Using AI in “THINKING” or “DEEP RESEARCH” Mode

  • ChatGPT, Gemini, Grok and many other AI models now also give you the option of enabling “Reasoning” or “Thinking” plus web “Search” (ChatGPT) or you can get them both at once with “Deep Research” (Gemini) or “Deep Search” (Grok).
  • This will change the internal instructions and slow down the process (and increase compute time and cost), so you should not use this when you just want something simple. Previously, you could some of this manually by using a “Chain of Thought” request: first do this and then that. Now, however, you can just ask for a complicated analysis and just hit the button. Try that. Still, I often find it useful to consider a few parameters and more structure. You can now easily include multiple steps. I have put that into template form below.

DEEP RESEARCH TEMPLATE

  • Create a research report that will illuminate/examine/explore X. Make sure to examine the questions A, B, and C and include an analysis of D & E. You should begin with a critical review of literature/practice/web and then provide a synthesis of the key ideas/controversies/concepts/case studies and a recommendation.
  • Sources & Scope: The research should 
    • Draw from fields F & G,
    • Methodology H
    • Focus on peer-reviewed journal articles/best practices/reputable studies/institutional sources. 
    • Look for sector/Western/political/educational/gender bias in sources
    • Seek global sources in language/culture I.
  • Purpose & Framework: 
    • Use K as a framework for understanding these issues.
    • Focus on real-world applications and capabilities.
    • Pay special attention to policy implications and government uses.
    • Note any potential for L.
  • Audience:
    • Write for an audience of M/for journal N or submission to conference O. 
    • Describe your findings with relevance to P.

Example of a Deep Research Prompt

  • Analyze all of the new federal and state laws, executive orders and regulations around diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) and provide a summary of the most important changes that might affect my unit/organization at [name organization]. Analyze all of our web pages, courses, policies and practices and create a report that lists all of the potential specific problems we might face and suggest how we might remedy them. Focus on the most volatile issues that might put us in the public spotlight or risk government funding. Create an infographic based on this report that will help our staff make sure we are in compliance with all new regulations. Use the X institution/university style guide and colors to make this infographic.