lestremau synthesis matrix
TRANSCRIPT
Synthesizing Literature
Bringing it all together
ReviewLast week, in library land...
Goal To learn how to effectively plan for the synthesis of literature assignment and organize the literature.Why are we here?
TodayIntro to Synthesizing
Steps to Writing a Synthesis of Literature
Synthesis Matrix
Integration
PollWhat does it mean to
“synthesize”?
SynthesizeCombine separate elements to form a whole.
Create a narrative of the research, focusing on connections and analysis.
PollWhat is the purpose of a synthesis of literature?
PurposeAnalyze a topic
Critically examine and analyze the components of a primary source.
Synthesize research literature within the context of the topic
Biggest Pitfall
Taking your annotated bib and adding transitional sentences.
Source-by-source analysis rather than a topic-by-topic
analysis.What to avoid
Step 1: Find your Sources
Step 2: Review your Sources
Review your Sources
Re-read your annotated bib.
Review all your notes about your sources.
Begin taking notes about common themes, threads, topics, causes, etc.
Step 3: Determine your Major Themes, Connections, Causes, Factors, etc.
Your Turntinyurl.com/jgwnyb5
1.Open the Google sheet
2.Pick a tab at the bottom and change the name of the tab to your name.
3.Fill in your major themes, factors, causes etc. in column A
Step 4: Create a Synthesis Matrix
Synthesis Matrix
A chart that allows a researcher to sort and
categorize the different arguments presented on an
issue.
Synthesis Matrix Major themes, concepts,
factors etc. on the side, sources across the top.
Examples ○ NCSU○ St. Mary’s
Your Turntinyurl.com/jgwnyb5
1.Open the Google sheet
2.Go to the tab at the bottom with your name on it.
3.Pick a few of your sources and put their short citations in row 2.
4.Begin making notes on how each source contributes to each of the major themes.
Step 5: Fill in the Gaps
Return toStep 1Then repeat
The matrix helps you identify gaps. You may not have
enough information about a particular topic.
After the Matrix
Step 6: Construct an Outline
Step 7: Write the paper
Example 1Much of the literature agrees that capital punishment is not a crime deterrent. According to Judy Pennington in an interview with Helen Prejean, crime rates in New Orleans went up in the eight weeks following executions. Jimmy Dunne notes that crime rates often go up in the first two or three months following an execution. “Death and the American” argues that America’s crime rate as a whole has increased drastically since the re-instatement of the death penalty in the 1960s. The article notes that 700 crimes are committed for every 100,000 Americans. Helen Prejean cites Ellis in her book t note that in 1980, 5000,000 people were behind bars and in 1990 that figure rose to 1.1 million.
Example 2The literature on capital punishment suggests that it fails as a deterrent in two key ways. First, much of the literature suggests that capital punishment does not lower the crime rate. Helen Prejean, in Deadman Walking, clearly notes that capital punishment does little to lower the crime rate. Prejean argues that the “evidence that executions do not deter crime is conclusive [...] the U.S. murder rate is no higher in states that do not have the death penalty than those who do” (110). Prejean’s point is reiterated from an historical perspective in “Death and the American.” Here, the author notes that despite the social and economic upheavals that occurred from the 1930s to the 1960s, the author notes that “crime rates soared” (2). Steven Hawkins points out that law enforcement officials also agree that the death penalty has failed to stop crime. He explains that a 1995 Hart Research Associates survey found that police chiefs believe the death penalty to be “the least effective way of reducing crime” (1).
Steps to the Synthesis of Literature
1. Find your sources2. Review your sources3. Determine major themes, connections, causes,
factors, etc.4. Create a synthesis matrix5. Search for information to fill in your gaps6. Construct an outline for your paper7. Write the paper
Questions?
