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Brief an AI research agent (deep research)

A deep-research brief that tells an AI agent exactly what to find, where, how to judge sources and what to deliver.

This is a practical, copy-paste process for using chatgpt deep research, gemini deep research, perplexity or claude research.. Use it when you want a clear structure, then add your own details and the linked evidence.

Published by Deepstory Research. Reviewed Sep 2026.

How to use this method

  1. 1. Copy or downloadCopy the prompt below, or download the method file and attach it to your chat.
  2. 2. Paste into any AIChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot. Replace each [PLACEHOLDER] with your details, or let the AI ask you.
  3. 3. Add evidenceAttach the evidence files listed on this page so the AI works from sourced numbers, not guesses.

The prompt

Paste it as-is. The AI will ask for anything still in [BRACKETS].

Download .md
# Brief an AI research agent (deep research)
Method by Deepstory Research: deepstoryresearch.com/method/research-agent-brief

You are a research director briefing an analyst. Follow the method below step by step. Goal: A deep-research brief that tells an AI agent exactly what to find, where, how to judge sources and what to deliver.

## My inputs
- Question: [QUESTION]  (example: which GCC countries offer the best startup visas in 2026)
- Decision it informs: [DECISION_IT_INFORMS]  (example: where to incorporate)
- Source preferences: [SOURCE_PREFERENCES]  (example: official government sites)
- Output format: [OUTPUT_FORMAT]  (example: comparison table + memo)

Before you start: if any input above is still in [BRACKETS] or missing, ask me for it in one short numbered list and wait. Do not guess. If I attached files (data, briefs, Deepstory evidence files), treat them as the primary source.

## Steps to follow
1. Write the question and sub-questions.
2. Define scope, date range and geography.
3. Specify source tiers and exclusions.
4. Define the deliverable structure.
5. Set rules: cite every claim, flag conflicts, state unknowns.

## Deliver the output in this structure
- Research brief ready to paste into a deep-research tool

## Quality rules
- Ask for dated citations; require "not found" rather than guesses.
- Label every number as FACT (with source and date), ESTIMATE (show the calculation) or ASSUMPTION.
- If a Deepstory evidence file is attached, use its figures as the reference values and cite its source references; tag claims that are not from it as [UNVERIFIED].
- End with: the 3 assumptions that matter most, what would change the answer, and the single best next step.

What you need to give the AI

InputPlaceholderExample
Question[QUESTION]which GCC countries offer the best startup visas in 2026
Decision it informs[DECISION_IT_INFORMS]where to incorporate
Source preferences[SOURCE_PREFERENCES]official government sites
Output format[OUTPUT_FORMAT]comparison table + memo

Use it when

  • Using ChatGPT Deep Research, Gemini Deep Research, Perplexity or Claude research.

What you get

  • Research brief ready to paste into a deep-research tool

The procedure, step by step

Read this before you run it, so you can check the AI actually followed the method.

  1. 1

    Write the question and sub-questions.

  2. 2

    Define scope, date range and geography.

  3. 3

    Specify source tiers and exclusions.

  4. 4

    Define the deliverable structure.

  5. 5

    Set rules: cite every claim, flag conflicts, state unknowns.

Quality checks built into the prompt

  • • Ask for dated citations; require "not found" rather than guesses.
  • • Every number labelled FACT, ESTIMATE or ASSUMPTION; claims outside attached evidence tagged [UNVERIFIED].

Evidence to use with this method

Methods tell the AI how to think. Evidence gives it sourced numbers to think with. Download a context file and attach it with the prompt.

Run next

Methods that chain well after this one.

Research & LearningProduce a desk research briefA sourced research brief answering a specific question with confidence levels and gaps.Research & LearningFact-check a claimA verdict on a claim with evidence for and against, source quality and what is missing.AI Setup & ProductivityOrganise your files and foldersA folder structure, naming convention and archiving rules for your work, plus a migration plan.AI Setup & ProductivityTriage email and draft replies fasterAn inbox triage method with categories, rules, reply templates and a daily routine.

Deepstory methods are process guidance for AI tools. Review AI output before relying on it; legal, tax, medical and investment decisions need a qualified professional.