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De Hertogh
WRTC 103

A synthesis matrix is designed to help you:

a) identify the key claims/arguments made by multiple authors
b) synthesize those claims
After you identify the claims provided by each author, you can then begin to understand what these
individual arguments say about the state of knowledge around your topic. This will prepare you to
draft your Annotated Bibliography as well as other projects for the course.

Synthesis Matrix

Step 1: Create Your Synthesis Matrix

The following synthesis matrix will help you identify and synthesize (or combine) multiple au-
thors’ perspectives about community. To complete the matrix, follow these steps:

1. Write down your topic.

2. List each author’s name in the Source row.

3. Jot down each author’s major and minor claims using keywords, quotes, and phrases.

4. Create a working list of synthesis notes to identify patterns among authors’ claims.
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Topic: The tech community of silicon Valley

Source #1 Source #2 Source #3 Source #4

Davidson , Elsa Steitefeld, David Giwargis, Ra-
mona.
Major Claims The community His major claim She is saying that
of the youth is di- is that these the workers of
verse but all workers and silicon valley
working towards companies need aren’t happy with
the same goal. these immigrants the new pension
The middle class to continue to be laws an that they
has a huge ad- as successful as are unfair and
vantage over the they are right unjust.
lower class in be- now.
coming success-
ful.

Minor Claims There is no sup- Theses tech com- Could cause

port to help the panies are very many worker to
lower class be- powerful and will loose their jobs
come able to be able to have benefiting only
prosper. some leverage in the companies.
the decisions. So
they should do
that.

Synthesis Notes middle class ad- replacing policies work together for
vantage, that could limit a common goal,
Use this space to lower class strug- productivity, come up with so-
identify patterns gle, stand as one, lution to an aris-
among authors’ need for a change make changes for ing problem,
claims the better

Topic: Community_________________________________
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de Waal Turkle

Major Claims
> many mam- > technology
mals (e.g., pri- negatively im-
mates) are pro- pacts human
social and want communication
to collaborate and connectivity

> “Across gener-

ations, technol-
ogy is implicated
in this assault on
empathy. We’ve
gotten used to
being connected
all the time, but
we have found
ways around con-
versation”

Minor Claims
> empathy is an > young people
important quality are particularly
in social animals vulnerable to be-
ing distracted by
technology

> “The trouble

with talk begins
young.”
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Synthesis Notes Ex. 1: Ex. 2:

Use this space to Both de Waal de Waal: empa-

identify patterns and Turkle are thy
among authors’ interested in un- pro-social collab-
claims derstanding hu- oration
man connectivity fairness
and, therefore,
how people form Turkle:
communities/ technology
work together relationships dis-
traction compas-
sion

Tip for Synthesis Notes: After your matrix is complete, look for patterns of information. You
may find that your sources discuss similar claims or that they sometimes deal with different as-
pects of your topic. Noticing these patterns will help you refine your research question and de-
velop a thesis statement that can guide you in your research and writing process.

*Adapted from the NC State University Writing and Speaking Tutorial Service

Topic: _________________________________
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Major Claims

Minor Claims

Synthesis Notes

Use this space to

identify patterns
among authors’
claims

Topic: _________________________________
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Major Claims

Minor Claims

Synthesis Notes

Use this space to

identify patterns
among authors’
claims