Research Ideation

Generate research questions and literature reviews with Zotero integration.

21|4|Updated Mar 14, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/HaipingXu/social-science-claude-scholar --skill research-ideation-haipingxu
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: Research Ideation
Source: https://github.com/HaipingXu/social-science-claude-scholar/tree/main/skills/research-ideation
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/HaipingXu/social-science-claude-scholar --skill research-ideation-haipingxu

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes scripts (resource) and references (resource) and examples (resource) components.

What problem does it solve?

This skill streamlines the initial phase of academic research, transforming vague interests into concrete research questions, comprehensive literature reviews, and actionable plans.

Core Features & Use Cases

  • Idea Generation: Utilizes the 5W1H framework for systematic brainstorming.
  • Literature Review: Automates searching, synthesizing, and organizing academic papers, with Zotero integration.
  • Gap Analysis: Identifies research gaps across literature, methods, and applications.
  • Research Planning: Helps define research questions, select methods, and create detailed project plans.
  • Use Case: A PhD student has a broad interest in AI ethics but no specific research question. This skill guides them through brainstorming, literature review, and defining a focused, feasible research proposal.

Quick Start

Use the research-ideation skill to brainstorm research ideas using the 5W1H framework for a project on explainable AI.

Frequently Asked Questions about Research Ideation

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema
How do I formulate a specific research question from a broad academic interest?

To formulate a research question, use the 5W1H framework for systematic brainstorming to narrow broad interests into focused, actionable research proposals. This process identifies specific gaps in literature, methods, and applications to define a clear academic direction.

Can I automate literature review and paper management with Zotero integration?

Yes, you can automate literature review by integrating with Zotero for automated literature management. This feature streamlines searching, synthesizing, and organizing academic papers directly within your research planning workflow.

What is gap analysis in academic research planning?

Gap analysis in academic research planning is the process of identifying research gaps across literature, methods, and applications. It helps researchers find unexplored areas within existing academic papers to justify new research question formulation and project initiation.

Does this research ideation skill support creating detailed project plans?

Yes, research ideation supports research planning by helping you define specific research questions, select appropriate methods, and create detailed project plans. It systematically guides the transition from a broad topic to a feasible research proposal.

What is the best way to structure the initial stages of academic research?

The best way to structure research initiation is to follow a systematic process: use the 5W1H framework for idea generation, conduct automated literature reviews, perform gap analysis, and define focused research questions to create an actionable project plan.