Overview

For this assignment, you are going to advance beyond summarizing an individual article to synthesizing multiple articles (that is, discussing them as a group rather than simply summarizing them individually). The ability to critically analyze articles and discuss them in an integrated manner distinguishes doctoral-level professionals.

Professionals typically complete the critical thinking and analysis skills for writing on their own by drafting an outline. In this assignment, you will complete an outline that incorporates all the articles you've gathered before writing the synthesis. You will submit your outline and your synthesis together and receive feedback and be graded for both. Remember, most writing problems are thinking problems, so feedback on your thinking without the writing can be useful.

Instructions

Locate a minimum of five peer-reviewed articles related to the same topic that have been published within the last five years. It is fine to use the article from the first assignment as one of your articles here if you wish to explore that topic in more detail.

1. You will first write an outline. This doesn't have to be complete sentences but should contain sufficient detail and highlight the main points that will comprise the synthesis.
   • Provide a correctly formatted APA citations of at least 5 peer-reviewed sources that are no older than 5 years.
   • Identify the findings of each article.
   • Identify complementary findings between the sources.
   • Identify contradictory findings between the sources.
   • State the significance and relevance of the comparisons.
2. Write a synthesis of the articles in narrative format based on the main points from the outline. Your synthesis and your outline must cover the same articles.
   • Your synthesis and your outline must cover the same articles.
   • Provide an introduction (this is the Topic section) that previews the content, a synthesis section that has logical flow and transitions, and a conclusion that encapsulates main takeaways or important topics.
   • Compare the findings and develop themes using the articles and findings from the outline.

Outline Sections

Follow this format for organizing your outline:

1. Topic.
2. Individual Articles.
   1. Article A.
      1. Include full reference for article.
      2. List relevant findings.
   2. Et cetera.
3. Synthesis of Articles.
   1. Similar or Complementary Findings.
      1. Finding #1.
      2. Finding #2.
      3. Et cetera.
   2. Contradictory Findings.
      1. Finding #1.
      2. Et cetera.
4. Conclusions.
   1. List of key points.

Paper Sections

Follow this format for writing your synthesis:

• Title (APA Level 1 heading).
• Topic (APA Level 2 heading).
• Similar or Complementary Finding (APA Level 2 heading).
  • Finding #1 (APA Level 3 heading).
  • Et cetera (APA Level 3 heading).
• Contradictory Finding (APA Level 2 heading).
  • Finding #1 (APA Level 3 heading).
  • Et cetera (APA Level 3 heading).
• Conclusion (APA Level 2 heading).
  • One paragraph.

How You Will Be Graded

In the Outline:

• Analyze each article, including relevant findings.
• Compare the findings of the articles, identifying complementary and contradictory findings.

In the paper:

• Organize content so ideas flow logically with smooth transitions.
  • Provide an introduction that previews the content, a synthesis section that has logical flow and transitions, and a conclusions that encapsulates main takeaways or important topics.
• Synthesize multiple sources into key themes or findings.
  • Using the articles and findings from the outline, compare the findings and develop themes. Be sure to use transition phrases.
• Write paragraphs according to the MEAL Plan Paragraph OrganizationLinks to an external site..
• Adhere to the rules of grammar, usage, and mechanics.
• Apply APA style and formatting to scholarly writing.

Submission Requirements

• References: Include a minimum of 5 peer-reviewed sources.
• Format: Use current APA style and format for references and in-text citations. Visit Evidence and APALinks to an external site. for help with APA as needed. Include headings for sections of the paper, align