PowerPoint Presentation
Synthesising sources
Dr Rajeni Rajan
Support for learning
Support for Learning
Week 2
Preparing to
synthesise
Stages of reading
Example synthesis
Synthesising from
unit readings
Useful phrases for
synthesising sources
Stages of Reading 1
Stage Strategy
Skimming/ scanning to get a general idea of the content Don’t read every word, or look at every detail. Instead
look at
Title, Date of publication, author(s); headings and sub-
headings; introduction; abstract
Select the most relevant sections
• Read abstract/introduction/conclusion – key points
• Read first and last sentences of paragraphs
• Look at charts/ diagrams
• Look for key words
• Decide if some sections are more relevant to your topic
Reading for deep understanding
and detail
Examining details paragraph by paragraph
• What is the author’s position / view / message?
• What are the main points / claims?
• What are the recu
ing key words or phrases?
• What theory is used in presenting ideas?
Stages of Reading 2
Reading Stage Questions to ask What to select
Early Stage What are the most relevant
sources for my assignment topic?
An entire source after skimming
and scanning
Middle Stage What do I need to read for this
source?
Relevant sections within the
source
Guided by headings and sub-
headings
Final Stage What specific information can I
use from the source?
Specific information or ideas from
the source
When you synthesise…
When you synthesise…
Combine
sources
Support your
argument
conclusions with
more than one
citation
Show that
you have
ead
extensively
Group similar
ideas/argument
from various
sources
togethe
Preparing to synthesise/combine sources
What’s the order?
LOCATE
COLLATE
EVALUATE
REVIEW
ORGANISE TO WRITE
Preparing to synthesise/combine sources
Locate/find
elevant sources.
Skim read
headings,
abstract,
introduction,
findings &
conclusion for a
gist.
Then read
deeply.
Collate relevant
information by
making notes as
you read.
Evaluate the
information you
ead.
Compare and
contrast the
information –
where do they
agree, where do
they differ?
Review your
notes and reflect
on what you
have read in
elation to your
assignment task.
Organise your
notes, ideas into
a preliminary
structure and
start writing.
LOCATE COLLATE EVALUATE REVIEW ORGANISE
Source: https:
emedia.rmit.edu.au/learningla
sites/default/files/Synthesising_2015_Accessible.pdf
Example synthesis
(1) Combining information from two sources:
Folke et al. (2016)
The social-ecological systems approach
emphasizes that people, communities,
economies, societies, cultures are
embedded parts of the biosphere and
shape it, from local to global
scales…Social-ecological systems are
complex adaptive systems, where agents
often interact in unplanned and
unpredictable ways. These interactions
underlie the emergence of
oader scale
patterns that feed back on the system and
influence the interactions of the agents
(Levin et al. 2013).
Kim (1999)
A system is any group of interacting,
inte
elated, or interdependent parts that
form a complex and unified whole that has a
specific purpose. …natural and social
systems can be far more difficult to
understand than non-living systems
ecause we never know for sure what their
purpose or design is…Systems attempt to
maintain stability through feedback.
(2) Making notes from the two sources
Folke et al. (2016)
• Socio-ecological systems
intertwined - complex systems
• Parts of a whole are connected
• Parts/agents interact with one
another but not predictable
• Interactions provide feed back on
system XXXXXXXXXXinfluence interactions
of agents
Kim (1999)
• A system is inte
elated
• The whole consists of parts that
are interdependent
• The whole is complex and unified
• The whole has a specific purpose
• Interdependency of parts is key in
keeping the whole togethe
• A part cannot function
independently
• Feedback essential for stability
(3) Combining the two sources:
Folke et al XXXXXXXXXXand Kim (1999)
Systems are complex due to their intertwined nature, consisting
of interdependent parts or agents (Folke et al., 2016; Kim,
1999). For this reason, Folke et al XXXXXXXXXXpoint out that
socio-ecological systems cannot work in predictable ways.
Similarly, Kim XXXXXXXXXXcontends that the natural systems, as
opposed to non-living systems, are not straightforward in the
way they function. However, Folke et al XXXXXXXXXXand Kim
(1999) emphasise the role of feedback in maintaining complex
systems. Hence, an interdisciplinary perspective as such is
necessary when addressing sustainability issues.
Useful phrases for synthesising sources
To show agreements/similarities
Smith XXXXXXXXXXargues that her
data support Dorji’s XXXXXXXXXXview
that...
Al-Arshaf’s XXXXXXXXXXwork on X is
complemented by Achebe’s
(2010) study of …
Jones XXXXXXXXXXasserts that…
Likewise, Lim XXXXXXXXXXholds the
view that…
To show disagreements/different
perspectives
While Smith XXXXXXXXXXfocusses on
the socio-economic aspect of X,
Dorji XXXXXXXXXXpays particular
attention to the socio-cultural
influences in relation to X.
Some researchers (e.g., Achebe,
2010; Al-Arshaf, 2016) have
highlighted X as a primary factor
driving the issue. Others (Jones,
2017; Lim, 2018),however, have
identified Y as a significant factor
influencing the problem.
Useful links
Refe
ing to/combining sources- Manchester Phrasebank
Phrases to introduce synthesis
http:
www.phrasebank.manchester.ac.uk
efe
ing-to-sources
https:
pressbooks.ulib.csuohio.edu/eng-102/chapte
phrases-that-begin-the-work-of-synthesis
Next week...
Reflective writing:
Learning Journal
Referencing and
Academic integrity
Any Questions
Learning Journal Name: Student number: XXXXXXXXXXWeek/tutorial Date:
AREA to COVER XXXXXXXXXXThis is an example do not repeat this reading (Folke, Biggs et al XXXXXXXXXXfor your learning journal
1 Unit reading I have read - detail references below at 7 [approximately 15 words]
Folke, Biggs et al (2016)
2 One Key definition/concepts
That relates to the central unit topics such as systems thinking, socio-ecological systems and resilience [approximately 30-50 words]
Berkes and Folke XXXXXXXXXXhighlight social-ecological systems “as an integrated perspective of humans in nature” that links to resilience (Folke et al XXXXXXXXXXSocial-ecological
esilience “is the capacity to adapt or transform in the face of change in social-ecological systems, particularly unexpected change, in ways that continue to support human
wellbeing (Chapin et al. 2010, Biggs et al 2015)” (Folke et al 2016).
3 Evidence from credible sources that provide examples of concepts/issues-
My analysis and judgement of the evidence provided (critical thinking) [approximately 30-80 words]
The Millenium Ecosystem Assessment contributed to a new understanding of the relationship between humans and nature, for example, showing that ecosystem services
directly contributed to human wellbeing (Folke et al XXXXXXXXXXIn Madagascar, forest remnants have demonstrated their worth as saviours of endemic species like Lemurs as
well as havens for bees that then fertilise nea
y crops. These examples show the importance of social ecological systems particularly when the forests were also sacred
sites which assisted their preservation (Folke et al 2016 p6).
4 Tutorial/online engagement -
a. Discussions in the unit that I started or participated in and new knowledge I have gained from them in relation to the reading/s AND/OR
. Concepts or ideas that I was not sure of and for which I sought clarification from tuto
peers [approximately 30-50 words for a and/or b]
I did not understand well the example of the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment but through discussion in the tutorial and online I was able to find out about the concrete
examples of for example how ecosystems can provide water for humans.
5 Examples of connections:
Between readings/concepts and your knowledge of situations/events that have occu
ed in your region within Australia or overseas [ approximately 50 words]
The social-ecological connections in the forest remnant example from Madagascar discussed by Folke et al XXXXXXXXXXreminded me of how some forests have been protected in
Bhutan partly because of cultural factors like powerful religious/spiritual beliefs of communities and individuals living there (Brookes, 2011).
6 Possible ideas for my choice of major project drawing on readings, lectures and tutorials [approximately 30 words]
I am considering looking at the problem of Perth’s high water consumption in the face of the drying climate because we also have water problems in my home town that are
eing made worse with climate change.
7 References using Autho
Date e.g. APA or Chicago style