THERE ARE MANY WAYS YOU MIGHT ORGANIZE YOUR INFORMATION. Please click the TABS above to learn about some of the different ways, in addition to using concept mapping (below).
ORGANIZE BY USING CONCEPT MAPPING
(As you do your research, list points you wish to make about major ideas)
-----------------------------------------
__________________________/
_________________/ ___________________________
\ ___________________________/
\ ___________________________
Citation Managers such as Zotero, EndNote and Mendeley can be used for more than generating a list of citations. They include tools for keeping notes, annotating and marking up documents, as well as providing an online storage spot for your articles. Learn more by visiting the Citation Manager Research Guide.
ORGANIZE BY USING AN OUTLINE
(As you do your research, list points you wish to make about major ideas)
I.
A.
B.
1.
2.
C.
II.
A.
B.
C.
III.
A.
B.
C.
1.
2.
To assist with the organization of your sources, you may want to create a synthesis matrix. Label the main ideas on the left and each source box with an author or brief title as well as the main relevant point for each source. Below we have included a sample synthesis matrix.
. TOPIC:
Source #1 | Source #2 | Source #3 | Source #4 | |
Main Idea #1 |
||||
Main Idea #2 |
||||
Main Idea #3 |
||||
Main Idea #4 |
Adapted by Central Michigan University Off-Campus Library Services from NC State University Writing and Speaking Tutorial Service, Writing A Literature Review and Using a Synthesis Matrix. 2006. Retrieved Sept. 29,2010 from http://www.ncsu.edu/tutorial_center/writespeak/download/Synthesis.pdf Now located at https://libguides.cmich.edu/lit_review/LR_synthesize
Place citations and information on note cards. You can easily rearrange the cards if you change the order of your paper.