Literature Reviews

Synthesizing takes the process of summarizing one step further. Synthesizing involves combining ideas across multiple sources in order to form a broader conclusion. Synthesis is done in multiple, succinct ways: 

• Sort the literature into categories or themes. Themes may relate to:
  • Theories
  • Methodologies or techniques
  • Geographies
  • Conflicting opinions 
  • Time frames
• Describe how the research has evolved over time
• Develop conclusions and summarize what's been done in the past

You want to highlight connections between your sources, but don't force a connection where there isn't one. Not every source has to complement all the others. Also, don't ignore outliers in your research! Include every perspective, even those that are opposing. 

While your synthesis focuses on the literature you have reviewed, the analysis is your insight and contribution. It requires that you have an approach or a point of view that you use to evaluate the material you have found. This is the part of the literature review where you justify why your research is needed/important, how your research is yet unaddressed, and how your research advances the field. As part of your analysis, ask yourself these questions: 

• Are there gaps in the literature?
• Where has significant research taken place, and who has done it?
• Is there consensus on the topic? Or is there debate?
• Which methodological approaches work best?