---
name: research
description: Multi-source parallel research with confidence-based synthesis.
---
# Research Skill
Multi-source parallel research with confidence-based synthesis.
## Trigger Phrases
When user asks:
- "research X for me"
- "find out about X"
- "what's the current status of X"
- "gather information on X"
- "deep dive into X"
## Quick Reference
| Mode | Speed | Depth | Use Case |
|------|-------|-------|----------|
| quick | ~30s | Shallow | Fact check, simple lookup |
| standard | ~2min | Moderate | Typical research |
| extensive | ~8min | Deep | Comprehensive analysis |
## Command
```
/ai-dev-kit:research [mode] [query]
```
## Mode Selection
```
Need quick answer? ─────────────► quick
│
├─ Need current info? ────────► standard
│
└─ Need comprehensive? ───────► extensive
```
## Research Types
| Type | Sources | Best For |
|------|---------|----------|
| Web | WebSearch | Current events, latest docs |
| Docs | Local ai-docs/ | Library usage, patterns |
| Code | Codebase grep | Implementation examples |
## Confidence Levels
| Level | Meaning | Source Count |
|-------|---------|--------------|
| HIGH | Very reliable | 3+ agree |
| MEDIUM | Likely accurate | 2 agree |
| LOW | Needs verification | 1 only |
| CONFLICTING | Check manually | Sources disagree |
## Cookbook
- `cookbook/quick-mode.md` - Fast fact-checking pattern
- `cookbook/standard-mode.md` - Balanced research pattern
- `cookbook/extensive-mode.md` - Deep research pattern
## Reference
- `reference/researcher-types.md` - Available researcher agents
- `reference/synthesis-patterns.md` - How findings are combined
## Common Gotchas
- **Timeout**: Extensive mode may timeout on slow connections. Results are still returned.
- **Docs only**: If web is down, doc-only results are returned with note.
- **Conflicting info**: Review "Conflicting Information" section when present.