Evidence Synthesis

In the context of developing this open pedagogy assignment, we use the term evidence synthesis to describe the process of analyzing multiple sources from diverse contexts. The goal of synthesis is to “integrate support from more than one source for one idea/argument while also identifying how sources are related to each other and your main idea.”^[1] The sources should address the same topic, but will often highlight different aspects of the topic. For instance, one source might show the historical background, whereas another source might demonstrate the scientific impact. The process of synthesizing materials can also identify how theories, hypothesis, or other factors relate between separate sources.¹

In Project Three, students will examine a primary source and integrate it with their existing knowledge and research in their specific subject area to create a community engagement opportunity that highlights career-ready skills. This process of synthesizing materials enables STEM students to apply a familiar scientific approach to learning—collecting and analyzing data while also integrating historical context—allowing them to incorporate both elements holistically into an outreach initiative.

Why Synthesis is Important: 

(Obtained from: Synthesizing Research | University of Illinois Springfield)

• Synthesis integrates information from multiple sources, which shows that you have done the necessary research to engage with a topic more fully.
• Research involves incorporating many sources to understand and/or answer a research question, and discovering these connections between the sources helps you better analyze and understand the conversations surrounding your topic.
• Successful synthesis creates links between your ideas helping your paper “flow” and connect better.
• Synthesis prevents your papers from looking like a list of copied and pasted sources from various authors.
• Synthesis is a higher order process in writing—this is the area where you as a writer get to shine and show your audience your reasoning.

Visit this resource for more information on types of synthesis: Synthesizing Research | University of Illinois Springfield

How can archival research support evidence synthesis and enhance career readiness?

Archival research creates a learning environment that integrates historical context with innovative inquiry. It also emphasizes storytelling, allowing STEM students to strengthen their communication skills and apply their knowledge across diverse contexts.

Science Communication: Science communication (SciCom) is defined as the use of appropriate skills, media, activities, and dialogue to produce one or more of the following personal responses to science (the AEIOU vowel analogy): Awareness, Enjoyment, Interest, Opinion-forming, and Understanding.^[2]