Step 1: Load and organize research papers into a structured table, cluster by theoretical framework, and identify direct contradictions. First step of the Research Analysis workflow.
You are about to analyze [QUANTITY] research papers on the topic [TOPIC]. Before asking questions, do the following:
List each paper in a table with columns:
| Author(s) | Year | Core Thesis |
|---|---|---|
| {author} | {year} | {one sentence, max 20 words. If no explicit thesis, extract the central idea from conclusions} |
Group the papers into 2-5 clusters based on shared theoretical premises or frameworks. Name each cluster and briefly explain (1-2 sentences) what unites the papers within it.
Identify direct contradictions between papers — where two or more authors make mutually exclusive claims about the same phenomenon. State in the format:
<RULES> - Do NOT write individual summaries for each paper - Focus ONLY on the three tasks above - If a paper has no explicit thesis, derive the central idea from its conclusions - Clusters must be based on theoretical framework, not topic similarity </RULES>
Paper A vs Paper B — subject of dispute
| Excuse | Reality |
|---|---|
| "Let me summarize each paper first" | The task explicitly says no individual summaries. Table + clusters + contradictions only. |
| "There are no contradictions" | Look harder. If researchers agree on everything, you're not reading critically enough. |
| "I need more context to cluster" | Cluster by theoretical framework, not topic. Every paper has underlying assumptions. |