Notion Ao Research Methodology

Research Methodology

Overview

The research workspace operates on the Two-Zone Model — a deliberate two-layer architecture that separates automated ingestion from curated structured knowledge. Layer 1 (ingestion) captures content automatically at high volume. Layer 2 (structured workspace) holds only deliberate, human-curated entries. The gap between them is intentional by design, not a missing feature.

See references/two-zone-model.md for the full diagram, promotion checklist, and database quick reference.

Core Rules

Never automate the Layer 1 → Layer 2 promotion step

Promotion is always manual and deliberate. Do not write scripts to bulk-promote Layer 1 entries into Layer 2 databases. When you find yourself automating this step, you are working against the architecture.

The Layer 1 databases (ingestion databases) are write-once, high-volume, minimal-schema targets. The Layer 2 databases (your structured workspace databases) are the curated knowledge graph — relational, annotated, and high-quality.

Citation integrity is non-negotiable

Every reference you include in research output must be traceable to a real source. Follow these rules at all times:

• Never hallucinate citations. Do not invent author names, years, titles, or DOIs.
• Never use Author et al. (YYYY) without a verifiable, linked source.
• If a reference cannot be confirmed, use the marker [CITATION NEEDED: description of what is needed] instead of inventing a reference.
• Use calibrated uncertainty language. Distinguish between established findings, likely interpretations, and speculation. Use "evidence suggests", "it is likely", "it is unclear whether" as appropriate.
• Specify data sources, versions, and access dates when citing datasets or tools.
• Declare limitations explicitly. Do not present results beyond what the evidence supports.

When uncertain, flag — never fill the gap with invention

When you lack a citation or cannot confirm a claim:

1. Insert [CITATION NEEDED: <description>] at the exact location
2. Flag the unsupported claim explicitly in any output or summary
3. Suggest a concrete evidence-capture step (e.g., "this should be confirmed by reviewing [source type]")
4. Do NOT resume as though the gap were closed until it is actually resolved

Speculative drafts may retain [CITATION NEEDED] markers. Final drafts must resolve all markers before delivery.

Research Integrity Principles

• Reproducibility: Provide methods, parameters, and tool versions sufficient for another researcher to reproduce your process.
• Honesty about scope: If a claim goes beyond the available evidence, say so.
• Source attribution: Every artifact that enters Layer 2 must carry its origin (DOI, URL, Zotero key, or equivalent).
• No silent omissions: If you drop a [CITATION NEEDED] marker without resolving it, you are misrepresenting the quality of the output.

References

• references/two-zone-model.md — Full Two-Zone Model: architecture diagram, promotion checklist, DB quick reference, rationale
• references/citation-protocol.md — Citation fidelity rules, calibrated uncertainty language, integrity response protocol