My advisor wrote on my draft: “This is summary, not synthesis” . I don't understand the difference. A writing guide explains:
Summary: “Smith says X. Jones says Y. Brown says Z.” (list)
Synthesis: “Researchers have explored X from multiple angles. Smith and Jones found evidence supporting Y. However, Brown challenges this view, arguing that Z is more significant” . (conversation)
Synthesis groups sources by what they say and shows how they relate. It's not just listing; it's building an argument . The guide says synthesis should “identify patterns, debates, and gaps in the literature” .
I've been writing summaries. How do I actually synthesize? Do I need to read all my sources again and take notes by theme instead of by author? What's your process for moving from summary to synthesis?
Summary: “Smith says X. Jones says Y. Brown says Z.” (list)
Synthesis: “Researchers have explored X from multiple angles. Smith and Jones found evidence supporting Y. However, Brown challenges this view, arguing that Z is more significant” . (conversation)
Synthesis groups sources by what they say and shows how they relate. It's not just listing; it's building an argument . The guide says synthesis should “identify patterns, debates, and gaps in the literature” .
I've been writing summaries. How do I actually synthesize? Do I need to read all my sources again and take notes by theme instead of by author? What's your process for moving from summary to synthesis?