The process of separating facts, sources, inferences, and information gaps when using AI for rapid research.
AI can help you expand your questions and organize your literature, but it shouldn't be your sole source. A good research process always maintains a clear path from the conclusion back to the original facts.
Start with a question that has scope.
Specify the subject, time period, location, type of source, and the decision you need assistance with. The broader the question, the easier it is for the AI to mix up unrelated facts.
Separating four layers of information
The output requirements include: sourced facts, citations, AI inferences, and unknowns. A significant statement should not appear without direct supporting sources.
Three-step verification process
Step 1: Open the source instead of trusting the abstract. Step 2: Check the date, author, and methods. Step 3: Find at least one independent source for the claims influencing your decision.
Research prompt template
Act as a research assistant. For each statement, provide a direct source, publication date, and level of certainty. Separate facts from inferences. If you cannot find sufficient evidence, write "Insufficient data" instead of "guess."
Leave a trace
Record the question, prompt, open source, and the reason for selecting or excluding each source. This record helps others review the work and allows you to update your research as the data changes.
