Final answer:
Synthesis involves combining information from various sources to create new meaning, often by looking for connections and interpreting key points. An example is writing an essay on sustainability by combining data from multiple disciplines to reach a new understanding. This skill is also used in other areas like biology or civic engagement for informed decision-making.
Step-by-step explanation:
Synthesis is the process of interpreting key points from various sources to create new understanding or meaning. This involves looking for connections or relationships between the texts or sources, and strategically combining them to serve a specific purpose, thereby interpreting content. This process requires complex reading and thinking skills that allow for not only summarizing data but also making original claims or identifying implications.
An example of synthesis could be in an essay on environmental sustainability. The writer could integrate research findings about climate change, economic reports on renewable energy costs, and sociological studies on consumer behavior to make a broad statement about the society's readiness to transition to renewable energy. This act of synthesizing information creates a more comprehensive understanding of the topic than any single source could provide.
Integration in biology is a good example from another discipline, as it involves processing sensory stimuli in the nervous system to produce a coherent response. For instance, seeing a baseball involves the brain integrating visual information with past experiences and the current situation to determine the batter's response - to swing or not to swing.
In the realm of civic engagement, data synthesis might help understand voter preferences or community needs, which is essential for making informed policy decisions or for businesses to understand consumer behavior. Thus, the skills of synthesis and integration are valuable across various contexts, from academic writing to making informed decisions in daily life.