Synthesizing related literature involves analyzing and integrating the information from multiple sources to develop a comprehensive understanding of a topic. This process can be daunting, but it is essential for academic writing as it shows that you have read widely on the topic and can evaluate and present the information coherently. Here are some steps to help you synthesize related literature:
Identify the key concepts and themes:
Start by reading through the literature to identify the main ideas and concepts related to your research question. Look for common themes, theories, and findings that emerge across the studies.
Organize the literature:
Group the literature into categories based on the themes or concepts you have identified. This will help you to identify the similarities and differences between the studies and develop a framework for your analysis.
Analyze the literature:
Go through each study and analyze the key findings, arguments, and methodologies used. Look for patterns, gaps, and inconsistencies in the literature. Ask yourself, what are the key similarities and differences between the studies? What are the strengths and weaknesses of the different approaches?
Create a summary table:
Create a summary table or matrix that includes the key information from each study. This will help you to compare and contrast the studies and identify the key themes and concepts that emerge.
Write a synthesis:
Based on your analysis and summary table, write a synthesis of the literature. This should include an overview of the key themes and concepts, a summary of the key findings and arguments, and a discussion of the strengths and weaknesses of the literature.
Critically evaluate the literature:
Finally, critically evaluate the literature and consider its implications for your research question. Identify any gaps or limitations in the literature and suggest areas for future research.
In summary, synthesizing related literature involves a systematic approach to analyzing and integrating information from multiple sources. By following the steps outlined above, you can develop a comprehensive understanding of the literature on your topic and use this to inform your research.