style.

14. Research Synthesis Do NOT put your opinion in the paper until the conclusion! Conclusion

15. Comparison to EDUC 640