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CJAD 210 - Criminal Law: Research Synthesis

Synthesis vs Summary

Synthesizing sources provides a big picture viewpoint that describes how the ideas or themes in the sources are connected. Not all sources have to agree or provide the same viewpoint, but they all provide perspectives on a central theme or idea. This differs from summarizing sources, which describes the ideas or themes in those individual sources.

A summary just restates the key findings or arguments of others.

A synthesis shows how the ideas of multiple sources are related and incorporates your own critical interpretation of your research findings.

What Does it Mean to Synthesize Your Sources?

Questions to Ask When Synthesizing

  • What key points do your sources agree upon?
  • What key points do your sources not agree upon?
  • Can you identify any gaps or limitations in the findings of your sources?
  • What do YOU think after analyzing all of the data and evidence in your sources?