The Synthesis Paper

1. The Synthesis Paper Writing the Literature Review

2. The Synthesis Paper • Part I: The Abstract • Part II: The Research Plan • Part III: The Literature Review • Part IV: The Data Collection (Original Research) • Part V: The Analysis of the Data and Conclusions

3. Part III:The Literature Review What? All of this research was supposed to lead to something!

4. What is a review of the literature? A literature review is just like it sounds, a “look again” at what has previously been written about the topic. It synthesizes already existing research from multiple sources and is an “opportunity for [the writer] to create new knowledge out of already existing knowledge.” (http://www.bcc.ctc.edu)

5. What is a review of the literature? “[It] is a critical and in depth evaluation of previous research. It is a summary and synopsis of a particular area of research, allowing anybody reading the paper to establish why [the writer] is pursuing this [research question].” (http://www.experiment-resources.com/what-is-a-literature-review.html#ixzz1fI7ubMSM)

6. A word about synthesizing… Synthesizing is an intellectual process. All students can benefit from a metacognitive analysis and the steps the brain goes through in the process of synthesizing information.

7. What is the purpose of a review of the literature? The purpose of a literature review is to provide background for the question the writer is seeking to answer. It shows how other researchers have “handled similar problems in the past. It conveys to [the] reader what knowledge and ideas have been established on a topic, and what the strengths and weaknesses are of the previous research.” (http://www.library.american.edu)

8. A literature review… “May be a self-contained unit—an end in itself—or a preface to and rationale for engaging in primary research.” (http://experiment-resources.com) For the purposes of our assignment, it is a self-contained unit (6-10 pp.) expressing a synthesis of previous research using documentation (MLA, APA) and may integrate the researcher’s own data collection as well.

9. A literature review is not… • A collection of quotes and paraphrasing from other sources; rather, it uses the researched information and ideas to elaborate and support an arguable thesis/claim that the student has formed. • An annotated list of sources; rather, it employs linking devices and transitions to lead the reader through the logic of the exposition. It takes a stand and demonstrates extensive knowledge and thinking about the topic.

10. Writing the Introduction…the traditional funnel format • Break down the thesis/claim and introduce it in broad terms. You may want to begin with an interesting fact, statistic or quote that gains the reader’s attention. • You may use the introduction portion to “point out overall trends in what has been published about the topic; or conflicts in theory, methodology, evidence and conclusions; or gaps in research and scholarship; or a single problem or new perspective of immediate interest” (http://writing.wixc.edu/Handbook/ReviewofLiterature.html).

11. Writing the Introduction…the traditional funnel format • When writing the introduction, be certain that the information becomes more narrow/specific as it “funnels” into the thesis statement/claim. • Finally, state the thesis statement/claim as the last sentence of the introduction. • NOTE: Thesis statements are not always the last sentence of the introduction; sometimes they are first. It is my preference that they are last because it is physically closer to the body of the paper; therefore, the reader is nicely set up to read the body/content of the paper.

12. Writing the Body • The sentence outline should set you up to compose a well thought out and organized paper. • Use topic sentences at the beginning of paragraphs to guide the reader. • Provide multiple specific examples to justify your assertions. • Draw conclusions about the information/research.

13. Writing the Body • Be certain that each point builds on the previous point. • Tie each paragraph back to the thesis statement/claim for unity and coherence. • Use parenthetical documentation throughout the paper. All information MUST be cited in order to avoid plagiarism consequences.

14. Writing the Conclusion • “summarize major contributions of significant studies and articles to the body of knowledge under review, maintaining the focus established in the introduction.” • “…[point] out major methodological flaws or gaps in the research, inconsistencies in theory and findings, and areas/issues pertinent to future study.” • Propose a “call to action”. What do you want people to do? Move your reader to action. (http://writing.wisc.edu/Handbook/ReviewoflLiterature.html)

15. Final Format • Typed • Double spaced • ONE inch margins all around • Times New Roman font • Internal documentation/citations: MLA/APA • Stapled • No plastic covers/no paper clips • Black ink ONLY • Works Cited: 10+ sources, including 1 interview

16. Please note…common mistakes • This is a RESEARCHED paper; therefore, it must have documented research in it and, therefore, employ parenthetical citations. • If you do not have parenthetical documentation throughout your paper, you have plagiarized and will receive an “E” on your final draft. • Although the amount of citations will vary, on average, count on 4+ per page.

17. Please note…common mistakes SOURCE WEAVING Properly weaving sources is a primary skill demonstrated in the research paper. There should not be more than TWO of the same source cited in a row. Most certainly, there should not be pages in a row with documentation from only one source; this shows poor research and will result in a lower grade.

18. Happy Writing As always…see me with any questions.