Synthesis of Literature

The Synthesis of Literature shows how past research connects to your study. Instead of just summarizing what other researchers said, it pulls their ideas together, compares them, and points out patterns, disagreements, and gaps.

This part helps you explain what’s already known about your topic, what’s still missing, and how your research will help fill that gap. In this guide, you’ll learn how to organize and write your synthesis in a clear, useful way that supports your study.

What Is the Synthesis of Literature?

The synthesis of literature is when you take information from different research studies and put it all together in a clear, connected way. You’re not just listing what each study says you’re comparing them, finding common ideas, spotting differences, and showing how they relate to each other.

It helps you answer questions like:

• What do most researchers agree on?
• Where do their results or opinions differ?
• What still hasn’t been studied enough?
• How do these studies help support your research?

In short, synthesis shows that you understand the bigger picture of your topic and are ready to add something new to the conversation.

Purpose of the Synthesis of Literature

The purpose of the synthesis of Literature is to connect the dots between past studies and show how they relate to your research. It’s not just about showing what others have said, it’s about making sense of it all.

Here’s what a good synthesis helps you do:

• Understand the big picture of your topic
• Find gaps or areas that haven’t been studied much
• Spot patterns or trends in the research
• Show disagreements or mixed results
• Explain why your study matters and how it fits in

In short, the synthesis helps you build a strong foundation for your study. It proves that you know what’s already out there and shows how your research will add something useful or new.

Types of Literature Synthesis

Here are the main ways to organize your synthesis of literature:

1. Thematic Synthesis

• Group studies are based on common themes or topics.
• Useful when multiple studies focus on similar ideas or findings.

Example: Studies focusing on “student motivation” are grouped under that theme.

2. Methodological Synthesis

• Compares studies based on the methods they used (e.g., surveys, interviews, experiments).
• Helps you see how different methods affect the results or quality of the research.

Example: One group of studies uses qualitative interviews, another uses quantitative surveys.

3. Chronological Synthesis

• Organizes studies by year or period to show how research has developed or changed.
• Useful when the topic has evolved or trends have shifted.

Example: Early 2000s research focused on print media; recent studies focus on social media.

4. Theoretical Synthesis

• Groups and compares studies based on the theories they apply.
• Great for showing how different frameworks explain the same issue.

Example: Some studies use social learning theory; others use self-determination theory.

5. Contextual Synthesis

• Focuses on where or with whom the research was done.
• Useful for comparing findings across cultures, locations, or groups.

Example: Comparing studies on online learning in rural schools vs. urban schools.

What to Include in the Synthesis of Literature

A solid synthesis of literature does more than summarize past research; it connects ideas, highlights relationships, and positions your study within the bigger academic conversation. It should show what’s already known, where studies align or clash, and what still needs to be explored.

Your synthesis should include the following:

1. Explanation of main themes or patterns
2. Key concepts or variables
3. Relevance to your research
4. Agreements and disagreements between studies
5. Gaps in the research
6. Connections and comparisons between sources
7. Visual diagram (if applicable)

1. Explanation of Main Themes or Patterns

Look for recurring ideas or findings across multiple studies. These form the key themes that help you organize the literature.

Example: If most studies discuss “motivation in online learning,” that’s a theme worth highlighting.

Let the themes emerge naturally as you read; don’t force them.

2. Key Concepts or Variables

Identify and explain the important terms or variables being studied. These are the core ideas each researcher is working with.

Ask:

• What concepts keep coming up?
• How are they defined or measured?
• Do different studies use the same term in different ways?

Example: “Academic performance” might mean GPA in one study and exam scores in another.

3. Relevance to Your Research

Link the existing literature to your specific study. Show how each theme or concept relates to your topic, research questions, or objectives.

Ask:

• Does this support or explain part of my research?
• Does it point out something that hasn’t been studied enough?
• How does it justify my study?

Example: If you’re studying student burnout, connect studies about time pressure, workload, or stress responses.

4. Agreements and Disagreements Between Studies

Point out where studies align and where they don’t. This shows your ability to critically engage with the literature.

Ask:

• Do most studies agree on outcomes?
• Where do findings conflict?
• Could methods, populations, or definitions explain the differences?

Example: One study says phone use helps learning; another says it’s distracting compare sample groups and research designs to understand why.

5. Gaps in the Research

Highlight what’s missing or underexplored in the existing literature. These gaps help justify the need for your study.

Look for:

• Populations that haven’t been studied
• Outdated data or missing methods
• Perspectives that haven’t been covered

Example: “Most research focuses on college students, but high school learners are rarely studied in this context.”

6. Connections and Comparisons Between Sources

Go beyond individual summaries. Show how the studies relate, contrast, or build on one another.

Ask:

• Are the findings complementary or contradictory?
• Do they use similar or different frameworks?
• How do methods, samples, or contexts compare?

Example: “Study A and B both explore screen time but use different populations teens vs. adults which may explain their different conclusions.”

7. Visual Diagram (If Applicable)

A diagram can help make complex ideas easier to understand. Use visuals to show how themes, concepts, or findings are linked.

Options:

• Concept maps
• Thematic tables
• Cause-and-effect flowcharts

Example: A concept map showing how time management, stress, and academic outcomes interact.

Qualities of a Strong Synthesis of Literature

Not all literature syntheses are created equal. A strong synthesis is more than just a summary it is a strategic, critical overview that highlights connections, reveals gaps, and lays the foundation for your research.

Below are the essential qualities of an effective synthesis:

1. Focused and Relevant

The synthesis should stay directly connected to your research questions or objectives. Avoid including studies that don’t contribute meaningfully to your topic.

Ask yourself: Does this source help clarify or support my research problem?

2. Analytical, Not Just Descriptive

Summarizing is only the beginning. A good synthesis goes deeper, explaining patterns, differences, implications, and how studies relate to one another.

Poor: “Study A found X. Study B found Y.”
Better: “Both studies address X, but their differing samples may explain the contrasting outcomes.”

3. Well-Organized and Structured

Structure your synthesis logically. Organize by themes, trends, variables, or theoretical perspectives, not by author. This helps readers see the big picture.

Use subheadings or grouping strategies to maintain flow and coherence.

4. Balanced and Fair

Include a range of viewpoints, even those that challenge your assumptions. Showing multiple perspectives increases credibility and shows critical thinking.

Present contradictions or disagreements clearly, and explain them when possible.

5. Connects to Your Framework and Research Gap

Your synthesis should guide readers toward your theoretical framework and research gap. Show where your study fits into the broader academic conversation.

Think of this as the transition between existing knowledge and your contribution.

6. Shows Relationships Between Studies

Identify how studies relate not only in their findings but also in methods, theoretical approaches, or populations. This helps build a comprehensive view of the field.

Example: Two studies using the same theory but applying it to different contexts can reveal key patterns or inconsistencies

7. Consistent Academic Tone and Proper Citation

Maintain a formal, objective tone throughout. Use correct citation styles (APA, MLA, etc.) consistently to uphold scholarly standards and academic integrity.

Clear, accurate referencing enhances professionalism and avoids plagiarism.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid in a Synthesis of Literature

Even experienced researchers make mistakes when writing a synthesis. Avoiding these common traps will make your review stronger, more focused, and more impactful.

1. Listing Studies Without Synthesis

Don’t just summarize one study after another. That turns your paper into a list, not a synthesis.
Do show how studies are connected, compared, or contrasted.

Poor example: “Study A found this. Study B found that.”
Better approach: “Studies A and B both focus on online learning but differ in their definitions of engagement.”

2. Lack of Focus

Including every study you come across makes the synthesis messy. Stay focused on research that directly supports or challenges your topic.

Tip: Choose quality over quantity.

3. Weak Structure or No Thematic Grouping

Jumping from one idea to another without a clear structure confuses readers.
Organize your synthesis by themes, patterns, or concepts, not by author or publication date.

Use subheadings to help structure your ideas logically.

4. Repeating the Same Point

Avoid saying the same thing repeatedly in different words. Every paragraph should introduce something new or deepen your argument.

5. Ignoring Contradictory Findings

Presenting only the studies that agree with your viewpoint weakens your work. Strong syntheses include diverse perspectives, even those that challenge your assumptions.

Tip: Address disagreements and explore possible reasons for different findings.

6. Not Linking to Your Research

If you don’t connect the literature back to your research, the synthesis feels disconnected.
Always explain how each theme or set of findings relates to your research problem or question.

End each subsection with a sentence that ties it back to your study.

7. No Critical Analysis

A synthesis isn’t just about describing what others have said. You need to engage critically with the literature, identify strengths, limitations, trends, and gaps.

Don’t just report interpret, analyze, and evaluate.

How the Synthesis of Literature Connects to Other Sections

The synthesis supports and strengthens your research by linking it to existing studies.

Here’s how it connects to key parts of your paper:

• Introduction: Provides background and justifies the importance of your topic.
• Problem Statement: Identifies the gap your study will address.
• Research Questions: Helps you form focused, researchable questions.
• Theoretical Framework: Guides the selection of relevant theories and concepts.
• Methodology: Informs your approach based on what past studies have done.
• Discussion: Allows you to compare your findings with earlier research.
• Conclusion: Supports your insights and points toward future research.

Related Guides

The Synthesis of Literature is a core part of Chapter 2: Review of Related Literature. Use these guides, templates, and strategies to strengthen your synthesis and keep your literature review focused and academically solid.

Chapter 2: Structure Overview

1. Introduction to Related Literature →
2. Synthesis of Literature →
3. Theoretical Framework →
4. Conceptual Framework →
5. Review of Related Studies (Local & Foreign) →
6. Identifying Gaps in the Literature →
7. Summary of Literature Review →

Synthesis of Literature Resources

Writing Guides & How-To

Practical how-to articles to help you write and structure your synthesis effectively:

• How to Write a Strong Synthesis of Literature →
• How to Structure Chapter 2 Clearly →
• How to Identify Key Themes in Literature →
• How to Compare and Contrast Studies →
• How to Connect Studies to Research Gaps →
• How to Move from Synthesis to Framework →

Strategy Guides for Researchers

Tactical tips and research habits for improving the clarity and depth of your synthesis:

• How to Choose Relevant Studies →
• How to Avoid Common Pitfalls in a Synthesis →
• When to Use Visual Aids (Tables, Maps, Diagrams) →
• How to Keep Your Literature Review Focused →
• Critical Analysis vs. Summary – What’s the Difference? →

Tools & Resources

Downloadable templates, checklists, and visual organizers to support your writing process:

• ✅ Synthesis Checklist – What to Include and What to Avoid
• 🗂️ Theme Tracker Worksheet – Spot recurring ideas across sources
• 🔗 Study Comparison Table Template – Compare findings, methods, and variables
• 📌 Visual Mapping Template – Link studies by concept, method, or theory
• 📄 Peer Feedback Sheet – Use this to self-review or get comments on your synthesis
• 📘 Mini Handbook PDF – Full writing guide for Chapter 2, including synthesis tips

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Final Thoughts

Writing a strong synthesis of literature isn’t just about collecting sources, it’s about making sense of what’s already known and laying the foundation for your research. It helps readers see the bigger picture, understand the current state of knowledge, and recognize the gap your study is filling.

When done right, your synthesis becomes more than a summary. It becomes a tool for building credibility, showing critical thinking, and positioning your work within the academic conversation.

Stay focused, stay analytical, and always link your synthesis back to your research questions. That’s what makes it meaningful not just for you, but for everyone reading your work.

Note: We’re not your school’s official research coordinator, but our guides are designed to support and guide your writing process. Always follow your institution’s specific guidelines and formatting requirements.