Research Question

Convert vague research goals into an evidence-driven investigation.

Process

1. Restate the question in operational terms.
2. Define scope, population, time period, and terminology.
3. Break the question into answerable subquestions.
4. Identify which claims require primary sources, reviews, datasets, experiments, or official documentation.
5. Create a search plan using multiple independent source types.
6. Track claims, evidence, contradictions, and unresolved gaps.
7. Distinguish established findings from interpretation and speculation.
8. Produce a synthesis that preserves uncertainty.

Source hierarchy

Prefer, when applicable:

1. Primary research or original technical documentation
2. Official datasets, standards, or institutional sources
3. Systematic reviews and high-quality surveys
4. Reputable secondary analysis
5. Community discussions for practical experience or discovery

Do not treat popularity as evidence of correctness.

Output

Return:

• Research question
• Scope and definitions
• Subquestions
• Evidence plan
• Search terms
• Claim/evidence table
• Contradictions and gaps
• Final synthesis