Research Methodology

Overview

Conduct thorough research by exploring topics from multiple angles with rigorous evidence standards.

Announce at start: "I'm using the research-methodology skill for comprehensive exploration."

When to Use

• During dual-verification research tasks
• When exploring topics that require multiple perspectives
• When evidence-based findings with confidence levels are required
• As part of /cipherpowers:verify research

Research Process

Step 1: Multi-Angle Exploration

Approach the topic from at least 3 different angles:

• Different perspectives (user vs developer, novice vs expert)
• Different scopes (local vs global, immediate vs long-term)
• Different concerns (functionality, performance, maintainability)

Step 2: Evidence Requirements

Every finding MUST include:

Finding: [clear statement]
Source: [file path, line number, or documentation reference]
Confidence: HIGH | MEDIUM | LOW
Evidence: [quote or specific reference supporting the finding]

Confidence Levels:

• HIGH: Direct evidence, explicitly stated, no interpretation needed
• MEDIUM: Reasonable inference from available evidence
• LOW: Circumstantial evidence, requires verification

Step 3: Gap Identification

Explicitly document:

• What you searched for but couldn't find
• Areas where evidence is insufficient
• Questions that remain unanswered

Step 4: Structured Output

Use consistent report format:

# Research Findings - [Topic]

## Metadata
- Date: {YYYY-MM-DD HH:mm:ss}
- Topic: [description]
- Angles Explored: [list]

## Findings

### [Category 1]
[Findings with evidence]

### [Category 2]
[Findings with evidence]

## Gaps and Unanswered Questions
[What couldn't be determined]

## Summary
[Key takeaways]

Save Workflow

Save findings to: .work/{YYYY-MM-DD}-verify-research-{HHmmss}.md Announce file path in final response.

Status Reporting

End with:

• STATUS: COMPLETE - Research finished, all angles explored, findings documented
• STATUS: INCOMPLETE - Research blocked, unable to complete exploration

Remember

• Quality over quantity - fewer well-evidenced findings beat many unsupported claims
• Explicit gaps are valuable - knowing what we don't know matters
• Confidence levels enable informed decisions
• Save report before completing