Draw on

How it is used

A useful phrase for naming the theories and sources a study uses: 'This study draws on sociocultural theory.' It also appears in methods sections: 'The analysis draws on data from the national survey.' Similar verbs are rely on and make use of.

Example sentences

1. The project draws on twenty years of classroom observation data.

2. In this chapter, I draw on feminist theory to interpret the interviews.

Common collocations

• draw on theory
• draw on data
• draw on experience
• draw heavily on

Related terms

• build onTo use earlier work, results or ideas as a foundation and develop them further in a new study.
• theoretical frameworkThe theory or set of connected theories that a study uses to explain its problem, shape its questions and interpret its findings.
• literatureThe body of published research and writing on a particular subject; in academic use it does not mean novels and poetry.
• citeTo mention a source, such as a book or article, in your writing to show where an idea, fact or quotation comes from.

More terms: Literature Review

• literature review
• research gap
• seminal
• synthesize
• primary source
• secondary source
• systematic review
• database
• meta-analysis
• body of literature
• consensus
• critique