How do you use data synthesis to support your thesis statement or research question?

1 Identify your purpose

Before you start synthesizing data, you need to have a clear purpose for your writing. What is your main claim or research question? What are you trying to prove or explore? How does your topic relate to the existing literature or knowledge in your field? Your purpose will guide your selection, evaluation, and integration of data sources.

2 Find and select data sources

To synthesize data, you need to find and select data sources that are relevant, reliable, and diverse. You can use different types of data sources, such as books, articles, reports, surveys, interviews, statistics, or visual aids. You should use a variety of sources to avoid bias, gaps, or repetition in your data. You should also check the credibility, accuracy, and currency of your sources.

3 Analyze and compare data sources

Once you have selected your data sources, you need to analyze and compare them. You should look for similarities, differences, patterns, trends, gaps, or contradictions in the data. You should also evaluate how the data sources support or challenge your thesis statement or research question. You can use different methods of analysis, such as summarizing, paraphrasing, quoting, or visualizing the data.

5 Interpret and synthesize your data

The next step is to interpret and synthesize your data. You should explain what your data means and how it relates to your thesis statement or research question. You should also show how your data supports, refutes, or modifies your main claim or argument. You should use your own words and voice to synthesize your data, but you should also acknowledge and cite your sources.

6 Evaluate and revise your data synthesis

The final step is to evaluate and revise your data synthesis. You should check if your data synthesis is clear, coherent, consistent, and complete. You should also check if your data synthesis is relevant, reliable, and persuasive. You should proofread and edit your data synthesis for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and formatting. You should also seek feedback from others and make improvements as needed.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?