Synthesizing the

Literature
compare, contrast, synthesize
Purpose: Compare, Contrast, Synthesis
• Defend an argument
• Empirical studies
• Read extensively
• Determine what is lacking --- the need identified in the current
research
• The need will open the door to the researcher’s problem
• Learning to compare, contrast and synthesize is critical!
Comparison Matrix #1

 Has three columns, side-by-side

 Compare and store information from three articles
 Make clear and concise notes of each article
– Saves time
– Reference later without going back to the library/source
Synthesis Matrix Tool #3
• Like Comparison Matrix #1, only has two more columns to list
similarities and differences
• These two additional columns become critical for synthesizing
– Combining or blending to create something stronger
– Employing critical thinking skills
– Noting differences in the structure of the design
– The number of Research Questions is a surface level observation
– The focus and structure of the Research Questions tells more
Synthesis Example
• Jones (2012) discussed how transformational leadership affected
program change at an urban high school
• Smith (2013) discussed how transformational leadership affected
teacher collaboration in Professional Learning Communities
(PLC)
• Based on the research of Jones and Smith, consideration of
program change can be implemented through teacher
collaboration in PLCs
The Argument:
Developing and Defending
• After comparing, contrasting and synthesizing
– Critical analysis of the empirical articles by the
learner
– Analysis and synthesis allows for the development of
the argument based upon the research
• READ, READ, READ!
– Empirical articles develop depth and breadth
Developing Themes and Subthemes
• These are major topics that evolve from your reading
– Usually have 3 to 6 Themes

• Subthemes surface under “Themes”

• Examples
– Topic: Teacher Instructional Technology Attitudes
– Theme: Technology Integration
– Subthemes:
– Constructivism
– Classroom use
– Theme: Leadership
– Subthemes:
– Professional Learning Communities
– School climate
The Essay and Literature Review
--part 1
• Introduction
– Grab reader’s attention
– THESIS sentence – what the paragraph is
about
– Not an announcement (“This discussion will
present…”)
– Get right to the point (“To implement
effective change in the organization…”)
The Essay ---part 2
• Body
– Paragraph begins with a TOPIC sentence
– Paragraphs contain 3 to 7 sentences
– Not too short, nor too long
– Employ strong transition sentences between
paragraphs
– Use formal language
The Essay – part 3

• Conclusion
– Provide summary of the body of the essay
– Do not add new information
Summary
• Develop your argument from the empirical research
• Understand purpose of comparing, contrasting, synthesizing
• Use the proper matrix tools
• Identify the research “gaps” for future (your) research
• Develop the necessary writing skills to create a Proposal and
completed Dissertation
Synthesizing the Literature is easy when
you follow the steps and use the tools!
Enjoy the journey . . . 