# Research Notes Synthesis

Combine findings from multiple sources without losing attribution, disagreement, methodological context, uncertainty, or unresolved research gaps.

## Usage note

Use this template after sources have been evaluated and annotated, before drafting a narrative. Keep the source inventory and original notes linked so every synthesis statement can be traced back. Synthesis is analysis, not compression alone: do not merge distinct populations, methods, periods, or meanings simply because several sources use similar words.

## How to use this template

1. Assign source IDs and normalize definitions, scope, methods, dates, and evidence types.
2. Extract atomic findings while separating quotations, paraphrases, data, and researcher interpretation.
3. Group findings into neutral themes with supporting, challenging, and contextual evidence.
4. Write a bounded synthesis statement and explicit uncertainty for each theme.
5. Convert themes into draft guidance, research gaps, citations, and review priorities.

## Blank template

### Source-normalization record

- **Source ID:** [Link to inventory]
- **Question or purpose:** [What the source addresses]
- **Population and setting:** [Who or what, and where]
- **Period:** [Dates]
- **Key definition:** [How central terms are measured or used]
- **Method or source role:** [Study, record, interview, analysis, or context]
- **Relevant finding:** [Atomic finding]
- **Limitation:** [What it cannot establish]
- **Note type:** [Quote, paraphrase, data, or researcher inference]

### Theme synthesis

- **Theme name:** [Neutral label]
- **Working synthesis:** [Bounded combined statement]
- **Supporting source IDs:** [IDs and contribution]
- **Challenging source IDs:** [IDs and conflict]
- **Context that changes the result:** [Population, period, method, or setting]
- **Researcher inference:** [Clearly labeled interpretation]
- **Confidence:** [High, moderate, or low with reason]
- **Draft wording:** [Language evidence supports]
- **Required qualification:** [Limit that must remain nearby]

### Synthesis review

- [ ] Every finding retains a source ID.
- [ ] Definitions and measures were compared before grouping.
- [ ] Repeated reports of one source were not counted as independent evidence.
- [ ] Contradictory and minority evidence remains visible.
- [ ] Source quality and relevance outweigh simple quantity.
- [ ] Interpretation is labeled separately from source statements.
- [ ] Draft wording does not exceed the combined evidence.
- [ ] Important themes were spot-checked against original notes.