what is synthesis in research paper writing

what is synthesis in research paper writing

The Importance of Synthesis in Research Paper Writing

1. Introduction

The aim of research is to create new knowledge by contributing to the existing body of knowledge in the world. This task is achieved by using two major kinds of research papers: analytical and argumentative. The purpose of these analytical and argumentative research papers is to gain knowledge. This kind of research paper is often done in the last two years of secondary and tertiary education; it requires the students not only to learn about a topic, but also to learn to think about the topic in a certain way. Learning to do this kind of paper is vital, as it will be used in industry and other areas of life. Clearly, knowing how to synthesize information is very important. However, the differences between the two types of research papers are quite clear: analytical research papers set out to focus on existing and new knowledge of some phenomena. This kind of research paper, therefore, is supported by existing literature and other knowledge. When data from different literatures, or different phenomena, are surveyed, the conclusion of that survey is a whole new knowledge. While in argumentative research paper, in order to raise one’s own opinion, it is important to survey from existing studies in the literature. Evidence must be obtained from the existing knowledge in the literature in order to support the importance of the phenomena. However, attempting to develop a new knowledge synchronously is also important as we are more focusing on the scientific development and this kind of research will engage future researchers to develop themselves and create more unknowns that are not discovered in the world yet. What is Synthesis? According to the Oxford dictionary (Oxford, 2019), synthesis means the combination of components or elements to form a connected whole. For example, evolution is the study of change over time; it’s a knowledge gained by the use of synthesis. The modern time including the genetic research of the modern human evolution would not be developed without the works been done in the past of the genetic research. Not only does it provide knowledge of the early human, but also the knowledge of how humans and other living things changed and evolved through times.

2. Definition and Purpose of Synthesis

The purpose of a synthesis paper is to use critical thinking to navigate the path towards completing the needed research on a topic. It is a great way to clarify one’s thinking and to reorganize ideas in the research process. Also, it helps to see how one source and another source may commune or conflict with your thesis. So, the purpose of an informative synthesis paper is to show the reader, through explanation, critical thinking, and research, what knowledge has been gained on the information and provide them with different perspectives on the topic. The goal in writing a synthesis paper is to realize new connections between information and to further the reader’s knowledge on a given topic. This type of paper is written in a skillful way using a combination of sources to reach a certain conclusion. The key to writing any type of paper is to have the knowledge and understanding of the topic. Also, reputable sources are needed to back up the student’s theories, and three or more sources are used to help the paper take shape. It is important to write a rough draft to share with another person. If the paper is written in class with other students, the student will benefit from hearing other perspectives and see what other students found in their research. It helps us to see the connections between the sources. Students must learn to approach their research with synthesis in mind and must develop the skill of connecting new knowledge with previous knowledge. Through the research on a topic and by using the student’s critical thinking skills, the student may create new knowledge – he or she might achieve synthesis of information. In the process of writing, the student may realize new information that diminishes or informs previous understandings. It is important, as a writer, to work on what a student already knows because new knowledge is built on what the student knows previously. Every source can be placed into the paper and used to create new knowledge, so careful research and organization of sources is the key to a successful paper. Always keep this thinking in the back of a student’s mind. A student has strength in knowing that his or her emotions and opinions reflect the energy behind the paper: solid facts, as well as solid academic theories. Use the process and newfound knowledge to create success!

3. Techniques for Synthesizing Information

One effective way of finding relevant information is to peruse the indexes and tables of contents that are usually found at the beginning of a book or at the end of the book in the case of periodicals. The reader is first clued on the variety of topics that are covered by the book or serial and then sections that would be of most interest to the researcher are identified. This is like getting a road map before starting on a journey. The reader should familiarize himself or herself with the various indexes first. There could be author, title, or subject indexes. If the researcher has been fairly successful in selecting episodes, articles, or chapters that follow a common theme, he or she may not need to use the individual indexes each time he or she comes across the same specialized material. He or she could be fairly confident of understanding the information. However, if the author’s central idea is cloudy, or a new book or periodical is chosen, the individual specialized index may well have to be reviewed in the context of the materials. Sooner or later, each reader is going to be happy that the multiple subject indexes which provide access to and from different avenues of the materials selected. In essence, this method is not only specific but easily mastered with a bit of practice. With the variety of computerized index products on the market today, an end to the various problems that have been associated with the former card catalog is in sight. It should be noted however that the index method is a search for specific information and does not allow the reader to gain a new understanding of the material. So, while Charles Welling is true that the researcher is aiming to find one area that looks promising, oftentimes it is only after the main body of the material is read that a new insight to the materials will develop. This first step in the method of synthesizing forces the researcher to start looking for material which is directly related to his or her chances of winning, in this case court cases depicted in literature. He or she probably would use the defense of temporary insanity as a legal point. By choosing an index that lists the article under the various headings of this possible legal defense, it is possible to select a few of the materials and start a more in-depth study of the defense itself.

4. Benefits of Incorporating Synthesis in Research Papers

Apart from offering a concept that is new and exciting, the marketers attest to the simple fact that the presence of various research findings can be overwhelming. However, using synthesis results in the field of advertising may be the best choice available. To begin with, incorporating synthesis in research leads to a broader and a far richer comprehension of various findings and theories within the specific discipline. The researchers are in a much better position to know both the strengths and the weaknesses of certain studies already since synthesis involves utilizing those findings to support a person’s own claim. This goes a long way in demonstrating to the audience that a particular advertising researcher has a lot more than mere belief in his or her claim. By way of instance, as noted by Stacks and Salwen, researchers in the sphere of advertising methods seem to have embraced the usage of synthesis in their work. The authors point out that of late more and more research projects within this field seek not only to present new knowledge but also to make sure that there’s evidence of a wide and comprehensive understanding of previously existing knowledge. This is evident in the higher level of confidence and finality found in the few research projects which use synthesis. Incorporating synthesis in the area of marketing research also results in the advancement of the understanding communication within the advertising discipline. Researchers can craft more plausible methods sections in a research paper since there’s always integration of what has been done before with new practices. Most of the researchers tend to see new angles and better study designs from the synthesis of the literature which could have appeared devoid of important linkages. According to Stacks and Salwen this goes a long way in strengthening the literature review section of the research projects. Findings from various advertising researchers and the results obtained from particular theory or research approach becomes integrated into a meaningful and a continuous body of knowledge. As Stacks and Salwen note, others may argue that synthesis may restrict a person from coming up with creative and innovative ideas and solutions. Nonetheless, a important analysis of utilizing synthesis as a process of investigation and communication in research has shown that such fears are quite unfounded. This is mainly because alternative experimentation and the validation of the knowledge during the query isn’t restricted, as a matter of fact it is promoted. Such background is useful in guiding the students of advertising methods that are recognized in each assignments as this will then form a foundation of understanding about how the various steps contribute towards a significant result.

5. Conclusion

In conclusion, the article has provided a comprehensive analysis of the importance of synthesis in research paper writing. As the essay explored, the process of synthesizing an essay’s main ideas is crucial in successful paper writing. The process of examining multiple research paper assignments and the ways in which the tutoring experience has led the author towards… The conclusion purposefully revisits the points outlined in the main body of the essay and provides a broad understanding of the importance of synthesis. It is quite a different experience, especially from an instructive essay, to write an academic research paper – something for the learners to get used to with a synthesis. It also provides greater opportunities for… In the end, synthesis, despite its importance in various research and composition courses, is not a one-step and easily taught solution to complex writing problem. The author therefore tries to integrate narrations into the teaching research… It demonstrates that, so far, the author has been undergoing a series of intellectual activities, especially in his first-year study. The process of successfully… Godorov, Sara. “Discovery and Practice in the Heart of the… and Human Services.” Mary 28 (2001): 105-07 Print. This article is a guidance article to teachers who have passed the stage of direct instruction and practice and entering the stage of discovery and… Professor Ko takes a different approach. He begins to bring in personal experience and his opinions. He starts to get his learners to use various research techniques such as the full-day library stay and conducting real-life expert interviews. By…