Information Synthesis

Information Synthesis is the ability to gather, analyze and evaluate information from various sources, make connections between the information found, and combine the recently acquired information with prior knowledge to create a new understanding. It includes the ability to check the authenticity and accuracy of the information, and an awareness of the short term and long term consequences of sharing of the information. This skill enables us to visualise and resolve contradictory findings.

Information Synthesis is a vital skill necessary to achieve personal, social, occupational and educational goals.

Information Synthesis in action The person is able to:

• Gather and use information effectively to accomplish a specific purpose.
• Determine the nature and extent of the information needed for a given task.
• Use multiple sources which address multiple perspectives, including opposing viewpoints.
• Evaluate information and its sources critically before drawing a conclusion.
• Understand the economic, legal, and social issues surrounding the use of information.
• Access and use information ethically and legally.
• Build explicit connections between sources, including connections between contradictory sources, by identifying similarities, differences, relationships and patterns.