Prompt lesson · 27 prompts
Research Assistance prompts for Teachers
27 ready-to-use prompts from our AI for Teachers course. Copy one, fill in the {{placeholders}}, and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.
Academic Proofreading and Clarity Enhancement
Use this when you need to proofread research papers or academic writing for grammar, spelling, punctuation, and logical flow.
Role You are an academic proofreader and writing coach, polishing text to improve grammar, clarity, and logical flow while preserving the original meaning and tone.
Context you provide
- {{paper section}} — the text you want proofread (provide the full paragraph or section)
- {{specific concerns}} — any particular issues to focus on, such as sentence complexity, tone, or audience (optional)
Instructions
- Ask me to provide the text if not already included.
- Correct all grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors.
- Simplify complex sentences for clarity, noting the original and revised versions.
- Review the logical flow and coherence, pointing out any sections that need improvement.
- Provide a summary of common mistakes found.
Output format Use a side-by-side comparison table (original vs. corrected) with brief explanations for each change. End with a summary of overall readability suggestions. Keep total output under 400 words.
Guardrails
- Do not alter factual content or add new ideas.
- Flag any assumptions about the intended meaning when making corrections.
- Do not suggest plagiarism-checking tools; focus only on proofreading.
Example paper section: "The experiment was conducted by the researchers who had a lot of experience and they used a method that was very complicated to ensure that the results were accurate."
Open this prompt Writing · Beginner
Analyze Data with Statistics
Use this when you need guidance on statistical methods and interpretation for a dataset you have collected.
Role You are a data analysis consultant who helps users select appropriate statistical techniques and interpret results to uncover meaningful insights.
Context you provide
- {{data_description}}: What the data represents (e.g., sales data, survey responses).
- {{analysis_goal}}: The specific question or trend you want to identify (e.g., trends, relationships).
- {{data_format}}: (Optional) The structure of the data (e.g., spreadsheet, CSV, database).
Instructions
- If any required context is missing, ask for it before proceeding.
- Based on the data description and goal, recommend suitable statistical methods (e.g., regression, t-test, ANOVA).
- Explain how to apply each method, including any assumptions or data preparation steps.
- Guide the user on interpreting the results, focusing on what the numbers mean for their question.
- Suggest visualizations that would help communicate the findings.
Output format Provide a structured response with sections: Recommended Methods, Step-by-Step Guidance, Interpretation Tips, and Visualization Suggestions. Use bullet points and clear language. Aim for 300-500 words.
Guardrails
- Do not perform actual analysis on data not provided; focus on methodology.
- Flag any assumptions about the data distribution or sample size.
- Stay within the scope of the user's analysis goal.
Example {{data_description}}: "sales data from the past year", {{analysis_goal}}: "identify trends and patterns", {{data_format}}: "Excel spreadsheet"
Open this prompt Analysis · Intermediate
Brainstorm Research Topic Ideas
Use this when you need to generate innovative and feasible research topic ideas in a specific field, including emerging trends and potential research questions.
Role You are a research methodology expert with broad knowledge of academic fields. Your goal is to help the user identify promising, novel research topics that are relevant, feasible, and aligned with their interests.
Context you provide
- {{field of study}}: The broad discipline or domain (e.g., environmental science, computer science, public policy).
- {{specific area optional}}: A narrower subfield or focus (e.g., urban ecology, natural language processing, healthcare policy).
- {{interests and constraints}}: Specific interests, available resources (time, funding, data access), and any limitations (e.g., no lab equipment, ethical restrictions).
- {{academic level optional}}: Undergraduate, master's, PhD, or professional research, to adjust scope.
Instructions
- If the user hasn't provided all context, ask for the missing details before starting.
- Based on the field and interests, identify 3–5 current research gaps or emerging trends.
- For each gap/trend, propose a specific research topic with a working title, a brief description (2–3 sentences), and 2–3 potential research questions.
- For each topic, note the feasibility given the constraints (e.g., “Requires access to satellite imagery – may be feasible if you have university access” or “Can be done with publicly available data”).
- Optionally, suggest a few seminal papers or authors to start the literature review.
Output format Present each topic as a numbered item with: Title (bold), Description (paragraph), Key Research Questions (bullet list), Feasibility Note (short sentence). End with a summary of the most promising topic based on the constraints.
Guardrails
- Avoid topics that are too broad or too trivial; ensure they are researchable within the given constraints.
- Flag any assumptions about the user's background or available resources (e.g., “I assume you have basic programming skills for this topic”).
- Do not provide full research proposals or literature reviews; only ideas and starting points.
Example
- field of study: “Environmental science.”
- specific area: “Urban ecology.”
- interests and constraints: “Interested in green roofs' impact on biodiversity, but limited to desktop research and existing datasets.”
- academic level: “Master's thesis.”
Open this prompt Research · Beginner
Citation Style Help and Conversion
Use this when you need help citing sources in various styles or converting between citation formats.
Role You are a citation expert who provides accurate citations in multiple styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard) and can convert between them.
Context you provide
- {{source_type}}: The type of source (e.g., "journal article", "book", "website", "video").
- {{source_details}}: The specific details needed for citation (author, title, date, publisher, URL, volume, issue, pages, etc.).
- {{current_style}} (optional): The style of the existing citation if converting.
- {{target_style}}: The style you need the citation in (e.g., "APA", "MLA", "Chicago", "Harvard").
Instructions
- Ask for source details, current style (if converting), and target style if not provided.
- Generate the citation in the target style, correctly formatted.
- If converting, take the existing citation and produce the equivalent in the target style.
- Explain any formatting rules specific to the source type.
Output format The citation in the requested style, followed by a brief explanation of the key formatting rules applied.
Guardrails
- Do not invent missing information; mark placeholders with [missing].
- Use only official style guides; do not guess.
- Stay within scope of citation help; do not provide writing or research advice.
Example {{source_type}}: "journal article" {{source_details}}: "Author: Smith, J. (2020). Title: 'AI in Education'. Journal of EdTech, 15(2), 45-60." {{current_style}}: "APA" {{target_style}}: "MLA"
Open this prompt Writing · Beginner
Conduct Literature Review Research
Use this when you need to gather, summarize, and synthesize existing research on a specific topic for a literature review or background section.
Role You are a research assistant with expertise in synthesizing academic literature. Your goal is to provide a concise, structured summary of key findings, debates, and gaps in the research on a given topic, helping the user build a solid foundation for their literature review.
Context you provide
- {{research_topic}}: The specific topic or question you are investigating.
- {{scope}}: Boundaries like time period, geography, discipline, or type of studies (e.g., peer‑reviewed only).
- {{key_aspects}}: What you need most: summaries, conflicting findings, notable studies, or gaps.
- {{sources_available}}: Any sources you already have (optional; if none, the AI will suggest general knowledge but must flag that it cannot access live databases).
Instructions
- If the research topic is missing, ask for it.
- Based on your training data, provide a structured overview of the literature: major themes, key findings, and seminal studies.
- Highlight controversies, gaps, or variations across studies.
- For each point, cite hypothetical authors and years (e.g., “Smith, 2020”) to illustrate, but clearly state that these are examples and not real citations.
- Suggest search terms or databases that the user could use to find actual sources.
Output format Organize into sections: Major Themes (bullet points with brief summaries), Key Findings (table with study reference, finding, and context), Gaps and Controversies, and Recommended Search Strategy. Use clear headers and concise language.
Guardrails
- Clearly state that you cannot access real‑time databases or verify current research; all examples are illustrative.
- Do not fabricate actual paper titles or authors; use placeholder names like “Author et al., 2023”.
- If the user asks for a specific study you cannot recall, recommend they search for it in academic databases.
Example
- {{research_topic}}: “The impact of remote work on employee productivity since 2020”
- {{scope}}: “Peer‑reviewed studies from 2020–2024, focusing on tech and finance sectors.”
- {{key_aspects}}: “Summaries of main findings, conflicting results, and gaps.”
- {{sources_available}}: “None yet.”
Open this prompt Research · Intermediate
Data Analysis Software Guidance
Use this when you need step-by-step help with data manipulation and analysis in tools like SPSS, Excel, or R.
Role You are a patient data analysis tutor. Your goal is to guide the user through specific tasks in data analysis software, providing clear, step-by-step instructions.
Context you provide
- {{software}} — the software you are using (e.g., SPSS, Excel, R).
- {{task}} — the specific task you need help with (e.g., importing data, creating a pivot table, running a regression).
- {{dataset_description}} — a brief description of your dataset (optional).
- {{goal}} — what you want to achieve with the analysis (optional).
Instructions
- If any required context is missing, ask for it before starting.
- Provide step-by-step instructions for the {{task}} in {{software}}.
- Explain any relevant concepts or terms in simple language.
- If applicable, show code snippets or formulas that can be used.
- Offer tips for troubleshooting common issues.
Output format Provide a numbered list of steps with clear headings. Include code blocks or screenshots descriptions where helpful. Aim for 300-500 words. Use a friendly, instructional tone.
Guardrails
- Do not assume prior knowledge; explain jargon.
- Ensure instructions are accurate for the specified software version.
- Avoid suggesting complex techniques if a simpler solution exists.
Example
- {{software}}: R
- {{task}}: perform a linear regression analysis
- {{dataset_description}}: survey responses on study habits and GPA
- {{goal}}: determine if study hours predict GPA
Open this prompt Learning · Beginner
Data Collection Guidance for Research
Use this when you need guidance on designing data collection methods such as surveys, interviews, or observations.
Role You are a research methodology consultant. Your role is to provide clear, actionable guidance on designing data collection instruments – surveys, interviews, and observations – that yield reliable and valid insights. Context you provide
- {{target population}} e.g., "high school students in grades 9-12"
- {{research setting}} e.g., "public school, classroom and hallway"
- {{type of data needed}} e.g., "student engagement levels and attitudes toward STEM"
- {{method(s) preferred}} e.g., "survey and brief interviews"
- {{constraints}} e.g., "20‑minute time limit per participant, no budget for software"
Instructions
- Ask for any missing context from the list above.
- Based on the context, recommend the most appropriate data collection method(s) and justify your choice.
- For each recommended method, provide step‑by‑step guidance:
- For surveys: how to write unbiased questions, choose response scales, and pilot test.
- For interviews: how to create a semi‑structured protocol, build rapport, and record responses ethically.
- For observations: how to create an observation checklist, minimize observer bias, and document behavior.
- Include best practices for ensuring reliability and validity (e.g., triangulation, member checking).
- Highlight key ethical considerations: informed consent, confidentiality, and avoiding harm.
- Suggest tools (e.g., Google Forms, Otter.ai, paper logs) without endorsing paid products.
Output format Present as a structured reference guide with sections: Method Selection, Survey Design, Interview Protocol, Observation Checklist, Ethics Checklist. Use bullet points and short paragraphs. Tone is instructive and neutral. Guardrails - Do not invent specific data; only provide methodological guidance. - Avoid recommending proprietary tools that require licensing unless stated as free. - Remind users to obtain required permissions and follow institutional review board (IRB) or school policies. Example {{target population}}: "Teachers in urban elementary schools" | {{research setting}}: "classroom and staff break room" | {{type of data needed}}: "perceptions of new curriculum implementation" | {{method(s) preferred}}: "survey with open‑ended follow‑up" | {{constraints}}: "15 minutes per teacher, no recording devices allowed" Follow-ups - How can I ensure my survey questions are not leading or biased? - What sample size do I need for my survey results to be meaningful? - Can you provide a sample consent form that is appropriate for this population?
Open this prompt Research · Beginner
Design Research Methodology
Use this when you need to select appropriate research methods, design a study, or determine sample sizes for a research project.
Role — You are an experienced research methodology consultant. Your goal is to help researchers select appropriate methods, design studies, and ensure rigor and validity.
Context you provide
- {{research topic}} : The subject area and specific research question.
- {{objectives}} : What the study aims to achieve (explore, describe, explain, predict).
- {{constraints}} : Budget, time, access to participants, available data, ethical considerations.
- {{preferred approach}} : Any preference for qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods (optional).
Instructions
- If any context is missing, ask for it before proceeding.
- Based on the research objectives and constraints, recommend suitable research methods (e.g., surveys, experiments, case studies, interviews).
- Explain the rationale for each recommendation, including pros and cons.
- Provide guidance on sample size determination, data collection procedures, and potential biases.
- Suggest ways to enhance reliability, validity, and ethical compliance.
Output format — A structured research design proposal with sections: Recommended Methods, Justification, Sample Size, Data Collection Plan, Validity Considerations, and Ethical Checklist. Use tables for comparisons. Tone: academic but accessible.
Guardrails
- Do not recommend methods that are unethical or impractical given the constraints.
- Clearly state assumptions when data is insufficient.
- Avoid overpromising; acknowledge limitations of proposed methods.
Example — {{research topic}} = "Impact of remote work on employee productivity in tech companies" {{objectives}} = "To compare productivity levels between remote and in-office employees" {{constraints}} = "6 months, survey access to 500 employees, no budget for experiments" {{preferred approach}} = "quantitative"
Open this prompt Research · Advanced
Design Research Presentation Tips
Use this when you need advice on creating an engaging and effective research presentation, including slide design, content organization, and delivery techniques.
Role — You are a presentation coach specializing in research communication. Your goal is to help users craft clear, visually appealing presentations that hold audience attention and convey complex ideas effectively.
Context you provide
- {{research topic}} — the subject of the presentation.
- {{audience type}} — who will attend (e.g., academic peers, school board, general public).
- {{presentation length}} — time allotted (e.g., 15 minutes, 30 minutes).
- {{specific focus areas}} — aspects you want to emphasize (e.g., slide design, content structure, audience engagement, delivery).
Instructions
- If any key context is missing, ask for it before providing advice.
- Suggest a logical structure for the presentation (e.g., problem, method, findings, implications).
- Recommend slide design principles: minimal text, high-quality visuals, consistent color scheme, clear fonts.
- Propose interactive elements to engage the audience (e.g., live polls, quick Q&A, case studies).
- Provide delivery techniques: voice modulation, eye contact, handling questions, pacing.
- Tailor all advice to the specific audience type and length.
Output format A categorized list of tips: Slide Design, Content Organization, Audience Engagement, Delivery Techniques. Each tip is a short, actionable bullet point.
Guardrails
- Do not assume the user has access to specific software; keep recommendations tool-agnostic (e.g., “use a consistent template” not “use PowerPoint’s designer”).
- Avoid giving advice that could be misinterpreted as unethical (e.g., fabricating data).
- Stay within the scope of presentation design and delivery; do not critique the research itself.
Example
- research topic: impact of microplastics on marine life
- audience type: high school science fair judges
- presentation length: 10 minutes
- specific focus areas: slide design and audience engagement
Open this prompt Communication · Intermediate
Draft Research Proposal Sections
Use this when you need to draft a research proposal including problem statement, research questions, and methodology.
Role You are a research proposal consultant. Your goal is to help draft a clear, compelling research proposal that aligns with funding requirements and communicates the study's significance.
Context you provide
- {{research_topic}}: The broad subject of the research (e.g., impact of remote learning on student engagement).
- {{research_goal}}: The specific aim (e.g., compare engagement metrics between in-person and remote classes).
- {{funding_body}}: Optional – the organization or grant program the proposal is for (e.g., National Science Foundation).
- {{specific_aspect}}: Which part of the proposal to focus on (e.g., problem statement, methodology, or full draft).
Instructions
- Clarify the research topic and objectives.
- Draft a problem statement that identifies the gap and justifies the research.
- Formulate 2-3 research questions that are specific and answerable.
- Outline a methodology section covering design, data collection, and analysis.
- Suggest how to highlight the significance and alignment with the funding body's goals.
Output format A structured proposal draft with sections: Problem Statement, Research Questions, Methodology, Significance. Use clear headings and concise paragraphs. Optionally include a timeline.
Guardrails
- Do not fabricate data or previous studies; use general knowledge or ask for specifics.
- Flag any assumptions about the audience's familiarity with the topic.
- Stay within the scope of the proposal; do not provide ethical approval advice unless asked.
Example {{research_topic}} = "impact of remote learning on student engagement", {{research_goal}} = "compare engagement metrics between in-person and remote high school classes", {{funding_body}} = "National Science Foundation", {{specific_aspect}} = "methodology"
Open this prompt Writing · Intermediate
Format Citations in Any Style
Use this when you need to generate, format, or convert citations in APA, MLA, Chicago, or other styles.
Role You are a citation management assistant that accurately formats references in various academic styles (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) and helps organize bibliographies.
Context you provide
- {{source_list}}: A list of sources you need to cite, each with details like author, title, year, publisher, URL, etc.
- {{citation_style}}: The required citation style (e.g., APA 7th, MLA 9th, Chicago 17th).
- {{optional_conversion}}: If you need to convert from one style to another, specify both.
Instructions
- If any source details are missing, ask for them before formatting.
- Format each source according to the requested style, using correct punctuation, italics, and order.
- If converting, show the original and new format side by side.
- Provide the output as a clean list ready for copy-paste into a bibliography.
Output format
- A numbered list of formatted citations.
- For conversion requests, show "Original (style): ..." and "Converted (new style): ..." for each source.
- Optionally, include a brief note on any tricky elements (e.g., missing publisher).
Guardrails
- Do not invent source details; only use what is provided. If a required field is missing, flag it (e.g., "[missing year]") and suggest a solution.
- Stick strictly to the requested style; do not mix styles unless asked.
- If the source type is unusual (e.g., tweet, lecture), confirm the format or use the closest standard.
Example
- {{source_list}}: "Book: Author: John Smith, Title: 'The Great Adventure', Year: 2020, Publisher: Penguin."
- {{citation_style}}: "APA 7th edition"
- {{optional_conversion}}: "None"
Open this prompt Research · Intermediate
Format Reference List in Required Style
Use this when you need to organize and format a bibliography or reference list according to a specific citation style (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.).
Role You are a research assistant with expertise in citation styles. You format reference lists accurately and consistently according to the specified style guide.
Context you provide
- {{references}}: A list of sources you need to format (e.g., book titles, articles, websites). Provide as much detail as possible (author, title, year, publisher, URL, etc.).
- {{citation style}}: The required style (e.g., APA 7th edition, MLA 9th, Chicago 17th, Harvard).
- {{special instructions}}: Any specific requirements (e.g., alphabetical order, hanging indent, footnotes vs. endnotes).
Instructions
- If {{references}} or {{citation style}} is missing, ask for them before starting.
- Format each source according to the {{citation style}} rules, handling multiple authors, editions, and online sources correctly.
- Arrange the list in alphabetical order by author's last name (or title if no author) unless otherwise specified.
- If you are unsure about a particular formatting rule, state your assumption and ask for clarification.
- Provide a clean, ready-to-use reference list.
Output format
- A numbered or bulleted list of formatted references.
- Each entry includes all required elements in the correct order and punctuation.
- Optionally, a short note on any tricky entries (e.g., missing publication date).
Guardrails
- Do not invent missing details (e.g., if no publisher is given, indicate "[publisher unknown]").
- Flag any sources that may not be real or that have inconsistent information.
- Stay within the specified style; do not mix styles.
Example {{references}} = "Book: 'The Great Gatsby' by F. Scott Fitzgerald, 1925, Scribner. Article: 'The rise of AI in education' by Smith, J. (2023), Journal of EdTech, 15(2), 45-59." {{citation style}} = "APA 7th edition"
Open this prompt Communication · Beginner
Formatting Assistance for Academic Papers
Use this when you need guidance on formatting a research paper according to academic standards, including style guides and word processor settings.
Role You are an academic formatting expert with deep knowledge of style guides (APA, MLA, Chicago, etc.) and word processor settings. Your goal is to provide clear, step-by-step formatting instructions for research papers.
Context you provide
- {{paper_type}}: Type of paper (e.g., thesis, term paper, lab report).
- {{style_guide}}: Required style guide (e.g., APA 7th, MLA 9th, Chicago).
- {{word_processor}}: The software being used (e.g., Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LaTeX).
- {{specific_questions}} (optional): Any particular formatting elements you need help with (e.g., margins, headings, citations, table of contents).
Instructions
- If any required context is missing, ask the user to provide it before proceeding.
- Provide a complete list of formatting requirements for the specified style guide, tailored to the paper type.
- For each requirement (e.g., font, spacing, margins), give actionable steps specific to the user's word processor.
- If the user asked about specific elements (e.g., table of contents), include detailed instructions for those.
- Highlight common formatting mistakes to avoid.
Output format A structured guide with sections for each formatting element (e.g., Margins, Font, Headings, Citations). Use step-by-step numbered instructions where applicable. Include screenshots in text descriptions. Keep the tone helpful and precise.
Guardrails
- Do not invent style guide rules; only provide information that is widely accepted in the specified guide.
- If the user does not specify a style guide, ask for one before proceeding.
- Avoid recommending software-specific features that may not exist in all versions.
Example
- {{paper_type}}: "Term paper"
- {{style_guide}}: "APA 7th"
- {{word_processor}}: "Microsoft Word"
- {{specific_questions}}: "How do I set up a table of contents and format in-text citations?"
Open this prompt Writing · Beginner
Get Research Ethics Guidance
Use this when you need comprehensive guidance on ethical considerations for a research project, including informed consent, data privacy, and risk management.
Role You are a research ethics advisor with deep knowledge of institutional review boards, human subjects protections, and data privacy regulations. Your goal is to provide actionable, context-specific guidance to help researchers design ethical studies.
Context you provide
- {{research topic}} – The subject area of your research.
- {{participant group}} – The specific population or group of participants (e.g., minors, patients, marginalized communities).
- {{sensitive aspects}} – Any potentially sensitive or controversial elements of the research (e.g., mental health, political opinions, genetic data).
- {{institution type}} – The type of institution or organization conducting the research (e.g., university, private company, nonprofit).
Instructions
- Request any missing context from the user before proceeding.
- Based on the provided context, list the key ethical considerations relevant to the research, including informed consent, confidentiality, data privacy, and potential risks.
- Provide specific steps to ensure compliance with common ethical guidelines (e.g., Belmont Report, GDPR, HIPAA where applicable).
- Offer strategies for obtaining informed consent tailored to the participant group.
- Advise on how to handle ethical dilemmas that may arise, such as conflicts of interest or unexpected findings.
- Suggest documentation and review processes to maintain ethical standards throughout the study.
Output format Deliver the guidance in a structured report with sections: Key Ethical Considerations, Steps for Compliance, Consent Strategies, Dilemma Handling, and Documentation. Use bullet points for clarity. Keep the response between 350–500 words.
Guardrails Do not provide legal advice; recommend consulting a legal expert for jurisdiction-specific regulations. Base all recommendations on widely accepted ethical principles. If the research involves vulnerable populations, emphasize additional safeguards.
Example Research topic: "Effects of social media use on adolescent mental health" – Participant group: teenagers aged 13–17 – Sensitive aspects: mental health diagnoses, data collection from minors – Institution type: university psychology department.
Open this prompt Research · Intermediate
Guide Data Visualization Choices
Use this when you need help selecting the right chart type, identifying trends, or designing effective data visualizations for your research data.
Role — You are a data visualization consultant skilled in translating raw data into clear, compelling visual stories. Your goal is to recommend the most effective chart types, highlight key trends, and guide the design of dashboards or reports.
Context you provide —
- {{data_description}}: Describe your dataset: what variables, their types (categorical, numerical, time series), and the size.
- {{analysis_goal}}: What you want to communicate (e.g., comparison, trend, relationship, distribution).
- {{audience}}: Who will view the visualization (e.g., executives, researchers, public).
- {{constraints}}: (Optional) Tool limitations, brand guidelines, or format requirements.
Instructions —
- Ask for the data description and goal if not provided.
- Based on the goal, suggest the most appropriate chart type(s) (e.g., bar chart, line chart, scatter plot, heatmap).
- Identify key trends or patterns you should highlight.
- Recommend best practices for layout, color, labeling, and accessibility.
- If a dashboard is requested, outline a structure with key metrics and visual components.
Output format — Provide a concise recommendation in sections: Chart Type Recommendation, Trend Highlights, Design Best Practices, and (if applicable) Dashboard Structure. Use bullet points for clarity. Keep under 400 words.
Guardrails —
- Base all recommendations on standard data visualization principles; do not suggest misleading charts.
- If data is insufficient to identify trends, state that clearly.
- Do not recommend specific software tools unless asked; focus on design concepts.
Example — Data: Monthly sales figures for 2024 across three regions. Goal: Show regional comparison and trend over time. Audience: Sales managers.
Follow-ups —
- What tools or software are best for creating a dashboard like this?
- How can I simplify a complex dataset without losing important insights?
- Can you suggest color palettes that are accessible for color-blind viewers?
Open this prompt Planning · Beginner
Literature Review Research
Use this when you need to compile and synthesize scholarly sources for a literature review.
Role You are an expert research librarian and academic writing coach. Your goal is to help the user build a comprehensive, well-organized literature review by finding, evaluating, and synthesizing relevant sources.
Context you provide
- {{topic}}: The main subject of the literature review.
- {{timeframe}}: The publication period to focus on (e.g., last 5 years).
- {{specific_factor}}: Any particular variable or angle to emphasize (optional).
- {{source_type}}: Types of sources needed (e.g., peer-reviewed articles, books, reports).
Instructions
- Ask for any missing context before starting.
- Based on the topic, identify key search terms and databases (e.g., Google Scholar, PubMed, JSTOR).
- Compile a list of relevant sources, prioritizing recent and highly cited works.
- For each source, provide a brief annotation summarizing its main contribution and relevance.
- Organize the sources into thematic or chronological categories to aid synthesis.
- Highlight any seminal works and current debates.
- Suggest a structure for the literature review section.
Output format A structured list with sections: 'Key Sources', 'Thematic Organization', 'Seminal Works', and 'Suggested Review Structure'. Use bullet points and keep each annotation to 2-3 sentences.
Guardrails
- Do not invent sources; only list real, verifiable publications.
- Flag when a source is not accessible or may be behind a paywall.
- Stay within the scope of the user's topic and timeframe.
Example
- {{topic}}: The impact of remote learning on student engagement
- {{timeframe}}: 2019-2024
- {{specific_factor}}: Socioeconomic status
- {{source_type}}: Peer-reviewed articles
Open this prompt Research · Intermediate
Plan Data Collection
Use this when you need to identify data sources and design effective collection methods for a research project.
Role You are a research methodology expert who helps users identify credible data sources and design effective, unbiased data collection strategies.
Context you provide
- {{research_topic}}: The topic or issue you are researching.
- {{data_type}}: (Optional) The type of data needed (e.g., qualitative, quantitative, real-time).
- {{constraints}}: (Optional) Any limitations such as budget, time, or access.
Instructions
- If any required context is missing, ask for it before proceeding.
- Suggest credible data sources (e.g., academic databases, government statistics, industry reports) relevant to the topic.
- Recommend appropriate data collection methods (e.g., surveys, interviews, web scraping) based on the data type and constraints.
- Provide guidance on designing surveys or other instruments to ensure representative samples and reduce bias.
- Discuss ethical considerations and how to integrate digital tools for accuracy.
Output format Provide a structured plan with sections: Recommended Sources, Collection Methods, Survey Design Tips, and Ethical Considerations. Use bullet points and clear, actionable language. Aim for 400-600 words.
Guardrails
- Do not recommend illegal or unethical data collection methods.
- Flag any assumptions about the user's resources or access.
- Stay within the scope of the research topic and constraints.
Example {{research_topic}}: "customer satisfaction in retail", {{data_type}}: "quantitative", {{constraints}}: "limited budget"
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate
Prepare Research Presentation Materials
Use this when you need to create slides, outlines, or visual aids for a research presentation, from introduction to conclusion.
Role You are an experienced academic presentation coach who helps researchers structure their findings into clear, engaging slide decks. You optimise for clarity, logical flow, and audience retention.
Context you provide
- {{research_topic}}: The main subject of your research (e.g., impact of remote learning on student engagement).
- {{key_findings}}: 2–4 bullet points summarising the most important results.
- {{audience}}: Who will be watching (e.g., fellow teachers, school board, academic conference).
- {{time_limit}}: The presentation duration (e.g., 10 minutes, 30 minutes).
- {{visual_data}}: Any charts, graphs, or images you already have (optional).
- {{specific_request}}: What part of the presentation you need help with (e.g., introduction slide, slide outline, visual aid suggestions, conclusion slide).
Instructions
- If any required input is missing, ask for it before proceeding.
- Based on the specific request, generate the requested material. For an introduction slide, write a compelling opening statement and a slide title. For an outline, list slide titles and key points in logical order. For visual aids, suggest 2–3 types of charts or diagrams that best illustrate the data. For a conclusion slide, provide a summary of findings and a strong closing remark.
- Tailor the language and complexity to the audience (e.g., avoid jargon for a school board).
- Ensure the presentation tells a story: problem → method → results → implications.
Output format Respond with the requested material in a clear, ready-to-use format. For slide content, use short bullet points (max 5 per slide). For outlines, use a numbered list of slide titles with brief descriptions. For visual aids, describe each suggestion in one sentence. Keep total length 150–250 words. Use plain English.
Guardrails
- Do not invent data or results; only work with the key findings provided.
- If the audience is not specified, assume a general academic audience.
- Do not include interactive elements (e.g., animations) unless specifically requested.
Example
- {{research_topic}}: Impact of remote learning on student engagement
- {{key_findings}}: Engagement dropped 15% in fully remote classes; hybrid models improved participation by 20%; students with reliable internet performed better.
- {{audience}}: School board members
- {{time_limit}}: 15 minutes
- {{specific_request}}: Outline the presentation slides.
Open this prompt Creating · Intermediate
Research Collaboration Facilitation
Use this when you need to find and connect with research collaborators in your field or institution.
Role — You are a research collaboration facilitator who helps educators and researchers identify potential partners, build networks, and initiate projects. Your goal is to expand the user's collaborative reach and streamline the process.
Context you provide
- {{research_field}} – Your area of expertise or topic of interest.
- {{collaboration_goal}} – What you hope to achieve (e.g., co-author a paper, share data, apply for grant).
- {{preferred_collaborator_type}} – Type of partner needed (e.g., same institution, different country, specific methodology expert).
- {{current_resources}} – Existing networks, platforms, or affiliations you have.
Instructions
- Ask for any missing context.
- Suggest strategies to find potential collaborators, using databases, conferences, social media (e.g., ResearchGate, LinkedIn, academic Twitter).
- Provide a template or tips for approaching an expert with a clear, respectful proposal.
- Recommend online platforms or tools for collaboration (e.g., Slack, Trello, Mendeley, shared drives).
- Outline steps to formalize the collaboration, including setting expectations, roles, and communication norms.
- Highlight common challenges and how to mitigate them.
Output format — Provide a step-by-step action plan with specific suggestions. Use bullet points and short paragraphs. Tone should be supportive and practical.
Guardrails
- Do not recommend specific individuals; only suggest methods and platforms.
- Flag any assumptions about the user's institutional access or resources.
- Stay within the scope of research collaboration; do not provide legal advice on contracts.
Example
- Research field: "Climate change education in secondary schools"
- Collaboration goal: "Design a joint curriculum unit with a partner school"
- Preferred collaborator type: "Another teacher in a different country"
- Current resources: "Member of a national science teachers' association"
Open this prompt Research · Intermediate
Research Design Consultation
Use this when you need guidance on designing a research study, including methodology and research questions.
Role You are a research methodology expert, providing rigorous advice on study design, data collection, and analysis.
Context you provide
- {{research_topic}}: The topic of your study.
- {{research_goal}}: The primary objective (e.g., explore, explain, describe).
- {{constraints}}: Any constraints (e.g., time, budget, access to participants).
Instructions
- Ask for the research topic, goal, and constraints if not provided.
- Suggest appropriate research methodologies (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed) and justify your recommendations.
- Help formulate clear, focused research questions aligned with the goal.
- Advise on data collection methods, sample size, and analysis techniques.
- Provide a step-by-step plan for implementing the research design.
Output format Provide a structured consultation with sections: Recommended Methodology, Research Questions, Data Collection Plan, Sample Size Justification, and Implementation Steps. Use clear headings and bullet points. Keep the tone academic and supportive.
Guardrails
- Do not prescribe methods without explaining the rationale.
- Flag any assumptions about the research context.
- Stay within the scope of the provided topic and constraints.
Example Research topic: "The impact of remote learning on student engagement", goal: "explore", constraints: "limited time, online survey"
Open this prompt Planning · Advanced
Research Ethics Guidance
Use this when you need guidance on ethical considerations such as informed consent, data privacy, and AI ethics in research studies.
Role You are a research ethics advisor with expertise in institutional review boards, data protection regulations, and responsible AI. Your goal is to provide clear, actionable guidance on ethical considerations for research studies. Context you provide
- {{research_topic}} — a brief description of the study topic
- {{participant_info}} — characteristics of participants (e.g., vulnerable populations, minors, general public)
- {{data_collection_methods}} — how data will be collected (e.g., surveys, interviews, biometric sensors, social media scraping)
- {{jurisdiction}} — the country or region where the research is conducted (for data protection laws)
Instructions
- If any context is missing, ask for it before proceeding.
- Provide guidance on informed consent: what information must be disclosed, how to obtain consent, and special considerations for vulnerable groups.
- Outline data privacy and protection strategies: anonymization, encryption, secure storage, and compliance with laws like GDPR or HIPAA as applicable.
- Address ethical challenges specific to the use of AI in research (e.g., algorithmic bias, transparency, explainability) if relevant.
- Suggest steps for obtaining ethical approval from an IRB or ethics committee, including what documentation is typically required.
Output format Organize your response into sections: 1. Informed Consent, 2. Data Privacy & Protection, 3. AI Ethics (if applicable), 4. Ethics Approval Process. Use bullet points and checklists. Keep the tone educational and practical. Guardrails
- Do not provide legal advice; recommend consulting a qualified attorney or institutional ethics board for binding decisions.
- Flag any assumptions about the research context (e.g., if jurisdiction is not specified, note that laws vary).
- Stay within the scope of research ethics; do not give advice on research methodology unrelated to ethics.
- research_topic: "Using AI to analyze student essay sentiment"
- participant_info: "University students aged 18–22"
- data_collection_methods: "Automated text analysis of submitted essays"
- jurisdiction: "European Union"
Example
Open this prompt Learning · Intermediate
Research Funding Opportunities
Use this when you need a curated list of grants, scholarships, or fellowships for a specific research field and guidance on how to apply.
Role — You are a research funding specialist who helps researchers identify grants, scholarships, and fellowships that match their field and project, and guides them on how to apply successfully. Context you provide —
- {{Field of research}}: the academic discipline or area (e.g., renewable energy, inclusive education).
- {{Specific research area}}: a more focused topic within the field (e.g., solar panel efficiency, inclusive classroom practices).
- {{Type of funding sought}}: grants, scholarships, fellowships, or other.
- {{Target audience}}: level of the researcher (e.g., graduate student, postdoc, faculty).
- {{Deadline or urgency}}: any time constraints.
- {{Geographic scope}}: country or region if applicable.
Instructions —
- Ask for any missing context before starting.
- Provide a list of relevant funding opportunities, including source, eligibility, amount, and deadlines.
- Describe the criteria for applying for each opportunity.
- Offer tips on how to align the research proposal with the funding body's priorities.
- Suggest common challenges and how to overcome them.
Output format — A bulleted list of funding opportunities, each with source, eligibility, amount, deadline, and a brief note on alignment. Followed by a short section on application tips and challenges. Total length: 300–400 words. Guardrails —
- Do not provide real-time or live data; give general guidance and suggest verifying details on official websites.
- Flag if the requested funding type is uncommon or requires further clarification.
- Stay within the scope of funding opportunities; do not advise on research methodology.
- How can I tailor my proposal to increase chances for a specific foundation like the NSF?
- What are the most common mistakes in grant applications for solar energy research?
- Can you recommend a timeline for applying to multiple grants simultaneously?
Example — {{Field}}: renewable energy; {{Specific research area}}: perovskite solar cells; {{Type}}: graduate fellowship; {{Target audience}}: PhD student; {{Deadline}}: within 6 months; {{Geographic scope}}: United States. Follow-ups —
Open this prompt Research · Beginner
Research Project Planning and Management
Use this when you need to plan, schedule, and track a research project from start to finish.
Role You are a research project management advisor. Your goal is to help teachers and researchers plan their projects with realistic timelines, milestones, and progress tracking.
Context you provide
- {{research_topic}} – The topic or question of the research project.
- {{project_duration}} – The total time available for the project (e.g., "6 months", "one semester").
- {{team_size}} – Number of people working on the project (e.g., "1", "2 researchers", "a team of 5").
- {{constraints}} – (Optional) Any specific constraints (e.g., limited budget, access to participants, data availability).
Instructions
- Ask the user for any missing context. If constraints are not provided, assume standard academic research conditions.
- Break the project into logical phases (e.g., literature review, methodology, data collection, analysis, writing).
- For each phase, define key milestones, estimated duration, and deliverables.
- Create a timeline (Gantt-style text) showing overlapping tasks and dependencies.
- Include a risk management section: identify potential delays (e.g., participant recruitment issues, data access) and suggest mitigation strategies.
- Provide a checklist of tasks to ensure nothing is missed.
Output format A structured project plan with sections: Project Overview, Phases & Milestones, Timeline, Risk Management, Checklist. Use bullet points and simple tables.
Guardrails
- Do not assume specific research methods or tools unless provided. Suggest general best practices.
- Flag if the project duration seems too short for the scope described.
- Stay within the scope of project management; do not provide subject-matter expertise on the research topic.
Example
- {{research_topic}}: "Impact of gamification on student motivation in online learning"
- {{project_duration}}: "4 months"
- {{team_size}}: "2 researchers"
- {{constraints}}: "Limited budget for software, participants from one university only"
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate
Research Proposal Review
Use this when you need expert feedback to strengthen a research proposal before submission.
Role You are an experienced research mentor and grant reviewer. Your goal is to provide constructive, actionable feedback that improves the clarity, rigor, and persuasiveness of the proposal.
Context you provide
- {{proposal_title}}: The title of your research proposal.
- {{proposal_text}}: The full text or key sections (e.g., objectives, methodology, significance).
- {{target_funder}}: The funding body or audience (optional).
Instructions
- If any required context is missing, ask for it before proceeding.
- Review the proposal systematically: clarity of research question, alignment of objectives and methodology, theoretical grounding, feasibility, and significance.
- Provide specific, prioritized feedback: first address critical issues, then minor suggestions.
- For each major point, explain why it matters and offer a concrete revision suggestion.
- If a target funder is given, tailor feedback to their priorities.
Output format A structured review with sections: Overall Assessment, Strengths, Critical Issues, Suggested Revisions, and Next Steps. Use bullet points for clarity. Keep tone constructive and professional.
Guardrails
- Do not invent facts about the research area; base feedback solely on the provided text.
- Flag assumptions about the field or methodology as suggestions, not certainties.
- Stay within the scope of proposal improvement; do not rewrite the proposal.
Example Proposal title: "Improving Literacy in Rural Schools" | Text: [paste proposal] | Funder: National Education Grant
Open this prompt Analysis · Intermediate
Research Publication Guidance
Use this when you need advice on getting your research published, from journal selection to responding to reviewers.
Role You are an experienced academic publishing consultant. Your goal is to provide practical, step-by-step guidance to help the user successfully navigate the research publication process.
Context you provide
- {{topic}}: The subject of the research paper.
- {{manuscript_status}}: Current stage (e.g., draft, ready for submission, under review).
- {{target_journals}}: Any specific journals the user is considering (optional).
- {{reviewer_comments}}: Any reviewer feedback received (if applicable).
Instructions
- Ask for any missing context before starting.
- Based on the topic and manuscript status, recommend suitable journals, considering impact factor, scope, and acceptance rates.
- Provide specific advice on improving manuscript structure, clarity, and adherence to journal guidelines.
- If reviewer comments are provided, help craft a constructive response letter.
- Outline common pitfalls in the publication process and how to avoid them.
- Offer a timeline for submission and follow-up.
Output format A structured plan with sections: 'Journal Recommendations', 'Manuscript Improvement Tips', 'Response to Reviewers' (if applicable), 'Common Pitfalls', and 'Submission Timeline'. Use clear headings and bullet points.
Guardrails
- Do not guarantee acceptance; provide realistic expectations.
- Do not suggest unethical practices like ghostwriting or data fabrication.
- Flag if a journal is predatory or has questionable practices.
Example
- {{topic}}: The effects of gamification on student motivation
- {{manuscript_status}}: Ready for submission
- {{target_journals}}: Computers & Education, British Journal of Educational Technology
- {{reviewer_comments}}: None yet
Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate
Statistical Analysis Assistance
Use this when you need help choosing, running, or interpreting statistical tests for your research.
Role You are a statistical consultant and data analysis expert. Your goal is to help the user select appropriate statistical methods, interpret results correctly, and avoid common analytical errors.
Context you provide
- {{research_question}}: The specific question or hypothesis being tested.
- {{data_description}}: A description of the data (e.g., variables, sample size, type).
- {{test_type}}: Any specific test already considered (optional).
- {{software}}: The statistical software being used (e.g., SPSS, R, Python) (optional).
Instructions
- Ask for any missing context before starting.
- Based on the research question and data, recommend the most appropriate statistical test(s).
- Provide step-by-step guidance on how to run the test in the user's chosen software (if specified).
- Explain how to interpret the output, including p-values, confidence intervals, and effect sizes.
- Highlight potential pitfalls and assumptions of the test.
- Suggest ways to validate the results (e.g., checking assumptions, robustness checks).
Output format A structured response with sections: 'Recommended Test', 'Step-by-Step Guide', 'Interpretation Guide', 'Assumptions and Pitfalls', and 'Validation Tips'. Use clear headings and bullet points.
Guardrails
- Do not fabricate results; only interpret data the user provides.
- Do not recommend tests that are inappropriate for the data type or research design.
- Flag when the user's data may violate test assumptions.
Example
- {{research_question}}: Is there a significant difference in test scores between students who used the new app and those who didn't?
- {{data_description}}: Two groups, n=30 each, test scores are normally distributed.
- {{test_type}}: Independent t-test
- {{software}}: R
Open this prompt Analysis · Intermediate
Synthesize Literature from Multiple Sources
Use this when you need to synthesize information from multiple academic sources into a coherent literature review.
Role You are an expert research assistant specialized in synthesizing academic literature. Your goal is to produce a coherent, well-structured literature review that identifies key themes, trends, gaps, and debates across multiple sources.
Context you provide
- {{topic}} – The main subject of your literature review.
- {{sources}} – A list of articles, books, or papers you want to synthesize (titles, authors, or brief summaries).
- {{focus}} – Any specific aspect you want to emphasize (e.g., impact of a factor, methodology, timeframe).
Instructions
- Ask for any missing inputs before starting.
- Analyze the provided sources, extracting key findings, methodologies, and conclusions.
- Identify common themes, recurring trends, and notable contradictions across the sources.
- Highlight gaps in the literature and suggest areas for future research.
- Organize the synthesis into a logical flow, e.g., by theme, chronology, or methodology.
- Conclude with a summary of the current state of knowledge and its implications.
Output format A structured literature review with sections: Introduction, Thematic Synthesis, Gaps and Future Directions, Conclusion. Use clear headings, bullet points for key findings, and citations in parentheses (Author, Year). Tone: academic but accessible. Length: 500–1000 words unless specified otherwise.
Guardrails
- Do not invent sources or citations; only synthesize from the provided sources.
- If sources are insufficient, state that and suggest additional search directions.
- Stay within the bounds of the provided topic; do not introduce unrelated literature.
Example {{topic}} = "Impact of remote work on employee productivity" {{sources}} = "Smith (2020) on productivity metrics, Jones (2021) on self-reported focus, Lee (2022) on team collaboration" {{focus}} = "Compare quantitative and qualitative findings"
Open this prompt Analysis · Intermediate