A research comparison needs a consistent question. Papers can use similar language while studying different populations, methods, or outcomes, so a summary should preserve those differences.
Prepare the task
Specify the research question and inclusion criteria. Provide accessible papers or links, publication dates, and any constraints on sources. Tell the agent whether the task is a literature overview or an evaluation of a specific claim.
Work through it with your agent
Choose an extraction structure
Find a research synthesis skill. Use the same fields for every source: question, methods, sample, outcomes, limitations, and evidence relevant to your decision.
Compare like with like
Ask the agent to separate direct findings from interpretation. Flag incompatible measures and missing information instead of forcing all results into one ranking.
Write with traceability
Build a synthesis around points of agreement and disagreement. Attach source references to claims and identify what further evidence would change the conclusion.
Find a starting skill
Compare research papers and summarize their findings
Task searches use OpenAI for semantic matching. Keep secrets and repository contents out of the search text. Review the suggested skill’s source and instructions before using it.
What to ask for
An evidence table, a cited comparison, and a list of unresolved questions. References should identify the actual source passage or section, not just a general topic page.
Review the result
Open the cited sources and check the key claims. Verify dates and study limitations, and make sure the agent has not treated an abstract or secondary summary as equivalent to reading the full paper.
Continue the workflow
Connect Claude Code or Codex, then copy the pinned agent prompt from a public skill page.
Related workflow: Agent skills for clear technical documentation.