Template:Synthesis/doc

What is synthesis?

Synthesis is combining material from multiple sources to reach or imply an idea or conclusion not stated word-for-word by any of the sources used. If one reliable source says A, and another reliable source says B, do not join A and B together to imply a conclusion C that is not mentioned by either of the sources. This would be a synthesis of published material to advance a new position, which is original research. "A and B, therefore C" is acceptable only if a reliable source has published the same argument in relation to the topic of the article.

Using this template

The default words "article or section" and the topic are both replaceable:

• For the whole article, copy and paste:

{{Synthesis|article|date=<nowiki>{{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}

• For a section within the article, use:

{{Synthesis|section|date=<nowiki>{{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}}}

• If it's just a few sentences, consider using the {{syn}} template instead, by attaching it to the end of the problematic statements.

Links to the talk page

If the section of the talk page for discussing it is named, use the parameter |talksection=. For example:

{{Synthesis|article|date=<nowiki>{{CURRENTMONTHNAME}} {{CURRENTYEAR}}|talksection=Synthesis debate}}

If no |talksection= parameter is used, the link will go to a talk-page section named "Synthesis" if one exists, otherwise it will simply direct the reader to the talk page.

Dating the tag

The |date= parameter can also be used to inform other editors of the time the tag has been in place. This template will categorise articles into Category:Articles that may contain original research according to the date given in this parameter.

Related pages

• {{syn}} — the inline version of this template
• {{Original research}} — for material not found in sources