research-synthesis

# Research Synthesis

This skill guides the integration of diverse research findings into coherent, actionable conclusions.

## Phase 1: Synthesis Preparation

### Input Assessment
- What sources/findings need synthesis?
- What is the overarching research question?
- Who is the audience for this synthesis?
- What decisions will this inform?

### Source Inventory
| Source | Type | Quality | Key Contribution |
|--------|------|---------|------------------|
| [Source] | [Type] | [Rating] | [Main finding] |

### Compatibility Check
- Do sources address the same question?
- Are methodologies compatible?
- Can findings be meaningfully compared?
- Are there definitional inconsistencies?

**CHECKPOINT**: Confirm synthesis scope and purpose with user.

## Phase 2: Pattern Recognition

### Finding Categorization
Group findings by:

**By Conclusion**:
- Consistent findings (agree)
- Inconsistent findings (disagree)
- Complementary findings (different aspects)
- Unique findings (only one source)

**By Evidence Strength**:
- Strong evidence (multiple high-quality sources)
- Moderate evidence (some quality sources)
- Weak evidence (limited or low-quality sources)
- Contested (conflicting strong sources)

### Convergence Analysis
For each major finding:
1. How many sources support it?
2. What is their combined quality?
3. Are there methodological differences?
4. Do any sources contradict?

## Phase 3: Weight Assignment

### Evidence Weighting Factors
| Factor | Weight Modifier |
|--------|-----------------|
| Sample size | Larger = higher weight |
| Study design | RCT > observational |
| Peer review | Reviewed > not reviewed |
| Replication | Replicated > single study |
| Recency | More recent = higher (usually) |
| Relevance | Direct > indirect evidence |

### Confidence Levels
- **High confidence**: Multiple high-quality sources agree, no major contradictions
- **Moderate confidence**: Good evidence but some limitations or gaps
- **Low confidence**: Limited evidence, quality con