ChatGPT's Deep Research Use Cases
ChatGPT's Deep Research Use Cases
For college professors
Follow these simple steps to get the most from your Deep Research quota (about 10 full tasks a month):
You can begin from:
A new blank chat
Or, better: create or use a Project workspace to group related research
âś… Projects help you keep your research organized over time.
In the chat toolbar, click the + button
Choose Deep Research from the menu
You’ll see a new sidebar that confirms you’re using the right tool
Describe what you want to explore or learn in clear language
ChatGPT may ask follow-up questions before starting
🎯 This is to make sure your prompt is clear, specific, and worth spending quota on.
Note: You only get 10 full Deep Research tasks every 30 days (plus 15 lightweight ones if the full ones are used up)
Deep Research can take 5 to 15 minutes to complete
You don’t need to wait—just leave the chat open and return later
⏳ You’ll get a notification when it’s done.
Use clear, research-worthy questions (e.g., “What are the regulatory trends in AI governance across Europe in 2024?”)
Combine Deep Research with custom GPTs or tools inside your project for richer workflows
Don’t waste quota on questions that could be answered in a regular chat—save it for deeper dives
Create a Research Task Planning Calendar: Map out your 10 monthly tasks at semester start, aligning with course schedules, major assignments, and leaving 2-3 for unexpected needs
Version Control: Add "as of [date]" to reusable prompts to track when updates are needed
Batch Similar Requests: Combine related topics into comprehensive prompts rather than separate ones
Prioritize Reusable Outputs: Focus on materials that work across multiple courses/semesters
Layer for Longevity: Create foundational research that can be updated with lighter touches later
Balance Success and Failure: Study both what works and what doesn't
Include Implementation Scaffolding: Provide guidance alongside assignments
Build in Accessibility: Request materials suitable for different learning styles
Request Visual Elements: Ask for diagrams, frameworks, and tables that can become slides
Highlight Controversies: Explicitly request areas of debate and disagreement
Enhanced Prompt: "Conduct a deep research task as of [November 2024] to identify two companies with contrasting data governance outcomes and one with ongoing controversy. For each, provide a 300-word case including:
Company Profile: Industry, size, market position, key business model Data Governance Approach: Specific policies, technologies, practices (or lack thereof) Critical Decisions: Timeline of key choices with dates Quantifiable Outcomes: Financial impacts, market share changes, regulatory penalties, efficiency metrics Points of Debate: Areas where experts disagree on the approach or outcomes Visual Summary: Simple table comparing the three cases across key dimensions Accessibility Note: Include a brief audio-friendly narrative summary Teaching Applications:
2-3 discussion questions per case
One role-play scenario
Key takeaways for different learning styles (visual, auditory, kinesthetic)
Update Markers: Flag any aspects likely to change within 6 months."
Enhanced Prompt: "Perform a comprehensive baseline analysis of AI adoption in supply chain management as of Q4 2024, designed for longitudinal tracking. Structure as follows:
Current State Dashboard:
Create a visual framework showing AI adoption across 5 key supply chain functions
Include adoption percentages, ROI metrics, and implementation timelines
Design template for future semester updates
Technology Landscape:
Map 3-4 AI application categories with 2-3 vendors each
Include market share, pricing models, and integration complexity
Identify which metrics to track quarterly
Strategic Analysis:
Opportunities matrix (immediate vs. long-term, high vs. low risk)
Implementation barriers ranked by importance
Areas of expert disagreement or ongoing debate
Pedagogical Tools:
Simulation exercise using one company's AI journey
Comparison framework students can apply to any company
Visual aids suitable for colorblind students
Discussion prompts for different student backgrounds (technical vs. non-technical)
Future Monitoring Guide: List 5 specific indicators students can track in subsequent semesters with suggested data sources."
Enhanced Prompt: "Create a comprehensive cross-cultural business module comparing Thailand, US, and Japan as of [date], with built-in accessibility and multiple perspectives:
Cultural Foundations (with visual framework):
Map each country on Hofstede's dimensions with explanatory notes
Include generational differences (Gen Z vs. Boomer professionals)
Note ongoing cultural shifts and debates
Business Practice Comparisons:
Create scenario-based comparison table (meetings, negotiations, conflict resolution)
Include video-friendly descriptions for online learners
Highlight areas where stereotypes differ from current reality
Add perspective notes from local business professionals vs. expatriates
Interactive Elements:
3 role-play scenarios with multiple correct approaches
Cultural misunderstanding case with debate points
Self-assessment quiz with immediate feedback
Adaptation exercise for students' home cultures
Controversial Topics: Include 2-3 areas where cultural practices conflict with other business values (e.g., gender equality, environmental standards)
Update Flags: Mark elements likely to evolve with generational change."
Enhanced Prompt: "Design a complete semester project package on 'Using Data Analytics for Customer Loyalty' as of [date], with full implementation support:
Project Core:
Problem statement with industry context and current controversy
Clear deliverables with examples of excellent vs. adequate work
Timeline with built-in checkpoints
Methodological Scaffolding:
Step-by-step guide for 3 analytical approaches (with pros/cons)
Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
Decision tree for choosing appropriate methods
Video tutorial links for key techniques
Resource Package:
3 datasets (simple, medium, complex) with data dictionaries
Annotated bibliography with contrasting viewpoints
Template code snippets for common analyses
Accessibility alternatives for students who can't use certain tools
Assessment Framework:
Detailed rubric with example excerpts for each level
Peer review guidelines
Self-assessment checklist
Alternative assessment options for different learning styles
Instructor Support: Include answer key, common student mistakes, and suggested feedback phrases."
Enhanced Prompt: "Create a comprehensive reading list on ethical issues in predictive analytics as of [date], emphasizing debate and accessibility:
Core Readings (8-10 items):
Mix academic, industry, and popular sources
Include at least 2 pairs of articles with opposing views
Add 1-2 international perspectives
Include one podcast/video option
For Each Source:
Full citation with stable link
4-sentence annotation covering: main argument, evidence type, perspective/bias, connection to course concepts
Controversy rating (consensus vs. highly debated)
Reading difficulty level and estimated time
Visual summary option (infographic or diagram)
Discussion Architecture:
Debate pairings with moderator guides
Role-play assignments based on different stakeholder perspectives
Case where ethical frameworks conflict
Accessibility: Include audio/video alternatives and provide reading guides for ESL students."
Enhanced Prompt: "Provide a comprehensive career landscape analysis for business analytics graduates 2025-2028, with emphasis on emerging roles and skill evolution:
Role Profiles (7-8 positions including 2 emerging roles):
Traditional title and 2-3 alternative titles used in industry
Day-in-the-life description
Technical vs. soft skill requirements with relative importance
Tool proficiency levels (basic/intermediate/advanced)
Salary ranges by geographic region
Remote work prevalence
Career Pathways Visualization:
Create visual career progression map showing multiple paths
Include lateral movement options
Highlight roles at risk of automation vs. growing roles
Note controversial hiring practices or debates
Preparation Strategies:
Portfolio project ideas for each role
Interview question banks with contrasting company approaches
Skill gap analysis template
Alternative paths for students with different strengths
Industry Perspectives: Include quotes or insights from 2-3 hiring managers about what's changing in their requirements."
Enhanced Prompt: "Analyze the uploaded McKinsey report on digital transformation as of [date], creating multiple teaching assets:
Layered Summary Structure:
30-second elevator pitch
2-minute executive briefing with visual aid
10-minute presentation outline with speaker notes
Critical Analysis:
Report's assumptions and potential biases
Areas where competitors/academics disagree
What's missing or underemphasized
Regional/industry variations not addressed
Teaching Toolkit:
5 discussion questions at different Bloom's taxonomy levels
2 debate topics with pro/con starting points
3 mini-case scenarios applying report concepts
In-class simulation or game based on findings
Assignment connecting to current news event
Visual Assets: Request 2-3 frameworks or models that can be converted to slides
Update Plan: Identify which findings are likely to remain relevant vs. need updating each semester."
Enhanced Prompt: "Compare Microsoft Access, MySQL, and PostgreSQL for teaching SQL to undergrad business students as of [date], with full implementation planning:
Comprehensive Comparison Matrix:
Technical requirements (hardware, OS, admin rights)
Learning curve visualization for different concepts
Error message quality and debugging ease
Integration with other course tools
Accessibility features for students with disabilities
Mobile/tablet compatibility
Pedagogical Fit Analysis:
Alignment with learning objectives at different course levels
Project scalability (individual to enterprise-level)
Industry relevance by business sector
Skills transferability rating
Implementation Roadmap:
Week-by-week adoption plan for each tool
Required IT support and setup time
Budget implications (including hidden costs)
Faculty training requirements
Student support resources needed
Controversy Points: Include debates about teaching 'real' SQL vs. GUI-based approaches
Risk Mitigation: Backup plans if primary tool fails, alternatives for students with incompatible devices."
Enhanced Prompt: "Research data analytics teaching innovations at 7 diverse business schools (mix of elite, public, international) as of [date], with adaptation framework:
Innovation Inventory:
Categorize by resource requirements (low/medium/high)
Tag by pedagogical approach (experiential, collaborative, tech-enabled)
Note measurable outcomes and assessment methods
Include failed experiments and lessons learned
Highlight controversial or debated approaches
Adaptation Framework:
Create decision tree for selecting appropriate innovations
Develop scaling options (pilot to full implementation)
Resource requirement calculator
Risk assessment for each innovation type
Implementation Packages (for top 3 innovations):
Semester timeline with milestones
Required resources and budget estimate
Faculty development plan
Student preparation requirements
Success metrics and assessment plan
Contingency plans for common challenges
Stakeholder Communication: Templates for proposing to administration, explaining to students, and sharing with colleagues."
Enhanced Prompt: "Design a complete assessment ecosystem for a business database group project as of [date], addressing diverse learning styles and including controversy:
Multi-Dimensional Rubric:
5 dimensions with 4 performance levels each
Specific, observable criteria for each cell
Example work excerpts for highest and lowest levels
Visual rubric version for quick reference
Weight customization options
Alternative Assessment Options:
Individual vs. group component separation
Oral presentation alternative for written work
Portfolio option vs. single project
Peer assessment with calibration method
Fairness and Controversy:
Address debate over group vs. individual grades
Include bias mitigation strategies
Accommodate different cultural approaches to teamwork
Handle AI tool usage guidelines
Support Materials:
Student self-assessment checklist
Mid-project feedback form
Exemplar gallery with annotations
Common pitfalls guide with remediation suggestions
Grading Efficiency Tools: Batch feedback templates, common issue codes, mail merge for personalized feedback."
Each research task should trigger a cascade of reusable materials. Think of it as commissioning a "research package" rather than a single output.
One task that creates an entire course module lasting 2-3 weeks
Prompt Architecture: "Create a comprehensive 3-week teaching module on [Topic] for undergraduate business students as of [Date]. This single research task should generate ALL of the following interconnected materials:
WEEK 1 - Foundation Package:
Pre-class reading guide with 5 sources (mix of academic, industry, contrarian views)
75-minute lecture outline with:
15-minute hook activity with data
3 mini-cases (5 minutes each) with teaching notes
2 interactive polls/debates with expected response distributions
Visual framework that builds throughout the lecture
Post-class assignment (individual, 500 words) with rubric
3 short video/podcast recommendations with viewing guides
WEEK 2 - Application Package:
Company case study (2000 words) with:
Instructor teaching note (500 words)
Student preparation questions
Role-play variation for 4-6 students
Financial data in Excel format
5 potential student solutions (A+ through C- quality) with explanations
In-class simulation/game design (45 minutes) with:
Rules and materials
Debrief questions
Learning points mapping
WEEK 3 - Synthesis Package:
Group project prompt with:
3 complexity levels (groups can self-select)
Dataset or source materials
Milestone timeline
Peer review framework
Presentation rubric
10 common pitfalls with prevention strategies
Current controversy debate with:
Pro/con research packets
Moderator guide
Assessment criteria
Real-world implications summary
Cross-Cutting Elements:
Exam question bank (15 questions: 5 multiple choice, 5 short answer, 5 essay)
LinkedIn post templates for students to share learnings
Connection map to 5 other business courses
Industry guest speaker brief with suggested invitees
Update tracker highlighting what needs refreshing each semester
Accessibility alternatives for every major activity
International variation notes for global classes
Meta-Learning Package:
Student self-assessment journey map
Skills developed checklist (technical and soft)
Career connection guide
Further learning pathways
Request all materials be designed to work independently OR as an integrated whole."
Why this works: This single task generates 30+ distinct teaching materials that could support 15+ hours of instruction and assessment.
One task that creates a renewable monitoring system
Prompt Architecture: "Establish a comprehensive industry monitoring framework for [Industry] that will serve as a semester-long resource, generating the following interconnected outputs:
Living Dashboard Creation:
Design a 20-metric dashboard template with:
5 real-time indicators (update weekly)
5 monthly indicators
5 quarterly indicators
5 annual/strategic indicators
Provide baseline data for all metrics as of [date]
Include calculation methodologies and data sources
Create student-friendly and expert-level versions
Company Tracking Portfolio:
Deep profiles of 10 companies (mix of leaders, challengers, disruptors)
Standardized comparison framework
Recent strategic moves timeline (last 12 months)
Predicted moves (next 6 months) with confidence levels
Controversy/crisis monitoring for each
Stock performance if public
Leadership changes and implications
Weekly News Digest Template:
Pre-structured format students can update
Key questions to answer each week
Connection prompts to course concepts
Prediction accuracy tracker
Industry insider Twitter/LinkedIn accounts to follow
Project Bank (15 projects):
5 individual analytical assignments (different difficulties)
5 group research projects
5 presentation/debate topics
Each with: data sources, methodology hints, grading rubric, time estimate
Simulation Materials:
Industry competitive dynamics model
Role descriptions for 6-company simulation
Quarterly decision templates
Market response algorithms
Crisis event cards (20 scenarios)
Career Preparation Suite:
50 industry-specific interview questions with rating guides
10 case interview scenarios with solutions
Skills heat map for different roles
Networking event preparation guide
Industry recruiter list with hiring patterns
Teaching Flexibility Options:
Use as one deep dive OR spread across semester
Online vs. in-person variations
Undergraduate vs. MBA adaptations
1-credit vs. 3-credit course versions
Auto-Update Identification:
List 10 Google Alerts to set up
5 key reports to monitor (with release schedules)
Conference calendar with must-watch events
Regulatory tracking list
Technology disruption watchlist
Generate all materials with clear interdependencies but able to function independently."
One task that creates a full technical skill training program
Prompt Architecture: "Design a complete bootcamp for [Skill, e.g., SQL for Business Analytics] that generates:
Pre-Bootcamp:
Skills assessment (30 questions, auto-graded)
Prerequisite knowledge checklist
Setup guides for 3 different scenarios (PC, Mac, Chromebook)
"Why this matters" motivation packet with salary data
Core Training Modules (5 modules): Each module includes:
Learning objectives mapped to business outcomes
20-minute video script with visual aids
Hands-on exercises (3 difficulty levels)
Common errors troubleshooting guide
Real business dataset for practice
Industry case where this skill saved/earned money
Quiz with explanations
Cheat sheet/reference card
Project Sequence:
Project 1: Guided tutorial (hand-holding)
Project 2: Semi-structured (scaffolding)
Project 3: Open-ended (real-world)
Project 4: Competition/hackathon format
Project 5: Portfolio piece with presentation
Support Infrastructure:
FAQ document (50 Q&As)
Peer learning discussion prompts
Office hours common topics guide
Video transcript for accessibility
Alternative tools for budget constraints
Mobile practice options
Assessment Suite:
Diagnostic assessments for each module
Practical skills test with rubric
Portfolio evaluation criteria
Certification exam with answer key
Employer-ready skills verification template
Beyond Bootcamp:
Advanced resources pathway
Integration with other tools guide
Industry certification mapping
Job application packet using this skill
Freelance/consulting opportunity guide
Adaptation Layers:
Self-paced online version
Intensive weekend version
Semester-long version
Summer camp version
Executive education version
Generate with progressive difficulty and multiple entry/exit points."
One task that creates semester-long debate material
Prompt Architecture: "Research and package the controversy around [Topic, e.g., AI replacing human workers] creating:
Evidence Portfolios:
30 sources supporting Position A (categorized by strength)
30 sources supporting Position B
10 sources showing middle ground/nuance
10 international perspectives
Timeline of how the debate evolved
Key influencers on each side with their arguments
Stakeholder Analysis Kit:
15 stakeholder groups with detailed positions
Power/interest matrix
Hidden agenda analysis
Coalition possibilities
Win-win scenario exploration
Classroom Debate Series (5 debates):
Week 1: Basic positions
Week 2: Economic implications
Week 3: Ethical dimensions
Week 4: Future scenarios
Week 5: Policy recommendations Each with: prep materials, roles, rules, assessment rubric
Media Training Simulation:
TV interview scenarios
Twitter thread templates
Op-ed writing framework
Podcast talking points
TED talk outline structure
Critical Thinking Exercises:
Logical fallacy identification game
Bias detection worksheet
Source credibility evaluation tool
Fact vs. opinion sorter
Assumption challenging prompts
Real-World Applications:
10 company case studies taking different positions
Policy proposals from 5 countries
Investment implications analysis
Career impact assessment
Personal decision framework
Research Project Options:
Quantitative: Data analysis proving/disproving claims
Qualitative: Interview-based perspective study
Mixed methods: Comprehensive investigation
Creative: Solution design challenge
Meta: Analysis of the debate itself
Generate with emphasis on developing critical thinking and perspective-taking skills."
One task that creates complete career readiness materials
Prompt Architecture: "Create a comprehensive career preparation ecosystem for [Field] that generates:
Industry Landscape Analysis:
50 companies mapped by size, culture, growth
Hiring cycles and patterns
Compensation benchmarks by role/location
Growth trajectories visualized
Skills demand heat map
Diversity/inclusion metrics
Application Toolkit:
20 resume templates by career goal
Cover letter frameworks with winning examples
LinkedIn optimization guide with keywords
Portfolio website template with code
Application tracker spreadsheet
Network mapping tool
Interview Preparation System:
100 behavioral questions with STAR response frameworks
50 technical questions with detailed solutions
30 case studies with evaluation criteria
20 brain teasers with solving strategies
10 group exercise scenarios
Mock interview scorecards
Virtual interview technical guide
Thank you note templates
Internship Maximization Guide:
Week-by-week goals template
Project proposal frameworks
Networking strategy calendar
Skills documentation system
Conversion to full-time playbook
Remote internship success guide
Alternative Pathways Portfolio:
Entrepreneurship launch guide
Graduate school decision matrix
Gap year optimization framework
Freelance/consulting startup kit
International opportunities guide
Negotiation Training:
Salary research template
Negotiation script frameworks
Benefits valuation calculator
Counter-offer decision tree
Long-term value modeling
First 100 Days Success Kit:
Onboarding optimization checklist
Stakeholder mapping template
Quick wins identification framework
Learning curve acceleration plan
Performance review preparation
Longitudinal Career Tracker:
5-year planning template
Skills gap analysis tool
Industry trend monitoring guide
Pivot opportunity identifier
Personal board of directors framework
Generate with consideration for different personality types and career goals."