How To Write a Literature Synthesis
Willy Kelly
Writing a literature synthesis involves combining information from multiple sources to create a comprehensive and coherent analysis of a particular topic. Here are the steps to write a literature synthesis:
Define your research question: Start by clearly defining the specific research question or topic you want to explore. This will help you narrow down your focus and guide your search for relevant literature.
Conduct a thorough literature search: Use academic databases, online libraries, and other reliable sources to search for relevant literature on your topic. Make sure to include a variety of sources such as scholarly articles, books, and reputable websites.
Read and evaluate the literature: Read each source carefully and critically evaluate its relevance, credibility, and quality. Take notes on key points, arguments, evidence, and any gaps or contradictions you find. It's important to identify the main themes or ideas that emerge from the literature.
Organize your sources: Create an organized system to keep track of your sources. This can be done through citation management software or by creating a spreadsheet or document where you record the bibliographic information and key points of each source.
Identify common themes and patterns: Analyze the sources and look for common themes, patterns, or arguments that emerge across the literature. Identify any areas of disagreement or controversy within the literature.
Create an outline: Based on the themes and patterns you identified, create an outline for your synthesis. This will help you structure your writing and ensure that you cover all the necessary points.
Write your synthesis: Start by introducing the topic and providing some background information. Then, present the main themes or ideas that emerged from the literature, using evidence and examples from your sources to support your points. Make sure to discuss any areas of disagreement or controversy and provide a balanced analysis. Finally, conclude your synthesis by summarizing the main findings and offering insights or recommendations for future research.
Revise and edit: After completing the first draft, revise and edit your synthesis. Check for coherence, clarity, and logical flow of ideas. Ensure that your arguments are supported by evidence and that your writing is free of grammatical and spelling errors.
Cite your sources: Make sure to properly cite all the sources you used in your synthesis. Follow the appropriate citation style (e.g., APA, MLA) and include a bibliography or reference list at the end of your synthesis.
Proofread: Before submitting your synthesis, proofread it carefully to catch any remaining errors or inconsistencies. Pay attention to grammar, punctuation, and formatting.
Remember to always acknowledge the original authors and give credit to their ideas and research by citing them properly.
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Check our previous article: How To Write a Literature Review in a Thesis Paper