BUILT BY SPARKEYE · BETA · CHECKLIST
Research planner
Turn a broad question into a research plan you can check.
Free manual resource. Select and copy the text below; nothing is submitted or stored here.
Bring this
Your question, the decision it supports and the time available.
Leave with
A bounded question, evidence checklist and a plan for a useful answer.
USE IT
Your checklist
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RESEARCH PLAN Question: [what I need to understand] Decision: [what the research will inform] Scope: [time period, place, audience and exclusions] Time available: [a sensible limit] [ ] Define three sub-questions. [ ] List the claims that need evidence. [ ] Identify primary sources or original data to look for. [ ] Record each source, date and what it actually supports. [ ] Look for conflicting findings and missing evidence. [ ] Separate facts, interpretation and unanswered questions. [ ] Write a short answer and one practical next step. Optional AI instruction: Use this brief to propose a research plan, not an answer. Suggest search terms and source types. Do not fabricate citations. Flag assumptions and tell me what evidence could change the conclusion.
How it works
- Narrow the question and name the decision it will support.
- List the claims you need to verify and the kinds of evidence required.
- Find sources, record dates and separate direct evidence from interpretation.
- Compare conflicting findings before writing a short answer with limitations.
EXAMPLE
Instead of “Research a new market,” ask “What evidence would justify a small pilot with this customer segment?” Look for demand, competing options, costs and reasons the pilot might fail.
Make it useful
Check the result against your original task. Save a version that works for you and refine it next time.