Segment 6: Synthesize

The objective of this final stage is to take stock of what this process has yielded. With your list of concepts gleaned from the literature abstracts and the multiple graphic representations, you are now in a position to construct a map of the knowledge terrain of your research interest.

Once again, your particular objectives will guide your analysis. Remember, that this entire procedure is a preliminary exercise intended to give you a trans-disciplinary sense of the knowledge landscape of your subject of interest. We're not talking about a big formal analysis here. Only do as much taking stock as is needed to help you frame your subsequent research. However, if you feel clueless as to how to make sense of the results of your database diving and the mapping session, perhaps reading about analysis strategies will be helpful.

One Case

When I used this procedure, I found my initial idea for a research project shifted significantly over the course of the process. I'd begun with an interest in placemaking, yet I (and my interdisciplinary team) came to see that comprehending the nature of place itself was a prerequisite. Specifically, I saw that I wanted to understand the place concepts of community builders.

In addition to revealing important issues common to the disciplines and field reflected in my team, the process also pointed out a discipline critical to the subject, but not represented in the composition our group. Through the knowledge synthesis, I was able to see similarities and historical trends in the evolution of place theory and practice in several often separated disciplines. The trans-disciplinary and macro/micro perspective greatly changed my thinking about community development work.

Last but not least, other members of the team appreciated the opportunity to engage with each other across disciplinary lines. When cultivated into a habit, interdisciplinary practice moves us toward creating a climate of democratic problem-solving.

If you use this approach, I would be very interested to hear about your experience. Contact me at alr26@cornell.edu.

Annalisa Lewis Raymer