5.2 KiB
5.2 KiB
Deep Research Prompt Validation Checklist
🚨 CRITICAL: Anti-Hallucination Instructions (PRIORITY)
Citation Requirements Built Into Prompt
- Prompt EXPLICITLY instructs: "Cite sources with URLs for ALL factual claims"
- Prompt requires: "Include source name, date, and URL for every statistic"
- Prompt mandates: "If you cannot find reliable data, state 'No verified data found for '"
- Prompt specifies inline citation format (e.g., "[Source: Company, Year, URL]")
- Prompt requires References section at end with all sources listed
Multi-Source Verification Requirements
- Prompt instructs: "Cross-reference critical claims with at least 2 independent sources"
- Prompt requires: "Note when sources conflict and present all viewpoints"
- Prompt specifies: "Verify version numbers and dates from official sources"
- Prompt mandates: "Mark confidence levels: [Verified], [Single source], [Uncertain]"
Fact vs Analysis Distinction
- Prompt requires clear labeling: "Distinguish FACTS (sourced), ANALYSIS (your interpretation), SPECULATION (projections)"
- Prompt instructs: "Do not present assumptions or analysis as verified facts"
- Prompt requires: "Label projections and forecasts clearly as such"
- Prompt warns: "Avoid vague attributions like 'experts say' - name the expert/source"
Source Quality Guidance
- Prompt specifies preferred sources (e.g., "Official docs > analyst reports > blog posts")
- Prompt prioritizes recency: "Prioritize {{current_year}} sources for time-sensitive data"
- Prompt requires credibility assessment: "Note source credibility for each citation"
- Prompt warns against: "Do not rely on single blog posts for critical claims"
Anti-Hallucination Safeguards
- Prompt warns: "If data seems convenient or too round, verify with additional sources"
- Prompt instructs: "Flag suspicious claims that need third-party verification"
- Prompt requires: "Provide date accessed for all web sources"
- Prompt mandates: "Do NOT invent statistics - only use verified data"
Prompt Foundation
Topic and Scope
- Research topic is specific and focused (not too broad)
- Target platform is specified (ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok, Claude)
- Temporal scope defined and includes "current {{current_year}}" requirement
- Source recency requirement specified (e.g., "prioritize 2024-2025 sources")
Content Requirements
Information Specifications
- Types of information needed are listed (quantitative, qualitative, trends, case studies, etc.)
- Preferred sources are specified (academic, industry reports, news, etc.)
- Recency requirements are stated (e.g., "prioritize {{current_year}} sources")
- Keywords and technical terms are included for search optimization
- Validation criteria are defined (how to verify findings)
Output Structure
- Desired format is clear (executive summary, comparison table, timeline, SWOT, etc.)
- Key sections or questions are outlined
- Depth level is specified (overview, standard, comprehensive, exhaustive)
- Citation requirements are stated
- Any special formatting needs are mentioned
Platform Optimization
Platform-Specific Elements
- Prompt is optimized for chosen platform's capabilities
- Platform-specific tips are included
- Query limit considerations are noted (if applicable)
- Platform strengths are leveraged (e.g., ChatGPT's multi-step search, Gemini's plan modification)
Execution Guidance
- Research persona/perspective is specified (if applicable)
- Special requirements are stated (bias considerations, recency, etc.)
- Follow-up strategy is outlined
- Validation approach is defined
Quality and Usability
Clarity and Completeness
- Prompt language is clear and unambiguous
- All placeholders and variables are replaced with actual values
- Prompt can be copy-pasted directly into platform
- No contradictory instructions exist
- Prompt is self-contained (doesn't assume unstated context)
Practical Utility
- Execution checklist is provided (before, during, after research)
- Platform usage tips are included
- Follow-up questions are anticipated
- Success criteria are defined
- Output file format is specified
Research Depth
Scope Appropriateness
- Scope matches user's available time and resources
- Depth is appropriate for decision at hand
- Key questions that MUST be answered are identified
- Nice-to-have vs. critical information is distinguished
Validation Criteria
Quality Standards
- Method for cross-referencing sources is specified
- Approach to handling conflicting information is defined
- Confidence level indicators are requested
- Gap identification is included
- Fact vs. opinion distinction is required
Issues Found
Critical Issues
List any critical gaps or errors that must be addressed:
- Issue 1: [Description]
- Issue 2: [Description]
Minor Improvements
List minor improvements that would enhance the prompt:
- Issue 1: [Description]
- Issue 2: [Description]
Validation Complete: ☐ Yes ☐ No Ready to Execute: ☐ Yes ☐ No Reviewer: {agent} Date: {date}