In analytical philosophy, synthesis is the counterpart of analysis. Within the framework of analytical philosophy, synthesis is associated with the outcomes of analysis, and developing conclusions from ideas rather than direct observation. So, we could summarize the process as “observe, analyze, synthesize.”
This definition of synthesis (within analytical philosophy) is important because it is a foundation of empirical thought and the scientific method – which makes synthesis really important in academic writing.
But, in order to fully understand the concept of synthesis, we need to consider how it is also used in dialectical philosophy. In dialectical philosophy, synthesis is the third part of the dialectical process. The process starts with “thesis,” continues with “antithesis,” and concludes with “synthesis.”
In other words synthesis, in dialectical philosophy, is the resolution (or balancing of perspectives) between the thesis and antithesis.
Putting these ideas from dialectical and analytical philosophy together, we can arrive at a full understanding of “synthesis” in academic writing.
Synthesis is … the counterpart of analysis, where we develop ideas and perspectives related to the purpose of our writing.
DOING SYNTHESIS
Let’s start with two general guidelines for doing synthesis in your writing. First, you should cite more often. Students frequently under-cite (cite fewer sources and fewer times). Second, synthesis uses summary and paraphrase. It almost never uses direct quotation. so you should summarize more and quote less when you are doing synthesis.
FOUR ADVANCED CITATION TECHNIQUES FOR DOING SYNTHESIS:
Technique 1: Summarize an idea from multiple sources into a single sentence, and cite multiple sources in the parenthesis. For example:
Reconsidering access to technology is important for identifying barriers that students face in online classes (Wesley, 2017; Mako, 2019; Flanders 2019).
Students can easily cite 3 or more sources in a single citation. This is a technique that is especially helpful in introductions, and when you are dealing with secondary sources in body paragraphs.
Technique 2: Use a conjunctive series of sources to add ideas and perspectives (in consecutive sentences). For example:
Initially, universities implemented online courses to reach specific populations of students (Cavell, 2018). However, recent research suggests that universities have shifted their approach to provide online classes that benefit every type of student (Gardiner, 2020). Additionally, for a wide range of students, online classes have become popular alternatives to traditional modalities of teaching (Kersey, 2020).
This technique is frequently used early in essays, and throughout body paragraphs and discussions to develop and present the connections (synthesis) between multiple sources and ideas.
Technique 3: Use a disjunctive series of sources to compare (and to distinguish between) different perspectives or conclusions. For example:
Preliminary research by Britton and Waller (2016) suggested that online classes had lower student participation than traditional classes, and Lennox (2017) further suggested that online classes had lower retention rates. However, current research has reconsidered these early conclusions, and suggests that online classes have the same educational benefits of in-person teaching (Dewey, 2020; Horner, 2019).
This technique is frequently used in introductions and discussions to identify and establish multiple perspectives on a topic.
Technique 4: Use a source as a “for instance” example of a common viewpoint, or approach, or policy. For example:
Expanding online course offerings has led to universities expanding the types and amounts of technology in classrooms, libraries, and student support services (Pacific Unicorn Polytech, 2019).
Essay 2 – Introduction Samples
SAMPLE INTRO #1
Since the late twentieth century, the automotive industry has been looking for an alternative fuel as a replacement for gasoline. One of the alternative fuels at the forefront is hydrogen. Hydrogen fuel cell vehicles have many great advantages over other alternative fuel cars. “The interest in hydrogen as an alternative transportation fuel stems from its ability to power fuel cells in zero-emission FCEVs, its potential for domestic production, its fast filling time, and the fuel cell’s high efficiency” (Alternative Fuels Data Center: Hydrogen Basics). Hydrogen fuel cell technology is the next generation of alternative fuels in cars.
SAMPLE INTRO #2
Looking back twenty years ago, Cambodia took many leaps and bounces to begin growing exponentially. I believe that the country compared to its state in the past 50 or less years has reformed so dramatically that when comparing that to the present state of the country, the changes and improvements made are exponential. The idea that this country was undergoing an assortment of crises not very long ago couldn’t be believable if it is comparable to the state of the country today. Although the country is still not in the best state that it could presumably be in, the improvement can’t be unnoticed. Not that long ago, Cambodia had to endure multiple cases where it put their country in a rut, such as having the Khmer Rouge underway from 1975, to some cases of repercussions of those events leaving scars within their country today. More recent problems would include the past AIDs epidemic that infested the country, the stagnant economy, and more. Cambodia since the 21st century has made many moves of self improvement to bolster the country into the status that it is in today.
SAMPLE INTRO #3
Dementia has been an increasingly concerning condition among the aging population worldwide, with as many as 50 million people currently affected, as reported by the World Health Organization. Currently no cure exists for dementia, but some treatments can help manage or suppress symptoms. Research efforts in dementia have been largely focused on pathogenesis, physiology, and drug development. Despite this, drug developments still experience a high failure rate and only a few drugs have been approved to be used in treatment (Wong and Knapp).An alternative option is psychosocial intervention, a type of dementia treatment which is increasingly being subject to more widespread research and application in symptom management. There is, however, a degree of uncertainty in some types of psychosocial intervention due to a lack of conclusive evidence on their efficacy (Dugmore et al.). However, in recent years, perspectives have been developed and evolved as interest and involvement from western developed countries continues to heighten. By observing a changing consensus of psychosocial intervention through the past 25 years, a better understanding of contemporary issues can be achieved through clarification of shortcomings in research, increase in demand, and events expanding international interest.
Note: you have to be careful with this fourth technique because it can lead to accidental plagiarism if used improperly.
Last Completed Projects
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