Original Thinking, Synthesis, and Research Management

All flashcards

What is synthesis?

Synthesis combines information from different sources and makes connections among those sources and the writer’s ideas to create a new, deeper, or changed understanding.

What can count as original thinking in a research paper?

Original thinking can include offering an alternative viewpoint, interpreting existing evidence in a fresh way, or pointing out a flaw in current thinking. It does not have to be a groundbreaking discovery.

What is a research log, and why use one?

A research log is an organized record of sources consulted, publication information, notes, and commentary. It helps writers track evidence, prepare citations, avoid repeated work, and make connections among sources.

How do paraphrasing and summarizing differ?

Paraphrasing restates an idea in your own words. Summarizing restates a text’s main ideas and key details in your own words.

What is field research?

Field research collects raw data outside a laboratory, library, or workplace setting, often through observation in the subject’s natural environment.

Quiz questions

1. What does synthesis do in research writing?Answer: Connects information from multiple sources with the writer’s reasoning to develop a deeper understanding.
2. Which statement best describes original thinking in a student research paper?Answer: It can offer a new interpretation, an alternative viewpoint, or a critique of existing ideas.
3. Which combination of information is useful in a research log?Answer: Publication details, source notes, and comments on connections to other sources or the thesis.
4. One study supports a policy, while another identifies a limitation of it. What is a useful step toward synthesis?Answer: Explain how the studies’ relationship contributes to a more nuanced understanding of the policy.