literature synthesis tracker

Literature Synthesis Assistant

Ai-powered tool for synthesizing literature.

  • Academic Research: Summarize and synthesize key points from multiple research papers or books for a literature review or research project.
  • Content Creation: Combine insights from multiple articles or blog posts to create a comprehensive piece of content.
  • Book Reviews: Summarize and synthesize the main themes and ideas from multiple books for a comparative book review.
  • Business Analysis: Combine insights from different reports or case studies to create a comprehensive analysis or report.

New & Trending Tools

Wedding toast generator, ai answer science questions, ai text analyzer and highlights.

Advanced Literature Review Software

Synthesis provides advanced literature review software with analytical and automation functionality for delivering timely evidence-based information in hours, not months, for better decisions.

Strategic Analysis

Perform Scoping and Systematic Reviews quickly and accurately using the latest automation and information management algorithms.

Reference Management

Synthesis organizes and manages all your references and PDFs. You can then quickly search the Abstract and Full-Text PDFs for keywords and phrases.

Advanced Analytics

Quickly summarize the reference by searching and tagging for keywords, preform topic clustering or word clouds on the literature, and then graph all your data.

Multiple Databases

PubMed, PubMed Central, IEEE, US Patents, Ovid (Medline, Embase, Global Health), Web of Science, Scopus, ProQuest, and many others..

Distribution

Export capabilities for sharing the Knowledge that you have just created as either CSV files or for importing into Cite and Write managers.

Internationally Recognized

Synthesis is used in academic research universities, hospitals, government agencies, private corporations and non-governmental organziations throughout the world.

Synthesis applies the latest in automation and enhanced analytic functionality for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of conducting literature reviews...

Free HTML5 Template

How to get started

Explore the features of Synthesis to see what truly sets it apart from other approaches for managing and analyzing the academic and business literature.

Synthesis provides online embedded searching on major bibliographical databases, validated automated de-duplication of references, automated importing of PDFs, methods to analyze the literature, and many more features.

Synthesis is available for Windows, Macintosh, Linux and as a Java application that can be run on any platform.

Find out more

I want to have Access to the latest Literature in the Fastest Possible way and Quickly Assess it. Physician
We need Systems with Automation and Artificial Intelligence that Allows Literature Reviews to be conducted quickly and efficiently. Academic Researcher
We need a Computer System for Healthcare that Puts the Information at My Finger Tips and Tells Me Everything I Need to Know. Hospital Administrator
We need Information Systems that Aren't Based in 1970s Technology Medical Student

Keep Up to Date about Synthesis

Synthesis research inc..

Synthesis Research Inc is a software development company focused on improving the way that literature is managed and analyzed. This desire is based around the goal of providing the best synthesized knowledge for supporting evidence-based decision making.

Synthesis Research Inc applies the latest computer science algorithms based around automation and information retrieval and management for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of conducting literature reviews through automating manual processes and enhancing the workflow.

literature synthesis tracker

  • University of Oregon Libraries
  • Research Guides

How to Write a Literature Review

  • 6. Synthesize
  • Literature Reviews: A Recap
  • Reading Journal Articles
  • Does it Describe a Literature Review?
  • 1. Identify the Question
  • 2. Review Discipline Styles
  • Searching Article Databases
  • Finding Full-Text of an Article
  • Citation Chaining
  • When to Stop Searching
  • 4. Manage Your References
  • 5. Critically Analyze and Evaluate

Synthesis Visualization

Synthesis matrix example.

  • 7. Write a Literature Review

Chat

  • Synthesis Worksheet

About Synthesis

Approaches to synthesis.

You can sort the literature in various ways, for example:

light bulb image

How to Begin?

Read your sources carefully and find the main idea(s) of each source

Look for similarities in your sources – which sources are talking about the same main ideas? (for example, sources that discuss the historical background on your topic)

Use the worksheet (above) or synthesis matrix (below) to get organized

This work can be messy. Don't worry if you have to go through a few iterations of the worksheet or matrix as you work on your lit review!

Four Examples of Student Writing

In the four examples below, only ONE shows a good example of synthesis: the fourth column, or  Student D . For a web accessible version, click the link below the image.

Four Examples of Student Writing; Follow the "long description" infographic link for a web accessible description.

Long description of "Four Examples of Student Writing" for web accessibility

  • Download a copy of the "Four Examples of Student Writing" chart

Red X mark

Click on the example to view the pdf.

Personal Learning Environment chart

From Jennifer Lim

  • << Previous: 5. Critically Analyze and Evaluate
  • Next: 7. Write a Literature Review >>
  • Last Updated: Aug 12, 2024 11:48 AM
  • URL: https://researchguides.uoregon.edu/litreview

Contact Us Library Accessibility UO Libraries Privacy Notices and Procedures

Make a Gift

1501 Kincaid Street Eugene, OR 97403 P: 541-346-3053 F: 541-346-3485

  • Visit us on Facebook
  • Visit us on Twitter
  • Visit us on Youtube
  • Visit us on Instagram
  • Report a Concern
  • Nondiscrimination and Title IX
  • Accessibility
  • Privacy Policy
  • Find People

Writing in the Health and Social Sciences

  • Journal Publishing
  • Style and Writing Guides
  • Readings about Writing
  • Resources for Dissertation Authors
  • Citation Management and Formatting Tools

Systematic Literature Reviews: Steps & Resources

Literature review & systematic review steps.

  • What are Literature Reviews?
  • Conducting & Reporting Systematic Reviews
  • Finding Systematic Reviews
  • Tutorials & Tools for Literature Reviews

What are Systematic Reviews? (3 minutes, 24 second YouTube Video)

literature synthesis tracker

These steps for conducting a systematic literature review are listed below . 

Also see subpages for more information about:

  • The different types of literature reviews, including systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis methods
  • Tools & Tutorials
  • Develop a Focused Question
  • Scope the Literature  (Initial Search)
  • Refine & Expand the Search
  • Limit the Results
  • Download Citations
  • Abstract & Analyze
  • Create Flow Diagram
  • Synthesize & Report Results

1. Develop a Focused   Question 

Consider the PICO Format: Population/Problem, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome

Focus on defining the Population or Problem and Intervention (don't narrow by Comparison or Outcome just yet!)

"What are the effects of the Pilates method for patients with low back pain?"

Tools & Additional Resources:

  • PICO Question Help
  • Stillwell, Susan B., DNP, RN, CNE; Fineout-Overholt, Ellen, PhD, RN, FNAP, FAAN; Melnyk, Bernadette Mazurek, PhD, RN, CPNP/PMHNP, FNAP, FAAN; Williamson, Kathleen M., PhD, RN Evidence-Based Practice, Step by Step: Asking the Clinical Question, AJN The American Journal of Nursing : March 2010 - Volume 110 - Issue 3 - p 58-61 doi: 10.1097/01.NAJ.0000368959.11129.79

2. Scope the Literature

A "scoping search" investigates the breadth and/or depth of the initial question or may identify a gap in the literature. 

Eligible studies may be located by searching in:

  • Background sources (books, point-of-care tools)
  • Article databases
  • Trial registries
  • Grey literature
  • Cited references
  • Reference lists

When searching, if possible, translate terms to controlled vocabulary of the database. Use text word searching when necessary.

Use Boolean operators to connect search terms:

  • Combine separate concepts with AND  (resulting in a narrower search)
  • Connecting synonyms with OR  (resulting in an expanded search)

Search:  pilates AND ("low back pain"  OR  backache )

Video Tutorials - Translating PICO Questions into Search Queries

  • Translate Your PICO Into a Search in PubMed (YouTube, Carrie Price, 5:11) 
  • Translate Your PICO Into a Search in CINAHL (YouTube, Carrie Price, 4:56)

3. Refine & Expand Your Search

Expand your search strategy with synonymous search terms harvested from:

  • database thesauri
  • reference lists
  • relevant studies

Example: 

(pilates OR exercise movement techniques) AND ("low back pain" OR backache* OR sciatica OR lumbago OR spondylosis)

As you develop a final, reproducible strategy for each database, save your strategies in a:

  • a personal database account (e.g., MyNCBI for PubMed)
  • Log in with your NYU credentials
  • Open and "Make a Copy" to create your own tracker for your literature search strategies

4. Limit Your Results

Use database filters to limit your results based on your defined inclusion/exclusion criteria.  In addition to relying on the databases' categorical filters, you may also need to manually screen results.  

  • Limit to Article type, e.g.,:  "randomized controlled trial" OR multicenter study
  • Limit by publication years, age groups, language, etc.

NOTE: Many databases allow you to filter to "Full Text Only".  This filter is  not recommended . It excludes articles if their full text is not available in that particular database (CINAHL, PubMed, etc), but if the article is relevant, it is important that you are able to read its title and abstract, regardless of 'full text' status. The full text is likely to be accessible through another source (a different database, or Interlibrary Loan).  

  • Filters in PubMed
  • CINAHL Advanced Searching Tutorial

5. Download Citations

Selected citations and/or entire sets of search results can be downloaded from the database into a citation management tool. If you are conducting a systematic review that will require reporting according to PRISMA standards, a citation manager can help you keep track of the number of articles that came from each database, as well as the number of duplicate records.

In Zotero, you can create a Collection for the combined results set, and sub-collections for the results from each database you search.  You can then use Zotero's 'Duplicate Items" function to find and merge duplicate records.

File structure of a Zotero library, showing a combined pooled set, and sub folders representing results from individual databases.

  • Citation Managers - General Guide

6. Abstract and Analyze

  • Migrate citations to data collection/extraction tool
  • Screen Title/Abstracts for inclusion/exclusion
  • Screen and appraise full text for relevance, methods, 
  • Resolve disagreements by consensus

Covidence is a web-based tool that enables you to work with a team to screen titles/abstracts and full text for inclusion in your review, as well as extract data from the included studies.

Screenshot of the Covidence interface, showing Title and abstract screening phase.

  • Covidence Support
  • Critical Appraisal Tools
  • Data Extraction Tools

7. Create Flow Diagram

The PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses) flow diagram is a visual representation of the flow of records through different phases of a systematic review.  It depicts the number of records identified, included and excluded.  It is best used in conjunction with the PRISMA checklist .

Example PRISMA diagram showing number of records identified, duplicates removed, and records excluded.

Example from: Stotz, S. A., McNealy, K., Begay, R. L., DeSanto, K., Manson, S. M., & Moore, K. R. (2021). Multi-level diabetes prevention and treatment interventions for Native people in the USA and Canada: A scoping review. Current Diabetes Reports, 2 (11), 46. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-021-01414-3

  • PRISMA Flow Diagram Generator (ShinyApp.io, Haddaway et al. )
  • PRISMA Diagram Templates  (Word and PDF)
  • Make a copy of the file to fill out the template
  • Image can be downloaded as PDF, PNG, JPG, or SVG
  • Covidence generates a PRISMA diagram that is automatically updated as records move through the review phases

8. Synthesize & Report Results

There are a number of reporting guideline available to guide the synthesis and reporting of results in systematic literature reviews.

It is common to organize findings in a matrix, also known as a Table of Evidence (ToE).

Example of a review matrix, using Microsoft Excel, showing the results of a systematic literature review.

  • Reporting Guidelines for Systematic Reviews
  • Download a sample template of a health sciences review matrix  (GoogleSheets)

Steps modified from: 

Cook, D. A., & West, C. P. (2012). Conducting systematic reviews in medical education: a stepwise approach.   Medical Education , 46 (10), 943–952.

  • << Previous: Citation Management and Formatting Tools
  • Next: What are Literature Reviews? >>
  • Last Updated: Nov 14, 2024 5:37 PM
  • URL: https://guides.nyu.edu/healthwriting

Brown University Homepage

Organizing and Creating Information

  • Citation and Attribution

What Is a Literature Review?

Review the literature, write the literature review, further reading, learning objectives, attribution.

This guide is designed to:

  • Identify the sections and purpose of a literature review in academic writing
  • Review practical strategies and organizational methods for preparing a literature review

A literature review is a summary and synthesis of scholarly research on a specific topic. It should answer questions such as:

  • What research has been done on the topic?
  • Who are the key researchers and experts in the field?
  • What are the common theories and methodologies?
  • Are there challenges, controversies, and contradictions?
  • Are there gaps in the research that your approach addresses?

The process of reviewing existing research allows you to fine-tune your research question and contextualize your own work. Preparing a literature review is a cyclical process. You may find that the research question you begin with evolves as you learn more about the topic.

Once you have defined your research question , focus on learning what other scholars have written on the topic.

In order to  do a thorough search of the literature  on the topic, define the basic criteria:

  • Databases and journals: Look at the  subject guide  related to your topic for recommended databases. Review the  tutorial on finding articles  for tips. 
  • Books: Search BruKnow, the Library's catalog. Steps to searching ebooks are covered in the  Finding Ebooks tutorial .
  • What time period should it cover? Is currency important?
  • Do I know of primary and secondary sources that I can use as a way to find other information?
  • What should I be aware of when looking at popular, trade, and scholarly resources ? 

One strategy is to review bibliographies for sources that relate to your interest. For more on this technique, look at the tutorial on finding articles when you have a citation .

Tip: Use a Synthesis Matrix

As you read sources, themes will emerge that will help you to organize the review. You can use a simple Synthesis Matrix to track your notes as you read. From this work, a concept map emerges that provides an overview of the literature and ways in which it connects. Working with Zotero to capture the citations, you build the structure for writing your literature review.

How do I know when I am done?

A key indicator for knowing when you are done is running into the same articles and materials. With no new information being uncovered, you are likely exhausting your current search and should modify search terms or search different catalogs or databases. It is also possible that you have reached a point when you can start writing the literature review.

Tip: Manage Your Citations

These citation management tools also create citations, footnotes, and bibliographies with just a few clicks:

Zotero Tutorial

Endnote Tutorial

Your literature review should be focused on the topic defined in your research question. It should be written in a logical, structured way and maintain an objective perspective and use a formal voice.

Review the Summary Table you created for themes and connecting ideas. Use the following guidelines to prepare an outline of the main points you want to make. 

  • Synthesize previous research on the topic.
  • Aim to include both summary and synthesis.
  • Include literature that supports your research question as well as that which offers a different perspective.
  • Avoid relying on one author or publication too heavily.
  • Select an organizational structure, such as chronological, methodological, and thematic.

The three elements of a literature review are introduction, body, and conclusion.

Introduction

  • Define the topic of the literature review, including any terminology.
  • Introduce the central theme and organization of the literature review.
  • Summarize the state of research on the topic.
  • Frame the literature review with your research question.
  • Focus on ways to have the body of literature tell its own story. Do not add your own interpretations at this point.
  • Look for patterns and find ways to tie the pieces together.
  • Summarize instead of quote.
  • Weave the points together rather than list summaries of each source.
  • Include the most important sources, not everything you have read.
  • Summarize the review of the literature.
  • Identify areas of further research on the topic.
  • Connect the review with your research.
  • DeCarlo, M. (2018). 4.1 What is a literature review? In Scientific Inquiry in Social Work. Open Social Work Education. https://scientificinquiryinsocialwork.pressbooks.com/chapter/4-1-what-is-a-literature-review/
  • Literature Reviews (n.d.) https://writingcenter.unc.edu/tips-and-tools/literature-reviews/ Accessed Nov. 10, 2021

This guide was designed to: 

  • Identify the sections and purpose of a literature review in academic writing 
  • Review practical strategies and organizational methods for preparing a literature review​

Content on this page adapted from: 

Frederiksen, L. and Phelps, S. (2017).   Literature Reviews for Education and Nursing Graduate Students.  Licensed CC BY 4.0

  • << Previous: EndNote
  • Last Updated: Jul 17, 2024 3:55 PM
  • URL: https://libguides.brown.edu/organize

moBUL - Mobile Brown University Library

Brown University Library  |  Providence, RI 02912  |  (401) 863-2165  |  Contact  |  Comments  |  Library Feedback  |  Site Map

Library Intranet

The Sheridan Libraries

  • Write a Literature Review
  • Sheridan Libraries
  • Evaluate This link opens in a new window

Get Organized

  • Lit Review Prep Use this template to help you evaluate your sources, create article summaries for an annotated bibliography, and a synthesis matrix for your lit review outline.

Synthesize your Information

Synthesize: combine separate elements to form a whole.

Synthesis Matrix

A synthesis matrix helps you record the main points of each source and document how sources relate to each other.

After summarizing and evaluating your sources, arrange them in a matrix or use a citation manager to help you see how they relate to each other and apply to each of your themes or variables.  

By arranging your sources by theme or variable, you can see how your sources relate to each other, and can start thinking about how you weave them together to create a narrative.

  • Step-by-Step Approach
  • Example Matrix from NSCU
  • Matrix Template
  • << Previous: Summarize
  • Next: Integrate >>
  • Last Updated: Jul 30, 2024 1:42 PM
  • URL: https://guides.library.jhu.edu/lit-review

The Chicago School Library Logo

  • The Chicago School Library
  • Research Guides

Conducting a Literature Review

  • Analyze, Evaluate & Synthesize the Literature

Introduction

  • Planning Your Literature Review
  • Choose Keywords
  • Decide where to search
  • Formulate Your Search Strategy
  • Utilize Citation Chaining
  • When to Stop Searching
  • Using Ai for Searching the Literature

Critically Analyze and Evaluate

  • Synthesis Tools
  • Write a Literature Review

literature synthesis tracker

Although the process of evaluating and synthesizing literature is presented here as separate concepts, sometimes they are performed simultaneously. You may either evaluate multiple sources first and then synthesize them together, while other times you may synthesize multiple sources and then evaluate them as a group. 

Evaluating the literature

When evaluating sources for your literature review, there are three aspects to consider:

  •  the source itself
  •  how it relates to other sources
  •  is it useful/ relevant to your topic/ project?

Furthermore, while you are evaluating sources, it's important to remain objective. This means:

  • do not avoid information that may contradict your views or assumptions
  • keep an open mind
  • look at the topic from different vantage points
  • consider what perspectives, voices or views may be missing

Evaluating the source:

When evaluating a source, consider the following questions:

  • Who is the author, or who actually performed the research?
  • What is the author’s purpose?
  • Note the experts in the field. Are there specific names that are frequently cited?
  • Pay attention to methodology. Is it sound? What testing procedures, subjects, and materials were used?
  • What were the political, socio-economic, religious, etc. conditions at the time of the research?
  • Note conflicting theories, methodologies and results. Are there any assumptions being made by most/some researchers?
  • Theories: Have they evolved overtime?
  • Who funded the research studies?
  • When and where were the studies carried out?

Is this useful/ relevant to your topic or project?

Deciding which sources to include in your literature review includes deciding which are the most relevant to your overall argument and/or to position your study within the rest of the literature (for research papers, independent projects, dissertations or theses).

Synthesize 

Literature reviews synthesize large amounts of information and present it in a coherent, organized fashion. In a literature review you will be combining material from several texts to create a new text – your literature review.

Synthesizing sources for your literature review involves:

  •     Combining elements of several sources to help you make a point, or make the case for your research.
  •     Describing how sources converse each other, and how they relate to your thesis or question.
  • Methodologies or techniques
  • Geographies
  • Conflicting opinions
  • Time frames
  • Describe how the research has evolved over time
  • Develop conclusions and summarize what's been done in the past

Using A Synthesis Matrix

A synthesis matrix is a table that can be used to organize research. When completed, it provides a visual representation of main ideas found in the literature and also shows where there is overlap in ideas between authors. A completed matrix will help to integrate all of the different resources together, which will facilitate the synthesis of information on a specific topic.

A synthesis matrix can take many different forms. In the example table below, the sources are listed in the left column of the table, and the main ideas or themes about the topic are listed along the top of the table.

Synthesis table

Example of a Partially Completed Synthesis Matrix (University of Arizona)

Using a Literature Matrix

Using a literature matrix can help you keep track of various aspects of your sources, so you can start to see themes emerge.

Here are some potential aspects you may want to track: 

Download Literature Review Spreadsheets:

Below are a couple of different examples of lit review spreadsheets. Customize the columns to your needs.

  • Literature Review Matrix 1
  • Literature Review Matrix 2
  • << Previous: Using Ai for Searching the Literature
  • Next: Write a Literature Review >>
  • Last Updated: Nov 7, 2024 2:18 PM
  • URL: https://library.thechicagoschool.edu/litreview

literature synthesis tracker

Work With Us

Private Coaching

Done-For-You

Short Courses

Client Reviews

Free Resources

Free Download

Literature Review Catalogue

The smart way to collect and organise the sources you need to craft a comprehensive, high-quality literature review.

Matrix available in Excel and Google Sheet format 4.9 star rating, 5000 + downloads

Literature review excel spreadsheet template

Step-By-Step Instructions

Tried & Tested Format

Fill-In-The-Blanks Simplicity

Pro Tips, Tricks And Resources

literature synthesis tracker

The Smart Way To Work

Failure to keep track of all the literature you consume can result in a  lot of wasted time . This literature review catalogue/matrix helps you stay organised, so that you can build a comprehensive literature review that earns marks.

Here are some of the key variables it covers:

  • Author, y ear & title  (standard citation info)
  • Categories  (per variable, context, framework, etc.)
  • Document type (journal, textbook, conference notes, etc.)
  • Publication setting (academic and practitioner)
  • Knowledge type (theoretical and empirical)
  • Key arguments (causal relationships, key findings, etc.)
  • Context (country, culture, etc.)
  • Methodology (qualitative, quantitative or mixed methods)
  • Key quotes (any quotes you might include in your literature review)
  • My notes (any points you want to highlight)

download your copy

100% Free to use. Instant access.

I agree to receive the free template and other useful resources.

Download Now (Instant Access)

Awards

FAQs: Literature Catalogue/Matrix

Faqs: literature review template, what format is the template (doc, pdf, ppt, etc.).

The literature review catalogue template is provided as a Google Sheet (spreadsheet). You can download it in MS Excel format or make a copy to your Google Drive. You’re also welcome to convert it to whatever format works best for you.

What types of literature reviews can this template be used for?

The catalogue can be used for pretty much any type of literature review, including a standard (unsystematic) literature review, SLR, etc.

Is this template for an undergrad, Master or PhD-level thesis?

This template can be used for a literature review at any level of study. Doctoral-level projects typically require the literature review to be more extensive/comprehensive, but the structure will typically remain the same.

What information will I need to fill in?

For every piece of literature you read, you’ll need to capture the following details:

  • Author – Enter the author(s) surname(s). The format you use here is up to you – just be consistent.
  • Year – Straightforward. Enter the year of publication only – no month is required.
  • Title – Enter the title exactly as it is shown on the book cover, journal article front page, presentation deck, etc. If you can copy and paste, do so. It’s easy to make mistakes on the long titles.
  • Category 1, 2 and 3 – Here, you’ll create categories and subcategories, which you can use at a later stage to help you find relevant literature. It is up to you what categories you want to use and how much detail you want to add here. At the very least, your choice of categories should be logical, comprehensive and mutually exclusive.
  • Document type – Click the drop-down arrow next to the cell and select an appropriate document type, for example, journal article, blog post, etc. If nothing matches your document type, you can use the “Other” field.
  • Publication setting – the two main options here are academic and practitioner. Academic refers to the classic academic sources such as textbooks and journal articles, while practitioner refers to publications such as industry reports, company reports, industry magazines, etc. There is also a mixed option here.
  • Theoretical refers to situations where an author is proposing a hypothetical theory or concept, but not testing it.
  • Empirical refers to situations where an author is testing the said theory by using some form of real-world observation.
  • Naturally, some literature will feature both of these (i.e. a model is hypothesized and then tested empirically).
  • Key arguments – Here you need to note the key takeaways of the respective piece of literature in relation to your research question(s) and objective(s). This is the most important column , so spend some time providing rich, detailed notes here. Keep in mind that you will be able to search and filter this column at a later stage, so use keywords that make sense.
  • Context – Here you should briefly note the context of the specific literature piece. For example, what industry, country, competitive context, etc. did it take place in? When it comes time to justify why your research is worth undertaking, you will likely need to draw on this column’s contents to demonstrate that research has not been undertaken within your specific context (i.e. is it unique?).
  • Methodology – Use this drop-down to note the primary methodology (qualitative, quantitative or mixed) used within the specific literature piece. As with the previous item (context), you will likely draw on this when you justify the choice of methodology for your research (i.e. which methodology is commonly used in the field?).
  • Key quotes – If there are any specific author quotations that you feel might be useful in your dissertation, add them here. Remember to include the page number if you’re using the Harvard referencing system.
  • My notes – Lastly, if there is anything else you feel might be useful, drop it here. You can also create additional columns if you need them.

Of course, you’re welcome to add/delete columns as you see fit.

How should I use the catalogue once it's populated?

Over time, you will build up a substantial list of literature. When you need to find something, whether it’s a specific piece of literature, a collection of literature within a category, or a summary of a specific author’s publication, you can use the following Excel features:

  • Find (Ctrl + F) – good for searching for specific keywords
  • Filter – good for filtering groups (for example, categories 1- 3, methodology or publication setting)
  • Sort – good for arranging numerical data (for example, publication year)

Once you’ve completed your reading, remember to have a look at the second tab (“Literature Summary”) for an overview of key statistics. As mentioned previously, some of these statistics can help you justify your choice of topic or methodology. Additionally, a review here may reveal that your literature is aged , or that you need to improve your balance of academic and practitioner literature.

Can I modify the template to suit my study?

Absolutely. While the template provides a general structure, you should adapt it to fit the specific requirements and focus of your literature review.

How long should the literature review chapter be?

This depends on your university’s specific requirements, so it’s best to check with them. As a general ballpark, literature reviews for Masters-level projects are usually 2,000 – 3,000 words in length, while Doctoral-level projects can reach multiples of this.

Can I include literature that contradicts my hypothesis?

Yes, it’s important to acknowledge and discuss literature that presents different viewpoints or contradicts your hypothesis. So, don’t shy away from existing research that takes an opposing view to yours.

Can I share this template with my friends/colleagues?

Yes, you’re welcome to share this template in its original format (no editing allowed). If you want to post about it on your blog or social media, all we ask is that you reference this page as your source.

Do you have templates for the other dissertation/thesis chapters?

Yes, we do. You can find our full collection of templates here .

Can Grad Coach help me with my literature review?

Yes, you’re welcome to get in touch with us to discuss our private coaching services , where we can help you work through the literature review chapter (and any other chapters).

Additional Resources

If you’re working on a literature review, you’ll also want to check these out…

Literature Review Bootcamp

1-On-1 Private Coaching

The Grad Coach YouTube Channel

The Grad Coach Podcast

literature synthesis tracker

IMAGES

  1. 6. Synthesize

    literature synthesis tracker

  2. Synthesizing Research in a Literature Review

    literature synthesis tracker

  3. Writing the Literature Review

    literature synthesis tracker

  4. (Open Access) How to Write a Literature Review Paper (2016)

    literature synthesis tracker

  5. Writing a Synthesis Essay for academics

    literature synthesis tracker

  6. Research Literature Synthesis Essay Example

    literature synthesis tracker

VIDEO

  1. Polyend Tracker Subtractive Synthesis Tutorial

  2. Learn FM Synthesis with M8 Tracker

  3. FM Composer

  4. How to synthesize literature from systematic literature review (Part 2)

  5. Adlib Tracker II Tutorial

  6. Ace the Systematic Literature Review!

COMMENTS

  1. Literature Synthesis Assistant | AI-powered tool for ...

    HyperWrite's Literature Synthesis Assistant is an AI-powered tool that helps you summarize and synthesize key points from multiple pieces of literature. Using advanced AI models, this tool can identify the main ideas from each piece and combine them into a clear, concise, and cohesive narrative.

  2. Synthesis - Advanced Literature Review Software

    Synthesis provides online embedded searching on major bibliographical databases, validated automated de-duplication of references, automated importing of PDFs, methods to analyze the literature, and many more features.

  3. Organizing Your Literature: Spreadsheet Style - Inside Higher Ed

    In addition to my Major Spreadsheet, I also developed what I call Minor Spreadsheets, which are similar to what Dr. Raul Pacheco-Vega writes about in his post called Synthesizing different bodies of work in your literature review: The conceptual synthesis Excel dump technique. Minor Spreadsheets are much smaller than my Major Spreadsheet and ...

  4. Literature Synthesis 101: How To Guide - Grad Coach

    Learn how to synthesise the research when writing your literature review. We unpack 5 key things to address to ensure a strong synthesis.

  5. 6. Synthesize - How to Write a Literature Review - Research ...

    What is synthesis? What synthesis is NOT: Combining elements of several sources to help you make a point; Describing how sources converse each other; Organizing similar ideas together so readers can understand how they overlap; Synthesis helps readers see where you add your own new ideas to existing knowledge; Critiquing a source

  6. Literature Reviews and Synthesis Tools - Writing in the ...

    What are Literature Reviews? The different types of literature reviews, including systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis methods. Conducting & Reporting Systematic Reviews. Finding Systematic Reviews. Tools & Tutorials. Literature Review & Systematic Review Steps. Develop a Focused Question. Scope the Literature (Initial Search)

  7. Literature Reviews - Organizing and Creating Information ...

    You can use a simple Synthesis Matrix to track your notes as you read. From this work, a concept map emerges that provides an overview of the literature and ways in which it connects. Working with Zotero to capture the citations, you build the structure for writing your literature review.

  8. Synthesize - Write a Literature Review - Guides at Johns ...

    Use this template to help you evaluate your sources, create article summaries for an annotated bibliography, and a synthesis matrix for your lit review outline.

  9. Conducting a Literature Review - The Chicago School

    Synthesizing sources for your literature review involves: Combining elements of several sources to help you make a point, or make the case for your research. Describing how sources converse each other, and how they relate to your thesis or question.

  10. Literature Review Catalogue & Matrix (Excel Template) - Grad ...

    Literature Review Catalogue. The smart way to collect and organise the sources you need to craft a comprehensive, high-quality literature review. Matrix available in Excel and Google Sheet format. 4.9 star rating, 5000+ downloads. Download Now (Instant access)