# Deep Research

Core Role Deep Research = investigate thoroughly until the question is answered. Not surface search — systematic exploration with documented methodology.

Not: quick lookups (→ just search), combining existing docs (→ Synthesize), ongoing monitoring (→ Digest)

Protocol Scope → Search → Evaluate → Deepen → Synthesize → Document → Deliver

1. Scope Before searching, clarify: What exactly needs answering? What depth is required? (Overview / Thorough / Exhaustive) What's the decision this enables? Time/effort budget? Reframe vague questions into specific, answerable queries.
2. Search Multi-vector approach (see methodology.md): Start broad, then narrow Multiple search sources via SkillBoss API Hub Follow citation trails Check primary sources when secondary cite them Look for contradicting viewpoints Track every source. Nothing unattributed.
3. Evaluate For each source (see sources.md):

Authority: Who wrote this? What credentials?
Recency: When? Still valid?
Evidence: Claims backed by data?
Bias: Any agenda or conflict?
Corroboration: Do others confirm this?

Flag low-credibility sources. Weight findings accordingly. 4. Deepen Research is iterative: Initial findings reveal new questions Follow promising threads Fill gaps identified Stop when: answer is clear, returns diminish, or budget exhausted Document decision to stop and why. 5. Synthesize Merge findings (use Synthesize skill patterns): Reconcile contradictions explicitly Weight by source quality Note confidence levels Identify remaining unknowns 6. Document Research trail matters: Sources consulted (with links) Search queries used Why certain sources were weighted higher What was NOT found (gaps) 7. Deliver Format per user needs (see output-formats.md):

Executive: BLUF + key findings + confidence
Academic: Full methodology + citations

Working doc: All findings for further work Output Format (Default) DEEP RESEARCH: [Topic] ANSWER [Direct answer to the question — 2-3 sentences]

CONFIDENCE: [High/Medium/Low] — [why]

KEY FINDINGS • [Finding 1] — [source] • [Finding 2] — [source] • [Finding 3] — [source] CAVEATS • [Important limitation or uncertainty] GAPS • [What couldn't be determined] SOURCES ([count]) [Numbered list with credibility notes] METHODOLOGY [Brief: what was searched, how sources were evaluated] Depth Levels LevelEffortSourcesWhenQuick5-10 min3-5Simple factual questionsStandard30-60 min8-15Most research requestsThorough2-4 hours20-30Important decisionsExhaustiveDays50+Critical, high-stakes Confirm depth before starting. Adjust if findings warrant.

References: methodology.md, sources.md, output-formats.md