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Prompting for Research, Minus the Hype

EE
Ellis Explorer
May 8, 2026 · 8 min read
promptdock.ai/blog

The trap with research prompts is asking for the finished thing. Ask for options instead, then bring your taste to the edit.

Start with the smallest version

Ask for the reasoning, then the result. When the model shows its steps you can see exactly where to push back.

Reuse the recipe

Ask for the reasoning, then the result. When the model shows its steps you can see exactly where to push back.

Cut before you polish

Lock the parts that never change and leave one slot for the variable. Now every run shares a family resemblance instead of starting from scratch.

Lock the parts that never change and leave one slot for the variable. Now every run shares a family resemblance instead of starting from scratch.

The prompt behind this post
Premium
Concept Explainer (3 Levels)

Name a concept and get it explained at three escalating depths — beginner, intermediate, and expert — each accurate and pitched for that level. Meet a learner exactly where they are, or watch the same idea deepen as you read down.

View promptClaude Opus 4.8
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