Key Takeaways
- Integration combines information from multiple sources for complete understanding
- Compare similarities, contrast differences, then synthesize a conclusion
- Evaluate source credibility using authority, accuracy, objectivity, currency, and coverage
- Resolve conflicts by considering credibility, date, and context differences
- Visual data (tables, graphs) often needs to be integrated with text
Integrating Information from Multiple Sources
The TEAS tests your ability to analyze, compare, and synthesize information from different sources. This skill is critical in nursing, where you must integrate information from patient charts, lab results, and medical literature.
What Is Integration?
Integration means combining information from multiple sources to form a complete understanding or reach a conclusion.
| Skill | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Compare | Find similarities | Both sources agree that hand hygiene reduces infections |
| Contrast | Find differences | Source A recommends 20 seconds; Source B recommends 30 |
| Synthesize | Combine into new understanding | Together, these sources suggest 20-30 seconds is optimal |
| Reconcile | Resolve contradictions | The difference may be due to different settings studied |
Types of Sources on the TEAS
| Source Type | Characteristics | Use |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific articles | Formal, data-driven, peer-reviewed | Evidence for claims |
| News articles | Current events, varied reliability | General information |
| Technical documents | Procedures, specifications | Detailed instructions |
| Primary sources | Original research, firsthand accounts | Direct evidence |
| Secondary sources | Analysis of primary sources | Interpretation |
| Reference materials | Dictionaries, encyclopedias | Definitions, facts |
Strategies for Comparing Sources
Step 1: Identify the Main Point of Each Source What is each source primarily about?
Step 2: Note Similarities
- What do sources agree on?
- What topics do they both address?
- What conclusions are consistent?
Step 3: Note Differences
- Where do sources disagree?
- What does one source include that the other omits?
- Are there contradicting facts or opinions?
Step 4: Evaluate Credibility
- Which source is more reliable?
- Which has stronger evidence?
- Are there reasons for disagreement (different time periods, populations, methods)?
Step 5: Synthesize
- What can you conclude by combining the information?
- How do the sources complement each other?
Evaluating Source Reliability
| Criterion | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Authority | Who wrote it? What are their credentials? |
| Accuracy | Is the information supported by evidence? |
| Objectivity | Is there potential bias? Who published it? |
| Currency | When was it written? Is it still relevant? |
| Coverage | Does it address the topic thoroughly? |
Resolving Conflicting Information
When sources disagree:
- Check the credibility of each source
- Look at the date—newer research may supersede older
- Consider the scope—different populations or settings may yield different results
- Look for explanations of the discrepancy in other sources
- Weight the evidence—peer-reviewed research is stronger than opinion
Visual Data Integration
The TEAS may ask you to integrate information from text with:
- Tables - Structured data in rows and columns
- Graphs - Visual representation of numerical data
- Charts - Diagrams showing relationships
- Infographics - Combination of images and text
Strategy: Read labels carefully, look for trends, and connect visual data to written claims.
Sample Integration Task
Source 1 (Text): "Hospital A implemented a new hand hygiene protocol in 2024." Source 2 (Graph): Shows hospital infection rates declining sharply after 2024.
Integration: The decline in infections corresponds to the new protocol, suggesting it may be effective.
TEAS Question Types
| Question Type | What It Asks |
|---|---|
| "Based on both sources..." | Synthesize information from multiple texts |
| "According to the table and passage..." | Integrate visual and written data |
| "Which statement is supported by both..." | Find common ground between sources |
| "How does the author's claim compare..." | Contrast different viewpoints |
When two sources present conflicting information, what should you do first?
What does it mean to "synthesize" information from multiple sources?