Academic Research

Academic Research Skill

Deep literature research with 25-50+ sources through iterative search cycles.

Workflow

1. Auto-Detect & Clarify

Language: Auto-detected from user prompt (no need to ask)

Ask User:

Output Format:

• "Obsidian markdown mı PDF mi?" / "Obsidian markdown or PDF?"

If Obsidian: "Vault'ta ilgili notları arayayım mı?" / "Search vault for related notes?" If yes: "Vault yolu?" / "Vault path?" → Default: /home/user/Documents/Obsidian Vault/

If PDF: Skip vault integration

Save Location: "Nereye kaydedeyim?" / "Where to save?"

Topic Analysis & Mode Suggestion:

• Narrow/Specific → Focused: 12-18 sources, 5-7 search cycles
• Broad/Complex → Comprehensive: 25-35 sources, 8-12 cycles
• Very Broad → Deep: 40-50+ sources, 12-15 cycles
• Comparative → Synthesis: 15-25 sources, 6-9 cycles

State suggestion, proceed unless user objects.

Scope: "Odak veya hariç tutulacak alan?" / "Focus or exclusions?"

2. Iterative Research Process

Search Cycles Based on Mode:

• Focused: 5-7 iterative cycles
• Comprehensive: 8-12 iterative cycles
• Deep: 12-15+ iterative cycles
• Synthesis: 6-9 iterative cycles

Each Cycle:

1. Execute search with specific query
2. Evaluate results (quality, relevance, gaps)
3. Identify what's missing (perspectives, time periods, methodologies)
4. Formulate next targeted query
5. Cross-validate findings
6. Document effective vs. ineffective strategies
7. Repeat until comprehensive coverage

Research Behaviors:

• Cycle 1-2: Broad searches → Key concepts, seminal works, major authors
• Cycle 3-5: Targeted searches → High-impact papers, meta-analyses, reviews
• Cycle 6-8: Gap filling → Missing perspectives, alternative views, contradictions
• Cycle 9-11: Cross-validation → Verify contested claims, find consensus
• Cycle 12+: Final sweep → Recent work, emerging trends, practical applications

Source Diversity Targets:

• Types: 60%+ peer-reviewed articles, 10-15% meta-analyses/reviews, 5-10% books, rest varied
• Temporal: Balance seminal works + recent (50%+ within 5 years for active fields)
• Geographic: Multiple regions/countries when possible
• Perspectives: Supporting + Critical + Alternative views

Quality Priority: Peer-reviewed > Meta-analyses > Conference > Preprints

Search in English for best global sources (translate findings if Turkish output in a formal, academic language)

3. Generate Output

File Naming:

• Descriptive, Title Case
• EN: Cognitive Load Theory.md
• TR: Bilişsel Yük Kuramı.md

For Obsidian:

• Use appropriate template (en/tr)
• Footnote citations: text[^1] → [^1]: Full citation 🟢
• Visual overview (mindmap)
• Wikilinks to related notes (if vault provided)
• MOC integration
• Tag suggestions (no #)
• Dataview metadata
• Support with basic TikZ whenever logical

For PDF:

• PDF-optimized template
• Footnote citations
• Visual overview
• Professional formatting
• No wikilinks

Quality Standards by Mode:

4. Present Output

1. Brief summary (2-3 sentences of key findings)
2. Share file via present_files
3. Mention: source count, quality distribution, confidence score
4. Highlight: notable gaps, debates, or surprising findings
5. List: suggested next research steps
6. If Obsidian: mention related notes linked

5. Continue Research

If user says "continue", "expand", or "more sources":

1. Load existing note
2. Review research log → identify gaps
3. Ask which gap to address
4. Execute 3-5 additional cycles
5. Integrate findings (avoid duplication)
6. Update metadata (source_count, last_updated)
7. Present updated note with summary

Research Depth Indicators

Track and report in note:

• Total search cycles executed
• Total sources found vs. included
• Quality distribution (🟢🟡🔴 counts)
• Temporal coverage (year range, % recent)
• Geographic coverage (countries/regions)
• Methodological diversity (RCT, meta, qualitative, etc.)
• Perspective balance (supporting/critical/alternative)

Key Features

Deep Coverage:

• 8-15 iterative search cycles
• 25-50+ sources (comprehensive/deep modes)
• Multiple perspectives required
• Gap identification and filling
• Cross-validation of claims

Smart Integration:

• Auto language detection
• Format choice (Obsidian/PDF)
• Optional vault search
• Footnote citations
• Visual overviews

Quality Tracking:

• Source diversity metrics
• Confidence scoring (⭐1-5)
• Research cycle documentation
• Methodology notes

References

Templates: references/template-{en|tr}.md Citation: references/apa7-quick-ref.md Diagrams: references/mermaid-patterns.md Search: references/search-strategies.md