This box lives at How To Do Research > Integrating & Citing Information >Integrating Sources
It is included on the Integrating Sources page of the Citations Canvas Module
An assignment that doesn't use outside sources is a personal essay. Integrating resources you've found - whether from library databases, books, or elsewhere - makes an assignment a true research paper.
There's not a single "right" way to bring sources into your paper, though there is a "wrong" way (not citing your sources!). Ideally, the sources you integrate will fit with the rhythm and flow of your paper, and not distract from it.
This box lives at How To Do Research > Integrating & Citing Information >Integrating Sources
It is included on the Integrating Sources page of the Citations Canvas Module
There are many ways to integrate sources into a paper, including direct quotes, paraphrasing, and summary. The examples below explain what these methods are and when you might want to use them.
However you choose to integrate your sources, you must always cite them. These examples demonstrate correct citation in APA Style.
Original Source Material
Excerpt from the article "Mothers in Prison" from Corrections Today:
In the 1950s, many women's prisons had nurseries in which infants could stay with their mothers from several weeks to two years, depending on the institution. Within two decades, every state except New York closed them. According to authors James Bourdouris and Mary Hawkes, the nurseries were deemed too expensive, the mothers too derelict and the babies too precious for such an environment. The problem, however, seemed inconsequential. In 1970, there were fewer than 6,000 women in prison, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS). Further, families were more stable and structured, so when mothers went to prison, their children were more likely to remain within a recognizable family unit.
Source:
Kauffman, K. (2001). Mothers in Prison. Corrections Today, 63(1), p. 62.
The citation examples are all in APA 7 format.
This box lives at How To Do Research > Integrating & Citing Information >Integrating Sources
It is included on the
- Integrating Sources page of the Citations Canvas Module
- Synthesis page of the Nursing Library Module Canvas Module
Synthesis
Synthesis goes beyond simply putting summaries of your sources together. Synthesizing your sources involves using the information from varied, credible sources to come to a broader conclusion.
Sometimes equally reliable sources may seem to conflict with each other. Comparing them and asking follow up questions can lead you to more information that strengthens your synthesis and may even change your conclusion. You must still cite the information you use in your synthesis.