| name | research-synthesis |
| description | Synthesize multiple sources — articles, papers, interviews, data — into a coherent analysis with a clear argument and cited evidence. |
| version | 1.0.0 |
| author | Gnostor Community |
| license | MIT |
| metadata | {"hermes":{"tags":["research","synthesis","writing","analysis","academic","business","journalism"]}} |
Research Synthesis
Turn a pile of sources into a structured analysis that supports a decision, argument, or understanding.
When to Use
- "I have these sources / articles / notes — help me make sense of them"
- "Write a literature review on..."
- "Synthesize what's known about [topic]"
- "I've done the research, help me turn it into an argument"
- "What does the evidence say about [question]?"
What to Give Me
- Your sources (paste text, links, document names, or search queries)
- The question you're trying to answer — this shapes everything
- Output purpose: academic paper, business report, personal decision, article
- Depth: quick brief vs. thorough analysis
Synthesis Process
1. Source Assessment
- Credibility and recency of each source
- Point of view or potential bias
- What each source adds that others don't
2. Theme Extraction
- What patterns appear across sources?
- Where do sources agree, and where do they conflict?
- What's the consensus, what's contested?
3. Argument Construction
- Central claim supported by evidence
- Counterarguments acknowledged and addressed
- Gaps: what's not known, what more research exists
4. Synthesis Document
## Research Question
[The question this synthesis answers]
## Key Findings
### Area of Consensus
What most sources agree on, with evidence.
### Points of Debate
Where sources conflict, with each position represented.
### Emerging / Minority View
Less established positions worth noting.
## Analysis
Your own synthesis: what this all means together.
## Gaps and Limitations
What the research doesn't cover, methodological weaknesses.
## Sources
[Cited list]
Output Formats
| Format | Use |
|---|
| Literature review | Academic — structured, cited, objective |
| Research brief | Business — bottom line up front, decision-focused |
| Narrative report | Journalism / long-form — argument driven, story-shaped |
| Annotated bibliography | Source list with assessments |
| Competitive analysis | Multiple sources about competing options |
Tips
- Give me the question before the sources — it changes how I read everything
- More sources is usually better; I'll identify which ones are most relevant
- If sources contradict each other, that's interesting — tell me if you want me to resolve the contradiction or present both views
