Synthesis is the act of creating something new from multiple
existing entities. Synthesis of research, then, is creating a new idea from
existing ideas. Synthesis of research is not a single innate skill. Rather, it
is a process learned through time and practice. At the doctoral level, writing
is a continual process of revision as learners improve skills and build subject
matter expertise.
In Topic 5, you submitted a Synthesis Paper and received
both feedback from your instructor and a grade for your work. In this
assignment, you will expand upon your original paper with additional research
from outside sources, incorporate feedback from your instructor, and provide a
reflection section addressing your revision process.
General Requirements:
Locate the Synthesis Paper you completed in Topic 5.
Locate and download “Enhanced Synthesis Paper
Template” from the Course Materials for this topic.
Locate and download “Enhanced Synthesis Paper
Resources” from the Course Materials for this topic.
Review the articles by Baker and Pifer (2011), Gardner
(2009), and Smith and Hatmaker (2014) located in the Course Materials for this
topic.
This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to
beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for
successful completion.
Doctoral learners are required to use APA style for their
writing assignments. Review the GCU APA Style Guide for Writing located in the
Student Success Center.
You are required to submit this assignment to Turnitin.
Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.
Directions:
Select and read two articles from the Enhanced Synthesis
Paper Resources list located in the Course Materials for this topic.
Locate the Synthesis Paper you completed in Topic 5. Using
the feedback provided by your instructor and information from the two
additional articles you selected, write an Enhanced Synthesis Paper with
Reflection (1,250-1,800 words). Include the following in your paper:
A Reflection (250-300 words) that discusses your revision
process and how you incorporated your instructor’s feedback into the revised
version. Similar to the format of an abstract, this section will receive its
own page following the title page and preceding the Introduction.
An introduction that includes a brief description of each
article and its purpose, identifies the three themes that emerged from your
reading, describes how they will be discussed in the paper, and presents a
clear thesis statement.
Support for your identified themes with evidence from each
article. Provide analysis of these findings to strengthen your narrative.
A discussion of the conclusions that can be drawn when the
articles are taken together as a single entity. What is the overall message of
the group of articles?
