Research Brief Template
Purpose
Standard output format for quick mode research. Concise, actionable, evidence-based.
Template
# Research Brief
**Title**: [Descriptive title in sentence case]
**Date**: [YYYY-MM-DD]
**Mode**: Quick Research Brief
**AI Disclosure**: This brief was produced with AI-assisted research tools. All findings are verified against cited sources.
---
## Executive Summary
[100-150 words. State the question, key findings, and main implication.]
---
## Background & Research Question
### Context
[2-3 paragraphs providing necessary background for the reader.]
### Research Question
> [The refined research question, as a single clear sentence.]
### Scope
- **In scope**: [what this brief covers]
- **Out of scope**: [what this brief does not cover]
---
## Key Findings
### Finding 1: [Title]
[2-3 sentences with citation(s)]
**Evidence strength**: [Strong / Moderate / Emerging]
**Source(s)**: [Brief citation]
### Finding 2: [Title]
[2-3 sentences with citation(s)]
**Evidence strength**: [Strong / Moderate / Emerging]
**Source(s)**: [Brief citation]
### Finding 3: [Title]
[2-3 sentences with citation(s)]
**Evidence strength**: [Strong / Moderate / Emerging]
**Source(s)**: [Brief citation]
[Add more findings as needed, typically 3-5]
---
## Analysis & Implications
### What This Means
[2-3 paragraphs interpreting the findings. Connect evidence to practical implications.]
### Recommendations
1. [Actionable recommendation with evidence basis]
2. [Actionable recommendation with evidence basis]
3. [Actionable recommendation with evidence basis]
---
## Limitations
- [Limitation 1: e.g., search scope, time constraints]
- [Limitation 2: e.g., evidence gaps]
- [Limitation 3: e.g., AI-assisted analysis limitations]
---
## References
[APA 7.0 format, 5-10 references typical for quick mode]
1. [Reference 1]
2. [Reference 2]
...Usage Notes
- Target length: 500-1,500 words
- Minimum 5 cited sources
- Every finding must have at least one citation
- Evidence strength ratings should align with source quality hierarchy
- Keep language accessible — this is a brief, not a journal article