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ARTICLE: Prompt Templates for Background Research on Complex Topics
URL: https://omniscient.news/blog/prompt-templates-background-complex-topics
Published: 2026-04-01
Updated: 2026-04-01
Category: Practical Guides
Tags: prompt templates, background research, complex topics, AI journalism, research prompts
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Complex topics require structured background research. These prompt templates produce reliable, source-complete research briefs for stories where context is essential.

Background research on complex topics — regulatory proceedings, multi-party conflicts, long-running legal cases, technical policy debates — requires structured context-building rather than simple question-answering. These prompt templates organise that context-building systematically.

Three Templates for Complex Topic Research

Template 1 — The Context Map: "Provide a structured overview of [topic]. Include: (a) brief historical background, (b) key stakeholders and their positions, (c) current state of play, (d) the most significant contested questions, (e) 5 authoritative sources for further research. Cite sources for every factual claim." Template 2 — The Stakeholder Matrix: "List all significant stakeholders in [dispute/issue]. For each: name, position/role, stated position on the key issue, known interests or incentives, and how to find their public statements. Cite sources." Template 3 — The Timeline of Developments: "Create a chronological timeline of [topic] from [date] to [date]. Include only events that can be verified with citations. Flag any events where your confidence is limited."

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