1. A synthesis draws on multiple sources to discuss a topic by inferring relationships between sources such as essays, articles, observations, and interviews. 2. There are two main types of synthesis - explanatory synthesis which objectively presents facts to help readers understand a topic, and argument synthesis which presents the author's viewpoint supported by facts from sources. 3. Sources that can be used in a synthesis include documents, numerical records, oral statements, and relics.

1. SYNTHESIZING
INFORMATION FROM
RELEVANT LITERATURE
LESSON 13

2. What is a synthesis?
A synthesis is a discussion that draws on one or more
sources. Your ability to infer relationships among sources
such as essays, articles, fiction and also non-written sources
such as lecture, interviews and observations.
It refers to the bringing together of materials from different
sources and the creation of an integrated whole.

3. Types of Synthesis?
1. Explanatory Synthesis. It helps the readers to understand
a topic. Its primary aim is to present the facts in a
reasonably objective manner. Explanations given may entail
descriptions, sequences of events or state of affairs.
2. Argument synthesis. Its purpose is for you to present your
own point of view with the support of relevant facts drawn
from services and presented in a logical manner.

4. Categories of Sources
1. Documents
2. Numerical Records
3. Oral Statements
4. Relics

5. How to write a Synthesis
1. Consider your purpose in writing.
2. Select and read carefully your sources according to your purpose.
3. Formulate a thesis. It is the main ideas that you want to present in
your synthesis.
4. Decide how you will use your source material and take down notes.
5. Develop an organizational plan according to your thesis.
6. Write the first draft of your synthesis, following your organizational
plan.
7. Revise your synthesis.

6. Techniques for Writing a Synthesis
1. Summary – it is the simplest way of organizing a synthesis. Here you
write one after the other the most relevant information and sources
you gathered.
2. Example or illustration –it is a reference to a particular illuminating
example or illustration that you have included in your review.
3. Two (or more) reasons –this approach can be an effective method by
simply stating thesis, then give reasons why it is true. Your reasons
need to be supported by evidence from your data and sources.
4.Comparison and Contrast – These techniques will lead to examining
two subjects or data in terms of one another. Comparison considers
similarities while contrast highlights differences.

7. Preparing a Synthesis Matrix
The synthesis matrix is a chart that will allow you to sort and
categorize the different opinions and arguments given on
issue in relation to your study. Across the top of the chart
are the spaces to record sources and along the side of the
chart are the spaces to record the main points on the topic
being undertaken.

8. SYNTHESIS MATRIX FORMAT
Topic:__________________________
Label: Author’s last name and or few keywords from the title of the work.
Main Idea A Source # 1 Source # 2 Source # 3 Source # 4
Main idea B

9. Sample of Literature Review Synthesis
Synthesis taken from “World War Two and its Effect on Women”
◦ While the articles used in this research agree that women made many advances during
the World War II period, it is crucial to realize that not all these changes were
welcomed. In most cases women faced discrimination from just about everyone around
them. Women in the workplace were often place in positions of inferiority or treated as
being less physically able to do the same work the men did. Many women were often
not trained because they were viewed as temporary employees who were only there for
the duration of the war. (Bruley, 2003). Women were very rarely given equal pay as
men, even though some of them did the same work. Women in the military faced not
only mental abuse but also physical harm from their male counterparts. According to
Cornelsen (2005), there were many instances where female aviators were injured or
killed due to being made to fly ill-maintained aircrafts or aircrafts that had been
sabotaged.

10. Example of Comparison and Contrast
Student A
◦ Smith (2000) concludes that personal privacy in their living quarters is the most
important factor in nursing home residents perception of their autonomy. He
suggest that physical environment in the more public space of the building did
not have much impact on their perceptions. Neither the layout of the building,
nor the activities available seem to make much difference. Jones and Johnstone
make the claim that he need to control one’s environment is a fundamental need
of life (2001) and suggest that the approach of most institutions, which is to
provide total care may be as bad as no care at all. If people have no choices or
think that they have none, they become depresses.

11. Example of Comparison and Contrast
Student B
◦ After studying residents and staff from two intermediate care facilities' in Calgary,
Alberta, Smith (2000) came to the conclusion that except for the amount of personal
privacy available to the residents, the physical environment of these institutions, had
minimal, if any effect on their perceptions of control. However, French(1998) and
Haroon (2000) found that availability of private areas is not the only aspect of the
physical environment that determines residents autonomy. Haroon interviewed 115
residents from 32 different nursing homes known to have different levels of autonomy
(2000). It was found out that physical structures, such as standardized furniture, heating
that could not be individually regulated and no possession of a house key for residents
limited their feelings of independence. Moreover, Hope(2000), who interviewd 225
residents from various nursing homes, substantiates the claim that characteristics of the
institutional environment such as the extent of resources in the facility, as well as its
location are features which residents have indicated as being of great importance to
their independence.