Change the unit of organization
A source-by-source review follows the order in which you read. A synthesized review follows ideas: themes, methods, findings, debates, periods, or theoretical positions.
Build a comparison matrix
Record each source’s question, method, context, central finding, limitation, and relevance. Patterns become visible when sources are compared across the same categories.
Make every paragraph do analytical work
Open with a claim about the literature, bring several sources into conversation, explain the relationship, and close by showing why that relationship matters to your study.
A useful next step
Apply this framework to one section of your current project, then record the decision you made and the evidence supporting it. If you need one-to-one feedback, Dr. Jack can help within your institution's academic-integrity rules.