Research with AI without trusting every answer

Start with a small real task. Use the steps below, inspect the output, and make the result your own.

Ask for a research plan first

A confident AI answer is not the same as an accurate one. Start by asking what needs to be checked, which sources would be primary and what might be disputed.

Use a verification prompt

Help me research this question: [question]. First list the sub-questions. Then identify the best primary sources to consult and explain why. Separate verified facts from hypotheses. For each factual claim, link to a source and tell me what the source actually supports. If a claim cannot be verified, label it unknown. Do not invent citations.

Check the important claims yourself

1. Open primary sources and read the relevant part, not just the AI summary.
2. Check dates. Policies, prices and product capabilities may have changed.
3. Look for contradictory evidence or missing context.
4. Keep a short source list with access dates for anything you publish.

Use the tool for what it does well

AI is useful for organizing questions, comparing arguments, translating technical language and producing a working outline. Treat factual verification as a separate step.