research-report-contract

Use this skill to keep reports sharp, comparable, and non-bloated.

Report modes

quick scan

Use when the main thread needs fast orientation.

Include:

• one-sentence objective restatement
• 3-5 findings max
• winner / leading direction
• biggest caveat
• best next action

normal report

Use for most tasks.

Include:

• ranked findings or options
• why the ranking looks that way
• key sources only
• caveats and tradeoffs
• final recommendation

deep dive

Use when the topic is expensive, high-stakes, or ambiguous.

Include:

• detailed comparisons
• evidence themes
• contradictions
• failure modes
• open questions
• reasoned verdict

adversarial / critique mode

Use when you want to break the leading answer on purpose.

Include:

• strongest objections
• weak assumptions
• evidence gaps
• what would change the conclusion
• whether the original recommendation still stands

Universal rules

• Do not source-dump.
• Do not narrate every search step.
• Use dates and versions when freshness matters.
• Separate confirmed vs inferred vs uncertain.