Compare sources without merging away the disagreement
QUICK REFERENCE
Two sources may use different definitions, describe different situations or genuinely disagree. A comparison sheet keeps each claim with its source and context. The goal is to see the relationship before writing a smooth summary that makes the differences disappear.
When to use this
Use this for reading notes, a class discussion or the early stage of an essay. It helps you distinguish what the sources actually state from your interpretation of them.
Know these three terms
Claim
The specific statement you are comparing.
Scope
The people, place, time, definition or conditions the statement concerns.
Evidence
The material offered in support of the claim, rather than the claim alone.
A practical way to do it
Choose one question
Compare sources against the same focused question. A source about beginners and a source about experienced users may be answering different questions even when they use similar words.
Keep the wording and location
Save a short relevant passage or a precise paraphrase with a page, section or other usable locator. Distinguish direct quotations from your notes so you do not later mistake one for the other.
Classify the relationship
Ask whether the claims agree, differ in scope, offer different evidence or directly conflict. If you cannot decide from the available passages, record what further reading would clarify the issue. Do not force a single conclusion prematurely.
At a glance
| Source | Claim and scope | Relationship to the question |
|---|---|---|
| Fictional handbook A | New members attend an induction before borrowing tools. | Describes the starting requirement. |
| Fictional notice B | Experienced members may book additional workshop sessions. | Describes booking, not permission to skip induction. |
| Unanswered | Neither excerpt says how induction is scheduled. | Requires a separate source or clarification. |
A small example
Fictional example: one excerpt describes an induction requirement and another describes additional booking options. A rushed summary says experienced members do not need induction. The comparison sheet shows that this conclusion is unsupported: the excerpts concern different parts of the process.
Copy this working template
Use the fields directly in your own notes. AI is optional; check any AI-prepared version against your facts.
Question I am investigating:
Source title / author / date or version:
Relevant passage and locator:
Accurate paraphrase:
Scope and definitions:
Evidence offered:
Agreement, difference or conflict:
What is still unknown:Check before moving on
- Each claim stays connected to its source and locator.
- The sources are being compared against the same question.
- Differences in scope have been considered before declaring a contradiction.
- Your conclusion does not go beyond what the material supports.
Common questions
What if a source has no date or named author?
Record the missing information and consider how it affects your ability to assess the material. Do not invent bibliographic details. Use the reference format required for your assignment.
Can AI combine my source notes?
Ask it to preserve source labels and identify differences first. Check quotations and locators against the originals. Do not accept a citation merely because it is formatted convincingly.
Continue with your task
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