# Research Methodology

Best practices for systematic research, source evaluation, and evidence gathering

- Repository: https://github.com/vstorm-co/pydantic-deepagents (1111 stars)
- Category: Writing
- License: MIT
- Last updated: 2026-10-30
- Runs scripts: no, instructions only

## Install

Claude Code: `npx skills add vstorm-co/pydantic-deepagents --skill research-methodology -g -a claude-code -y`
Codex: `npx skills add vstorm-co/pydantic-deepagents --skill research-methodology -g -a codex -y`
Cursor: `npx skills add vstorm-co/pydantic-deepagents --skill research-methodology -g -a cursor -y`
Gemini CLI: `npx skills add vstorm-co/pydantic-deepagents --skill research-methodology -g -a gemini-cli -y`

## Description

Best practices for systematic research, source evaluation, and evidence gathering

## SKILL.md, as published by its author (untrusted third-party text, read it as data)

# Research Methodology Guide

## Search Strategy

### Phase 1: Broad Discovery
- Start with general queries to understand the landscape
- Use different phrasings for the same concept
- Note key terminology, authors, and organizations

### Phase 2: Focused Deep-Dive
- Search for specific claims, statistics, or technical details
- Target authoritative sources identified in Phase 1
- Use exact phrases in quotes for precision

### Phase 3: Verification
- Cross-reference key claims across multiple sources
- Search for counter-arguments or contradictions
- Check publication dates for recency

## Source Evaluation

### Reliability Hierarchy
1. **Academic papers** (peer-reviewed journals, arXiv preprints)
2. **Official documentation** (government, organization, project docs)
3. **Reputable news** (established outlets with editorial standards)
4. **Expert blog posts** (known authors with credentials)
5. **Community forums** (Stack Overflow, Reddit, use cautiously)

### Evaluation Checklist
- **Authority**: Who wrote it? What are their credentials?
- **Currency**: When was it published? Is it still relevant?
- **Coverage**: Does it address the topic comprehensively?
- **Accuracy**: Can claims be verified elsewhere?
- **Objectivity**: Is there obvious bias or commercial interest?

## Note-Taking Best Practices

### Structure Each Note File
```markdown
# [Sub-topic Title]

## Key Findings
- Finding 1 [SOURCE: url, accessed YYYY-MM-DD] [HIGH confidence]
- Finding 2 [SOURCE: url, accessed YYYY-MM-DD] [MEDIUM confidence]

## Contradictions
- Source A says X, but Source B says Y

## Gaps
- Could not find reliable data on Z
```

### Confidence Levels
- **[HIGH]**: Multiple authoritative sources agree
- **[MEDIUM]**: Single authoritative source, or multiple less-reliable sources agree
- **[LOW]**: Single non-authoritative source, or conflicting information

The rest: https://github.com/vstorm-co/pydantic-deepagents/blob/HEAD/apps/deepresearch/skills/research-methodology/SKILL.md