Techniques for organizing and collating research results - The art of bringing it all together

[Voice-over]
Thursday morning. Anna’s research is progressing nicely. That said, it’s hard to be sure you have covered all your bases. 

[Dialogues]
Anna: Is there a secret recipe? Can anyone shed some light on this?
Professor: Hello Jean-Philippe. Hello all. I need a good recipe for a balanced and consistent research synthesis. What do I need?
Librarian: For a good overview, I use reading notes. I create them as I go. They’re very useful. Okay. Let’s print them.
Professor: With pleasure. Jean-Philippe, what’s that stapler for?
Librarian: Hum, well, right now, nothing.
Professor: Ah.
Librarian: Here you go, Nicole. It’s ready. We can start organizing and collating our research results. Let’s watch the video.

[Voice-over]
Anna, as in cooking you need a recipe for academic research.

Like Anna, you might find yourself wading through porridge. You’re not sure if you have enough documents for your paper or if you need more information before moving on to the next step and writing your paper.  

Using your reading notes, other information you have assembled, and of course your research question, it’s time to synthesize your work to determine your progress and see what’s missing.

At this stage, several methods are available to visually organize the main themes of your research.

Concept map or mind map: 
A mind map is a map built around your research question.

Organize the elements by theme, using paper and pencil or software. Apply visual aids such as positioning or colors to group them. Now, link documents to the corresponding concepts. This will quickly show you where there are still gaps.

[Dialogues]
Professor: Then, if you make a really good pot of chili, it takes you to a whole different level.
Librarian: Oh, I must give you the meatloaf recipe I tried.
Professor: Yes! My mouth’s watering already!
Librarian: It’s amazing.
Librarian: Hello.