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What is Synthesis and Analysis?

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What is Synthesis and Analysis?

Synthesis is a crucial skill that allows us to make sense of complex information and draw

connections between seemingly disparate sources. It is a process that entails stepping back from

particular sources and considering the big picture. We can develop a complete picture of a topic

or issue by synthesizing data from several sources (Xiao & Watson, 2019). Synthesis is a process

that happens in stages. Before beginning, we must list the materials or concepts we intend to use.

Books, reports, scholarly articles, and other media products are possible sources. Once our heads

have been identified, we must analyze and assess them to determine whether or not they are

pertinent to our topic or problem. After that, we must connect our sources by finding shared

themes, patterns, or viewpoints (Xiao & Watson, 2019). Finding these connections allows us to

start coming up with fresh ideas and insights that would have been impossible without looking at

individual sources. Producing new ideas is the core of synthesis, enabling us to develop a fresh

viewpoint on a subject or problem. We must adequately explain our synthesis to others before we

can move on. Examples are writing a research paper, presenting our thoughts to coworkers, or

posting our observations on social media (Mertz et al., 2017). Whatever the format, the objective

is to successfully express our views so that others can use our knowledge and add to the ongoing

discussion about the subject or issue.

The analysis better examines a subject or topic to understand its structure, function, or

meaning. It includes dissecting the issue into more manageable parts and carefully considering

each. In literary analysis, for instance, the author may concentrate on a text's language, structure,

characters, themes, or symbols, meticulously assessing each component to comprehensively

understand the work. Analytical thinking, critical observation, and attention to detail are all

necessary (Angel, 2017). Drawing connections between various aspects of the topic requires the
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writer to be able to spot patterns, links, and themes that might take time to notice. This technique

frequently entails drawing analogies, looking into paradoxes, and posing pointed questions to

find hidden meanings or insights (Angel, 2017). Thanks to analysis, we can better understand

complicated topics or issues, which is one of its main advantages. We can more clearly

comprehend how something works and what it implies if we break it down into its component

elements. This might be helpful, particularly in the sciences, where it can be challenging to

comprehend complicated systems or processes without thorough consideration. The ability of

analysis to aid in conclusion-making and informed decision-making based on the data we have

obtained is yet another crucial component of the study (Angel, 2017). By cautiously breaking

down current realities, we can acquire experiences and thoughts that can direct our activities and

help us accomplish our targets.

Before beginning an analysis, deciding which general topics or components of your

subject you will be looking at is crucial. Meticulous preparation, attention to detail, and a desire

to connect with your subject matter critically and thoughtfully are necessary for the complicated,

multi-step analysis process (Angel, 2017). Deciding on the broad subjects or components of your

subject that you will be looking at is the first stage in any analysis. As a result, your comment

will be more narrowly focused, and you will have a clearer idea of the results you intend to

attain. The next stage is making notes as you review your sources or books after deciding on

your broad subjects. Maintaining track of your thoughts, ideas, and observations as you work; is

a crucial step in the analytical process. Try to be as comprehensive as you can as you read,

noting any features, themes, or patterns that may be important to your study (Angel, 2017). To

further investigate each area, look at other sources or conduct outside research and make notes in

your head. This can be particularly useful if you are dealing with an uncommonly muddled point
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or has numerous features since it can give additional background info and knowledge into your

subject. It is critical to know about your requests and the ends you are coming to as you dissect

your subject. It tends to be particularly useful to inquire about "why" and "how" questions since

they urge you to consider the basic causes and activities of the subject you are breaking down.

As you develop a complete understanding of your subject, consider various perspectives and

points of view. Concluding your analysis is crucial (Angel, 2017). Here, you will combine your

gathered information to form your opinions and ideas about the issue. Be sure to include

evidence from your sources to back up your conclusions and think about the bigger picture of

your subject.

Finally, after you have looked at and weighed each aspect of your subject, draw your

conclusions from your research. Each paragraph should concentrate on a distinct subtopic,

investigating your observations and interpretations to broaden your knowledge and communicate

your views to others. The analysis skill may be honed to become a potent tool for

comprehending challenging material and creating novel concepts.

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References

Angel, C. (2017, June 16). Experiential Education: Analysis and Synthesis.

Utas.shorthandstories.com.

Mertz, M., Strech, D., & Kahrass, H. (2017). What methods do reviews of normative ethics

literature use for search, selection, analysis, and synthesis? In-depth results from a

systematic review of reviews. Systematic Reviews, 6(1), 1-12.

Xiao, Y., & Watson, M. (2019). Guidance on conducting a systematic literature review. Journal

of planning education and Research, 39(1), 93–112.