Evidence Synthesis Tool — illustrative example

INPUT
Two fictional studies: A observes 5 beginners, 3 need help with setup. B surveys 20 experienced users, 18 report easy setup. Compare without pooling the results.

RESULT
Study A: observed assistance needed by 3 of 5 beginners.
Study B: self-reported ease among 18 of 20 experienced users.
Synthesis: these findings concern different populations and measures, so they do not directly contradict each other.
Do not calculate one combined ease rate. Investigate whether experience or measurement method accounts for the difference; this pair does not establish causation.

REVIEW
Synthesis should retain disagreement and differences in methods. Sources that answer different questions should not be forced into a single average conclusion.

This is a teaching example, not a live execution record.