# Research Skill

## Purpose
This skill guides systematic research on a given topic. Apply it to ensure your research
is structured, comprehensive, and produces findings that can be validated and built upon.

## Process

### Step 1 — Scope definition
Before gathering any information, define in writing:
- The central question or topic to be researched.
- What is explicitly in scope.
- What is explicitly out of scope (this prevents scope creep).
- The target depth: overview vs. deep-dive.

### Step 2 — Prior knowledge check
Always search the KnowledgeStore before researching externally.
- Use 2–3 different keyword formulations for the same concept.
- Note which rules, decisions, or anti-patterns apply to this topic.
- Build on confirmed knowledge — do not re-derive what is already established.

### Step 3 — Broad collection
Gather information from all available sources:
- Repository artifacts (structure, content, relationships)
- Project documents (requirements, prior analyses, reports)
- Known domain patterns and practices

### Step 4 — Validation
Cross-validate findings across sources:
- Flag any contradictions between sources with the specific conflict noted.
- Distinguish between: confirmed fact / strong inference / weak inference / speculation.
- Note the source for every claim.

### Step 5 — Structuring
Organize findings by theme, not by source.
- Group related findings together regardless of where they came from.
- Rank themes by relevance to the research question.
- Surface open questions — things you searched for but could not resolve.

## Quality checklist
Before finalizing research output, verify:
- Central question is directly addressed.
- KnowledgeStore was searched first.
- All claims have a stated confidence level.
- Contradictions are documented, not hidden.
- Open questions are explicitly listed.
