How to get ChatGPT to really thoroughly research something

By Kat Woods 🔶 ⏸️ @ 2025-08-15T12:54 (+10)

I've had a lot of success with getting ChatGPT ^[1] to do thorough research with the following prompt combined with Deep Research:

X=[claim]

Do a deep dive into X. Tell me the steelman arguments in favor of X.

Then tell me the steelman counter-arguments to X.

Then tell me the steelman counter-counter-arguments to X.

Then tell me the steelman counter-counter-counter-arguments to X

Think like a rationalist in the LessWrong style. Think with probabillties, using Bayesian reasoning, looking for discomfirming evidence, think critically and skeptically, problem-solve around potential obstacles.

Basically I get ChatGPT to play steelman solitaire.

Here are some examples I've done to give you a flavor:

• Is fiction a superstimulus that you should minimize?
• Is Israel committing genocide in Gaza?
• Should you aim to mimic the diet of hunter gatherers? 

1. ^{^}

    Starting with 4o, then o3, and now 5-pro as of this writing