research-methodology

Guides structured web research and generates cited academic-style reports.

Updated Jul 16, 2026
One-click install
npx skills add https://github.com/The-Focus-AI/walking-thoughts --skill research-methodology-the-focus-ai
Or copy as Structured Prompt for Agent
Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: research-methodology
Source: https://github.com/The-Focus-AI/walking-thoughts/tree/main/.agents/skills/research-methodology
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/The-Focus-AI/walking-thoughts --skill research-methodology-the-focus-ai

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

💡 This Skill includes references (resource) components.

What problem does it solve? Conducting thorough web research and turning scattered sources into a credible, well-cited report is time-consuming and error-prone. This Skill provides a repeatable five-phase methodology for scoping questions, gathering diverse sources, evaluating credibility, synthesizing findings, and producing structured reports. ## Core Features & Use Cases - Five-Phase Research Process: Define scope, gather 10+ diverse sources, evaluate credibility with the CRAAP test, synthesize thematically, and generate a structured report. - Source Credibility Evaluation: Apply detailed currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose criteria with bias detection and a three-source verification rule. - Six Report Templates: Choose from academic, executive summary, comparative analysis, literature review, quick report, and technical implementation formats saved to a reports directory. - Use Case: When asked to research a new technology trend, the Skill guides source gathering across official docs, academic papers, and news, then produces a fully cited report with abstract, findings, conclusion, and references. ## Quick Start Research the current state of renewable energy storage and generate an academic-style report with citations.

Frequently Asked Questions about research-methodology

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

FAQPage Schema
How do I conduct thorough web research with proper citations?

Follow a five-phase process: define the research scope, gather 10 or more diverse sources, evaluate each with the CRAAP test, synthesize findings thematically, and generate a structured report with inline citations and a reference list including URLs and access dates.

How to evaluate source credibility for research?

Apply the CRAAP test covering currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose. Verify important claims across three independent sources, check author credentials and citations, and watch for red flags like missing dates, sensational headlines, or undisclosed commercial agendas.

What report format should I use for research findings?

Choose based on your goal: academic template for comprehensive analysis, executive summary for business decisions, comparative analysis for evaluating options, literature review for scholarly surveys, quick report for rapid answers, or technical implementation for library and tool selection.

How many sources are needed for reliable research?

Target at least 10 diverse sources including official documentation, academic publications, expert perspectives, and news. For important individual claims, verify across three independent sources: the original source, a corroborating report, and expert commentary.

When should I not rely on a single source for research?

Never rely on a single source for contested topics, statistics, or unique claims. Single-source information on controversial subjects is a red flag; cross-reference with at least two other independent sources and check for corrections or retractions before citing.