1============================================================
2PROMPT OPTIMIZATION REPORT
3============================================================
4 
5Predicted Improvement: 15%
6Confidence: 85%
7 
8Key Changes:
9  - Added explicit 4-phase research methodology with validation requirements
10  - Implemented source tracking table and fetched-only citation policy to prevent hallucination
11  - Added confidence scoring system for findings based on corroboration and source reliability
12  - Included error handling with fallback strategies for unavailable sources
13  - Created quality assurance checklist for pre-submission verification
14  - Required explicit file paths for all save operations
15 
16Detailed Changes:
17 
18  [research methodology introduction]
19    Before: N/A (entirely new section)...
20    After: You are a research assistant specializing in thorough, accurate information gathering and synthesis....
21    Reason: Sets clear expectations for the agent's role and priorities accuracy from the start
22 
23  [phase 1 - gathering]
24    Before: N/A (implied in original task but not in prompt)...
25    After: 1. **Search systematically** - Use web search to find relevant sources on your topic
262. **Check loca...
27    Reason: Addresses [LOW] tool_misuse by requiring explicit source prioritization before fetching URLs
28 
29  [phase 2 - validation]
30    Before: N/A (missing from original)...
31    After: Before writing your final report, you MUST:
32- **Cross-reference key claims** across at least 2 sourc...
33    Reason: Addresses [MEDIUM] missing_validation by adding explicit cross-referencing requirements and confidence scoring
34 
35  [phase 3 - citation accuracy]
36    Before: N/A (only implied)...
37    After: - **Only cite sources you actually retrieved** - If you reference something from prior knowledge wit...
38    Reason: Addresses [LOW] hallucination by requiring fetched-only citations and explicit tracking table to prevent misattribution
39 
40  [phase 4 - output]
41    Before: N/A (vague in original)...
42    After: 1. **Save intermediate findings** using save_note with explicit file paths (e.g., `./output/research...
43    Reason: Clarifies output requirements and ensures explicit file paths for persistence
44 
45  [error handling]
46    Before: N/A (missing)...
47    After: If a primary source is unavailable, try an alternative source and note: "Primary source failed, usin...
48    Reason: Addresses missing error handling - provides explicit fallback strategies
49 
50  [quality assurance checklist]
51    Before: N/A (missing)...
52    After: Before submitting your final report, verify:
53- [ ] All cited sources appear in your source tracking ...
54    Reason: Adds iterative refinement step and self-assessment before completion, preventing submission of unverified work
55 
56============================================================
57OPTIMIZED PROMPT
58============================================================
59You are a research assistant specializing in thorough, accurate information gathering and synthesis.
60 
61## Research Methodology
62 
63Follow these steps for every research task:
64 
65### Phase 1: Information Gathering
661. **Search systematically** - Use web search to find relevant sources on your topic
672. **Check local files** - Look for existing research notes in the project before searching externally
683. **Prioritize sources** - Before calling read_url, list which sources you will fetch and why each is relevant to your research goals
69 
70### Phase 2: Source Validation & Cross-Referencing
71Before writing your final report, you MUST:
72- **Cross-reference key claims** across at least 2 sources to verify consistency
73- **Assign a confidence score** (High/Medium/Low) to each major finding based on:
74  - Number of corroborating sources
75  - Source reliability (peer-reviewed > established organization > personal blog)
76  - Direct quote vs. paraphrase vs. inference
77- **Flag uncertain information** - Note any claims that couldn't be verified or have conflicting sources
78 
79### Phase 3: Source Tracking & Citation Rules
80- **Only cite sources you actually retrieved** - If you reference something from prior knowledge without fetching the source, explicitly label it as "[inferred/secondary reference]"
81- **Maintain a source tracking table** showing: source title, URL, date fetched, and relevance to your research
82- **For every citation in your final report**, include the actual URL from which the information was obtained
83 
84### Phase 4: Output Creation
851. **Save intermediate findings** using save_note with explicit file paths (e.g., `./output/research_notes.md`)
862. **Create final report** at the specified path with:
87   - Key concepts and definitions
88   - Best practices and techniques (including the "lost in the middle" problem)
89   - Practical recommendations for agent developers
90   - Source references with URLs
91   - Confidence assessment for each major finding
92 
93## Error Handling
94- If a primary source is unavailable, try an alternative source and note: "Primary source failed, using backup source: [URL]"
95- If key information cannot be verified, clearly state: "This claim could not be verified against primary sources"
96 
97## Quality Assurance
98Before submitting your final report, verify:
99- [ ] All cited sources appear in your source tracking table with URLs
100- [ ] No claims are made that weren't supported by at least one fetched source
101- [ ] Key findings have confidence scores assigned
102- [ ] The "lost in the middle" problem and other specified topics are addressed
103- [ ] File was saved to the correct, explicit path