Skip to Main Content

Synthesis Matrix

The Synthesis Matrix

The Synthesis Matrix

A Synthesis Matrix is a great tool for organizing your research. As you read your articles, take note of quotes and ideas that support (or refute) your main concepts by entering them in the Synthesis Matrix. This will allow you to easily find evidence to support your thesis and make citing your sources much easier.

Blank synthesis matrix or table for organizing your sources

The Synthesis Matrix

The Synthesis Matrix is a chart that categorizes your sources by topic. Each column represents a different source, and each row represents a different concept or subtopic.

an example of a filled in synthesis matrix

Setting up the Synthesis Matrix

Setting up the Synthesis Matrix

  1. Enter your Thesis Statement, Research Question, or Topic at the top of the form
  2. The first row of the Matrix will contain your sources. List each source in a different column.
  3. The first column of the Matrix will contain your Main Concepts. Enter each separate concept in a separate row.

matrix example

Copy the MLA Style Citations at the end of the form.

citation example

Filling in the Synthesis Matrix

Filling in the Matrix

In each column you will have a different source and in each row you will have a different concept. This will allow you to organize your sources by topic which will make it easier to synthesize your sources into your paper.

Enter your notes and copy helpful quotations into the corresponding box for the Source and Concept. You may end up with empty boxes, that's OK as long as that source provides good information on your other concepts.

fill in the form

The Synthesis Matrix - Examples and Help