Synthesizing Information and Ideas
The main point of conducting research is that the process contributes to the development of new knowledge. As a researcher, you tried to find the answer to a question. Now is the time to formulate that answer and share it.
Many students are satisfied with a straightforward report that only summarizes what they found. Sometimes, that’s enough. More often, however, you’ll want to apply the information to ideas of your own. To do that:
- First consider all of the information you found and how your sources relate to one another. What do they have in common, and where do they disagree?
- Ask yourself these questions: What conclusions can you draw from those similarities and differences? What new ideas did they spark?
- Consider how you can use the information you have on hand to support your conclusions.
Essentially, what you’re doing at this stage of your research project is processing information, an activity known as synthesis: accepting some ideas, rejecting others, combining related concepts, assessing the information, and pulling it all together to create new ideas that other people can use. Once your research has reached the point of synthesis, you are ready to begin putting your ideas into writing. The next chapter provides you with guidelines and strategies for using your research in writing papers and giving presentations.
