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Synthesize across multiple sources

Use this guide to ask Atlas a question that compares and combines evidence from several sources in one cited answer.

Before you start

  • The relevant sources must be in the same project and must have finished processing.
  • You should have a specific comparison in mind, not just a general topic.

A project with five focused sources is easier to synthesize than one with thirty loosely related documents.

Choose a synthesis angle

A specific angle produces more useful results than a broad summary request.

Good synthesis angles:

  • Where do the sources agree and disagree?
  • What methods does each source use, and how do they differ?
  • Which source provides the strongest evidence for a claim?
  • What limitations recur across the sources?
  • What definitions does each source offer for this term?
  • What open questions do the sources raise?

Ask the question

Open chat in the project. Write a question that names the comparison you want to make.

Examples:

  • Which sources agree that retrieval reduces hallucination?
  • Compare the evaluation methods used in these papers.
  • What limitations do the authors share across these sources?
  • Which source gives the best evidence for the claim that fine-tuning helps?

If the project contains more material than you want included, mention the specific sources using @.

Ask for source separation

A synthesis answer is most useful when it is clear which source supports which point. If the answer blends sources together without attribution, ask for a table:

Compare these sources in a table with columns for claim, supporting evidence, limitation, and citation.

Verify before saving

Before saving a synthesis finding, open citations for the claims that matter most. For a quick reading pass, check one citation per major source. For work that will appear in writing or decisions, verify every important claim.

Save the synthesis

Turn a verified synthesis into a note that includes:

  • The question you asked.
  • Key points of agreement across sources.
  • Disagreements or gaps.
  • Which citations you verified.
  • Follow-up questions or reading.