When you synthesize multiple sources in a research paper, you create a conversation about your research topic. You show readers that your argument is based on your active analysis and integration of ideas, not just a series of quotations and paraphrases.
Your synthesis will show how your sources relate to one another. Not every source has to “speak” to another in a research paper, but readers should be able to see how each one functions in your argument.
Sample synthesis (MLA)
Using quotations appropriately
Using signal phrases to integrate sources
Using sources for different purposes