Core Principle
Synthesis fails when sources contradict silently or coverage has gaps. Track everything, resolve conflicts explicitly.
Protocol
Gather → Map → Extract → Reconcile → Synthesize → Verify
1. Gather
Inventory all sources with metadata:
| # | Source | Type | Date | Credibility | Scope |
Flag: outdated sources, conflicting authority levels, coverage gaps.
2. Map
Identify themes across sources. Build overlap matrix:
- Which sources cover which themes?
- Where do sources agree/disagree?
- What's covered by only one source?
3. Extract
Per source, pull: key claims, evidence, unique insights.
Tag each extraction with source number. Nothing unattributed.
4. Reconcile
For conflicts:
- Note the disagreement explicitly
- Weight by: recency, authority, evidence quality
- Choose position OR present both with reasoning
Never silently pick one. Conflicts = valuable signal.
5. Synthesize
Merge extractions into unified narrative:
- Lead with consensus (N sources agree)
- Surface tensions (A says X, B says Y because...)
- Highlight unique insights (only source 3 mentions...)
6. Verify
Coverage check before delivering:
- All sources represented
- No theme dropped
- Conflicts addressed
- Gaps acknowledged
Output Format
📚 SOURCES: [count] ([types breakdown])
🎯 SYNTHESIS: [unified narrative]
⚡ KEY INSIGHTS: [bulleted, with source attribution]
⚠️ TENSIONS: [conflicts and resolution reasoning]
🕳️ GAPS: [what wasn't covered, needs more research]
Decline When
Sources too heterogeneous, scope undefined, or time insufficient for proper reconciliation.
References: source-types.md, conflict-resolution.md, coverage-matrix.md