Deep Research Prompt Template

Learn anything, fast.

It’s a quiet Sunday and I want to know what vintage cars are rising in popularity, so I know what to look out for at an upcoming car show.

To be clear: What’s pasted below is a generic research template. It’s intended to be customized by a large language model based on the topic and specifics you provide. Simply ask, “Please customize this prompt to research _”. Yes, I say please. I actually have a really good reason to do so, which I won’t get into right now.

Finally, paste its response into your preferred deep research capable AI, hit “research” (available from Gemini and ChatGPT for free), and watch the colors fly. You’ll have a comprehensive research asset in no time.

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So, I’ve crafted this blank template of a research prompt, and I’d like to put it up here for all. I’ve found it to be one of the most essential prompts in my toolkit, and I think you’ll agree it gives the LLM a bit of thought material. Mileage may vary, but generally a prompt like this will provide a good foundation for iteration and generate more comprehensive, even predictable results. Measurable test results will be presented in an upcoming article, but the proof really is in the pudding.

I’d also like to thank all of you wonderful subscribers. I just started this account this week, and I’m already ecstatic. It’s great knowing I’m not the only one trying to wrap their head around this vague technology.

Without any further ado, here is a deep research prompt ready for you to customize easily using your favorite model:

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<instruction_type>comprehensive_research</instruction_type>

<context>
Research target: [SPECIFIC TOPIC]
Research objective: [DECISION/PURPOSE]
Scope boundaries: [INCLUDE/EXCLUDE PARAMETERS]
</context>

<systematic_process>
1. TOPIC_ANALYSIS
   - Define core concepts and terminology
   - Identify 3-5 primary research questions
   - Establish information scope boundaries

2. INFORMATION_GATHERING
   - Search current sources (prioritize 2020-2024)
   - Collect minimum 8-12 diverse sources
   - Include contradictory viewpoints
   - Verify source credibility

3. EVIDENCE_SYNTHESIS
   - Identify patterns across sources
   - Map agreement/disagreement areas
   - Assess evidence strength
   - Note data gaps or limitations

4. CONCLUSION_FORMATION
   - Answer each research question with evidence
   - State confidence levels for conclusions
   - Provide actionable recommendations
   - Identify follow-up research needs
</systematic_process>

<source_requirements>
- Minimum 8 sources total
- Include: academic studies, expert analysis, recent data
- Exclude: opinion blogs, unverified claims, outdated information
- Cite all sources with URLs when available
- Note publication dates and source types
</source_requirements>

<output_structure>
## Research Analysis: [TOPIC]

### Key Findings
[Numbered list of 4-6 primary discoveries with supporting evidence]

### Source Synthesis
**Areas of consensus:** [Points where multiple sources agree]
**Areas of disagreement:** [Conflicting information with source attribution]
**Evidence quality:** [Assessment of source reliability and data strength]

### Conclusions
[Direct answers to research questions with confidence indicators]

### Recommendations
[Specific, actionable guidance based on findings]

### Research Gaps
[Areas requiring additional investigation]

### Source Bibliography
[Complete source list with titles, dates, URLs, and credibility assessment]
</output_structure>

<quality_controls>
- Verify each conclusion links to specific evidence
- Ensure balanced representation of viewpoints
- Check that all research questions are addressed
- Confirm source diversity and credibility
- Validate recommendation practicality
</quality_controls>

<processing_guidelines>
- Process sources systematically, not randomly
- Weight recent sources higher unless historical context needed
- Flag contradictory information explicitly
- Distinguish between correlation and causation
- Separate established facts from emerging theories
</processing_guidelines>

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Hope this was helpful! Let me know in the comments what you customized your prompt to research. Most importantly, have a wonderful day.