Synthesizing

Synthesizing knowledge

In synthesizing knowledge, the key inputs are typically a set of knowledge from various sources, an approach or method for synthesizing the different set of knowledge, and a processing medium where the syntheses process occurs such as a human mind, computer, or other devices.

The goal of knowledge synthesis is to produce a new or novel product that builds on existing knowledge, such as wisdom, invention, or innovation. The output of the synthesis process is a deeper understanding of the topic or problem being studied, which can then be used to generate new insights or develop new solutions.

Different Knowledge Sources

The following are some steps to select different knowledge sources that are suitable for knowledge synthesis:

1. Identify the question or problem to address: Determine the specific question or problem that the knowledge synthesis aims to answer.

2. Conduct a preliminary search: Conduct a preliminary search to identify potential knowledge sources, such as academic journals, books, reports, or other relevant literature.

3. Evaluate the relevance of sources: Assess the relevance of each potential knowledge source to the question or problem being addressed. This can involve reviewing abstracts or summaries of the sources, assessing their titles or headings, and evaluating their overall content.

4. Assess the credibility of sources: Evaluate the credibility of each potential knowledge source by considering factors such as the reputation of the author, the peer-review status of the source, and the reliability of the publisher.

5. Consider the scope of sources: Assess the scope of each potential knowledge source by considering factors such as the time period covered, the geographic region addressed, or the specific topic or sub-topic covered.

6. Determine the appropriateness of sources: Determine the appropriateness of each potential knowledge source by considering factors such as the research methodology used, the level of analysis provided, and the format of the source (e.g., text, data, images).

7. Select the most appropriate sources: Select the most appropriate knowledge sources based on the criteria identified above, and ensure that they are sufficient to support the knowledge synthesis.

Medium for Synthesizing Knowledge:

The medium used to carry out synthesizing knowledge can vary depending on the synthesizer’s resources, skills, and preferences. Some commonly used mediums include human minds, computers, and other electronic devices.

The process of knowledge synthesizing can occur in various settings, such as in research institutions, universities, government agencies, and private organizations. It can also be carried out by individuals, research teams, or interdisciplinary groups. The location of the knowledge synthesizing process can vary as well, such as in a laboratory, office, or other professional setting.

In general, the medium and location for synthesizing knowledge should be chosen based on the synthesizer’s needs and the nature of the research question or problem being addressed. The most important factor is that the medium and location support the efficient and effective synthesis of knowledge by providing access to relevant sources of information, tools for analyzing and integrating data, and an environment conducive to intellectual creativity and collaboration.

Approach or Method of Synthesizing Knowledge:

The approach used for synthesizing knowledge can depend on various factors such as the nature of the question or problem, the availability and quality of knowledge sources, and the resources and skills of the synthesizer. Some commonly used approaches for synthesizing knowledge include systematic review, meta-analysis, thematic analysis, narrative synthesis, and critical interpretive synthesis.

To select the right approach for synthesizing knowledge, you can follow the following steps:

1. Identify the question or problem: Clearly define the question or problem that the knowledge synthesis aims to address.

2. Evaluate the type of evidence available: Consider the type of evidence available, such as qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods data.

3. Evaluate the quality of the evidence: Assess the quality and validity of the evidence available, such as by reviewing the methods used in the studies, the quality of the data collected, and the potential for bias.

4. Consider the resources and skills available: Determine the resources and skills available to the synthesizer, such as the availability of time, funding, and expertise.

5. Select the appropriate approach: Choose the approach that best fits the question or problem, the type and quality of evidence available, and the resources and skills available to the synthesizer.

6. Conduct the knowledge synthesis: Follow the steps outlined by the selected approach to conduct the knowledge synthesis, which typically include defining the research question, searching for and selecting relevant evidence, analyzing the evidence, and presenting the findings.

Examples of Synthesizing two or more Knowledge:

An example of two pieces of knowledge that gave rise to a new and novel idea is the invention of Velcro, which was inspired by the observation of burrs sticking to clothing.

In 1941, Swiss inventor George de Mestral went for a walk in the woods and noticed how burrs from burdock plants stuck to his dog’s fur and his own clothing. This led him to examine the burrs under a microscope and observe the tiny hooks that allowed them to attach to fabrics. This observation inspired de Mestral to create a new type of fastener that mimicked the burdock plant’s mechanism.

To develop his idea, de Mestral used the knowledge he had gained from studying the burdock plant and combined it with his expertise in textile weaving. He experimented with different materials and eventually developed a system of hooks and loops that could be used as a fastener. The resulting product was named “Velcro” (a combination of the French words “velours” and “crochet” meaning “velvet” and “hook” respectively).

The combination of de Mestral’s observations and knowledge of the burdock plant’s mechanism, and his experience in textile weaving and materials science, led to the invention of a new and novel product that has become widely used in a variety of applications, from clothing and shoes to aerospace and medical devices.

Another example of two or more pieces of knowledge that gave rise to a new and novel idea is the invention of the modern toothbrush, which was developed based on the combination of several pieces of knowledge and technology.

The first piece of knowledge was the concept of oral hygiene, which dates back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations, such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, used a variety of tools to clean their teeth, such as twigs, animal hair, and even feathers.

The second piece of knowledge was the invention of the modern bristle brush, which dates back to the late 18th century. In 1780, William Addis, an English inventor, created the first modern toothbrush by drilling small holes into a bone handle, inserting bristles from a pig’s neck hair, and tying them in place with wire.

The third piece of knowledge was the development of new materials, such as nylon, which was invented in the 1930s. This new material was strong, durable, and could be easily molded into various shapes, including toothbrush bristles.

The combination of these pieces of knowledge led to the development of the modern toothbrush as we know it today. In the 1930s, Dr. Phillippe Guy Woog, a French dentist, recognized the potential of nylon as a toothbrush bristle material and collaborated with a manufacturer to create the first nylon-bristled toothbrush. This new toothbrush was more hygienic, effective, and comfortable to use than previous versions, and quickly became popular around the world.