Enhanced Synthesis Paper: Doctoral Identity

Synthesis is the act of creating something new from multiple existing entities. Synthesis of research, then, is creating a new idea from existing ideas. Synthesis of research is not a single innate skill. Rather, it is a process learned through time and practice. At the doctoral level, writing is a continual process of revision as learners improve skills and build subject matter expertise.

In Topic 5, you submitted a Synthesis Paper and received both feedback from your instructor and a grade for your work. In this assignment, you will expand upon your original paper with additional research from outside sources, incorporate feedback from your instructor, and provide a reflection section addressing your revision process.

General Requirements:

Locate the Synthesis Paper you completed in Topic 5.
Locate and download “Enhanced Synthesis Paper Template” from the Course Materials for this topic.
Locate and download “Enhanced Synthesis Paper Resources” from the Course Materials for this topic.
Review the articles by Baker and Pifer (2011), Gardner (2009), and Smith and Hatmaker (2014) located in the Course Materials for this topic.
This assignment uses a rubric. Review the rubric prior to beginning the assignment to become familiar with the expectations for successful completion.
Doctoral learners are required to use APA style for their writing assignments. Review the GCU APA Style Guide for Writing located in the Student Success Center.
You are required to submit this assignment to LopesWrite. Refer to the directions in the Student Success Center.
Directions:

Select and read two articles from the Enhanced Synthesis Paper Resources list located in the Course Materials for this topic.

Locate the Synthesis Paper you completed in Topic 5. Using the feedback provided by your instructor and information from the two additional articles you selected, write an Enhanced Synthesis Paper with Reflection (1,250-1,800 words). Include the following in your paper:

A Reflection (250-300 words) that discusses your revision process and how you incorporated your instructor’s feedback into the revised version. Similar to the format of an abstract, this section will receive its own page following the title page and preceding the Introduction.
An introduction that includes a brief description of each article and its purpose, identifies the three themes that emerged from your reading, describes how they will be discussed in the paper, and presents a clear thesis statement.
Support for your identified themes with evidence from each article. Provide analysis of these findings to strengthen your narrative.
A discussion of the conclusions that can be drawn when the articles are taken together as a single entity. What is the overall message of the group of articles?

RES-811 Topic 7 Synthesis Resources
Learners will be asked to select two articles from the list below to strengthen the synthesis for the Topic 7 Enhanced Synthesis Paper.
Baker, V., & Lattuca, L. R. (2010). Developmental networks and learning: toward an interdisciplinary perspective on identity development during doctoral study. Studies in Higher Education, 35(7), 807-827.
Beauchamp, C., Jazvac-Martek, M., & McAlpine, L. (2009). Studying doctoral education: Using Activity Theory to shape methodological tools. Innovations in Education & Teaching International, 46(3), 265-277.
Bieber, J. P. (2006). Conceptualizing the academic life: Graduate student’s perspectives. The Journal of Higher Education, 77(6), 1009-1035.
Colbeck, C. L. (2008). Professional identity development theory and doctoral education. New
Directions for Teaching & Learning, 2008 (113), 9-16.
Foot, R., Crowe, A., Tollafield, K., & Allan, C. (2014). Exploring doctoral student identity development using a self-study approach. Teaching & Learning Inquiry The ISSOTL Journal Teaching & Learning Inquiry, 2(1), 103-118.
Gardner, S., Jansujwicz, J., Hutchins, K., Cline, B., & Levesque, V. (2014). Socialization to interdisciplinary: faculty and student perspectives. Higher Education, 67(3), 255-271.
Malfroy, J., & Yates, L. (2003). Knowledge in action: Doctoral programmes forging new identities. Journal of Higher Education Policy & Management, 25(2), 119-129. doi:10.1080/1360080032000122606
Noonan, S. J. (2015). Doctoral pedagogy in stage one: Forming a scholarly identity. International Journal of Educational Leadership Preparation, 10(1), 2-28.
Switzer, V. (2009) Towards a theory of doctoral student professional identity development: A developmental networks approach. The Journal of Higher Education, 80(1), 1-33.
Weidman, J. C., & Stein, E. L. (2003). Socialization of doctoral students to academic norms. Research in Higher Education, 44(6), 641-656.