An Approach to Synthesizing Information and Knowledge in Written Discourse

 Some tips for writers to consider in terms of how to synthesize information and knowledge on a topic or in an argument.

Write down any key sources, perspectives, and the history of a topic or argument. I sometimes create a timeline so that I can conceptualize the evolution of a topic or argument.

This could include how a topic or argument started in one format and then made its way into other formats, noting any changes made to it as it evolved.

Also, note any source material that seems to offer their own synthesis on the topic or argument.

Read all of the ideas, information, knowledge, and the way in which all of it was presented by the author, digesting it over a reasonable amount of time.

Note if and how various sources speak to one another. Do they share anything in common? What are any differences?

Define terms, explain ideas, articulate your point of view on a topic or argument.

Be thorough in your approach, think of this as an opportunity to teach others about a topic or argument.

Create the impression with your audience that you have a full grasp of the breadth and depth of the topic or argument you are addressing.

Relate, connect, and provide context when addressing the topic or argument.

Note relevant historical, cultural, social, or political contexts in the presentation of the topic or argument.

Strategically designate an area in your writing to address this context, or to use this context for rhetorical effect.

Use a variety of rhetorical devices to relate that context to your own ideas or thoughts on the topic or argument.

Try a variety of designs in organizing the information and knowledge of the topic or argument in your writing.

The placement of information or knowledge can impact how your audience reacts to your presentation of the topic or argument.

Learn the discourse(s) in which the topic or argument is being discussed in, noting the tone, wording, and diction in the sources in which the topic or argument appears.

Familiarize yourself with the way in which language is being used within your sources and try it on for yourself in your own writing.

Learn how to use writing conventions such as APA, which stands for American Psychological Association, or IEEE, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, so you can use them in your own writing.

Notice any sources that might conflate a topic(s) or argument(s) as well as texts or ideas.

In your own writing, do not forcefully fuse ideas, topics, or arguments together only in order to justify your beliefs.

Define your scope on a topic or argument early in your writing.

Do not let your audience identify or label any perceived missing information or knowledge as "holes."

Be thorough. As much as possible.

Let your intended and potential audiences know where you are coming from as early as possible.

Including your experience on a particular topic or in an argument can sometimes add strength to your portrayal of it.

Determine the quality of your experience and if it does stand out in a significant way in regards to your topic or argument.

If including your own experience does meet a standard of quality, include it strategically in your writing in order to impact your audience.

Try portraying your writing in various genres, such as a blog posting or as a script for a video. See which of the genres receives the most favorable response and then run with it.

There is one final thing to consider when conducting your own research. Pay attention to any sources presenting "Frankenstein Facts" or is "Frankensteining."

"Frankenstein Facts" or "Frankensteining" is selectively chosen pieces of information from various sources, purposefully stitched together through rhetorical flourish and presented as truth to keep a cause, agenda, or narrative alive.