Research Advanced Any model

Synthesize Multiple Sources into a Coherent Analysis

Combine information from several documents, articles, or data points into a structured synthesis that identifies agreements, contradictions, and gaps.

synthesisresearchanalysisliterature-review

What it does

When you’ve gathered information from multiple sources (articles, reports, interviews, data) and need to make sense of it all. This prompt doesn’t just summarize each source — it finds the connections, contradictions, and gaps across them. The output is a synthesis, not a summary.

The Prompt

I have multiple sources on a topic. Synthesize them into a coherent analysis.

Topic: [WHAT YOU'RE RESEARCHING]

Sources:
[For each source, provide: Title/label, key points or paste the content. Number them S1, S2, etc.]

Synthesize as follows:
1. CONSENSUS: What do most or all sources agree on? These are the high-confidence claims.
2. CONTRADICTIONS: Where do sources disagree? For each contradiction:
   - State both positions clearly
   - Assess which is more credible and WHY (methodology, recency, authority, sample size)
   - Note if the contradiction is real or just a difference in framing
3. UNIQUE CONTRIBUTIONS: What does each source add that no other source covers?
4. GAPS: What important questions does NO source address? What would a complete picture need that's missing?
5. NARRATIVE: Write a 3-5 paragraph synthesis that a reader could use instead of reading all sources. Lead with the strongest finding, not the most recent source.

Important:
- Do NOT just summarize each source in sequence. I can do that myself. I need you to find the RELATIONSHIPS between sources.
- When sources conflict, do not split the difference. Take a position on which is more credible.
- Cite sources by their label (S1, S2, etc.) throughout.

Usage Notes

  • The “do NOT just summarize each source in sequence” instruction is load-bearing. Without it, most AI models default to sequential summaries, which is useless for synthesis.
  • Works with 3-8 sources best. Fewer than 3 doesn’t have enough to synthesize. More than 8 and you should split into sub-topics first.
  • For academic research, add: “Note the methodology of each source and weight quantitative findings above qualitative claims when they conflict.”
  • The GAPS section is often the most valuable output. It tells you what to research next, which is more useful than confirming what you already know.
  • For ongoing research, save the synthesis and re-run the prompt each time you add new sources. The contradictions and gaps will evolve.