The purpose of this assignment is to complete a Synthesis Grid (a pre-writing tool), help you organize your thinking for the Literature Review (a part of the Research Proposal), and begin the process of synthesizing your research. After completing the grid you should be able to use this tool to present your sources’ discussion of your research question in the Literature Review. Instructions COMPLETE THE FOLLOWING STEPS: Please download, complete, and submit the Blank Synthesis Grid Download Blank Synthesis Grid. Review your sources, looking specifically for patterns and common themes/issues in the research. What issues pertaining to your research question are often discussed in multiple sources on this topic? Narrow down to four or five common themes. List the authors of your sources vertically on the grid. You need to include five (5) sources in the Synthesis Grid – two (2) Primary Sources and three (3) Secondary Sources. List the common themes/issues and useful quotes or examples you pulled out of the research horizontally on the grid. Include in-text citations on the Synthesis Grid by noting the paragraphs or page numbers of quotes or examples from the source. You want to be able to refer back to the source at a later date if you decide to use the source to support views. Fill in the grid by noting each author’s position on each of the common themes/issues and whether you detect fallacies or biased/balanced arguments. A completed Sample Synthesis Grid Download Sample Synthesis Gridhas been provided for your reference. SUBMITTING YOUR ASSIGNMENT Click the Start Assignment button. Click the Choose File button, attach, and upload your file. (.doc, .docx) Click the Submit Assignment button to submit.
