Developing the main body of your synthesis: 

The main body of your synthesis demonstrates your grasp of CCT. Here's where you can demonstrate your CCT know-how to break new ground (or change, modify, revise old ground) to promote understanding of your topic. A possible thinking procedure might be:

INSIGHT:  What's the big idea you want to get across?
(Aim for stating this succinctly, clearly, concisely, etc.)

INSPIRATION:  Who/what inspired your thinking?
(Briefly reiterate influential sources to quickly re-frame for the reader; remember, you've fully discussed this in your lit review chapter)

CONTEXT: What's the frame of reference/point of view/perspective within which you will offer your own thinking?
	
What are its strengths? (try SCAMPER to articulate the "why")
Why is this useful? (for whom? In what ways?)
What's the likelihood of acceptance of your ideas? 
Limitations of your ideas? (try reverse brainstorming to predict/project)

CONTENT: What's the specific nature of your thinking? How will you present it?  
For example, how do your ideas…
differ from? refute? depart from? build upon? complement? expand? extend? enhance? illuminate? shed light on? break new ground? broaden understanding? have real world application? represent new, productive ways of viewing/solving old problems? (try attribute listing to identify key components of your thinking; use metaphors/analogies to help explain the merits of your idea; identify erroneous assumptions; use charts, diagrams, pictorials to show your thinking)  

SEGUE:
What's the "bridge" to your conclusion, the lead-in or preview to your final chapter?

(Greenwald, CCT 694: Fall 01)