BMAD-METHOD/bmad/bmm/workflows/1-analysis/research/checklist-deep-prompt.md

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 [X]'"
• 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

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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]

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Validation Complete: ☐ Yes ☐ No Ready to Execute: ☐ Yes ☐ No Reviewer: **_** Date: **_**