How to Use ChatGPT's Deep Research to Do Research and Work for You

O Deep Research is an advanced feature where you can perform extensive searches and generate comprehensive reports in ChatGPT. Unlike a common search engine, in addition to displaying links to relevant websites on a given subject, the tool reads, analyzes and structures the content found, providing complex materials that can be used for analysis or study of different topics. In this article, understand what the Deep Research, how to use it and how it can be an advantage for your productivity.

What is ChatGPT Deep Research?

Integrated into ChatGPT, Deep Research (Investigate, in Portuguese) is an artificial intelligence tool designed to perform detailed analysis autonomously, going beyond traditional quick searches. It combines advanced language models and machine learning algorithm (machine learning) and simulates the work of a human researcher.

The tool is capable of exploring multiple sources (articles, reports, public data), comparing information, filtering what is relevant and organizing the results into structured reports, with verifiable citations and references.

One of the main differentials of Deep Research compared to the chatbot pattern of OpenAI is the ability to contextualize data. For example, instead of just listing facts about a topic, the tool identifies trends, contradictions between studies and even nuances in complex debates, such as public policies or technological innovations.

Ideal for professionals who need in-depth answers in minutes, the Deep Research acts as a versatile assistant, which serves both technical analysis (financial markets, scientific research) and everyday demands, such as comparing products or understanding competitive scenarios.

To ensure reliability, the system prioritizes up-to-date sources with a good reputation in search engines, in addition to flagging when there are significant disagreements between experts. However, OpenAI reinforces that the tool is a support — not a substitute — for human critical thinking, always recommending validation of the sources presented.

How does this technology work?

Upon receiving a request, the Deep Research follows a structured process:

• Initial research: Searches multiple online sources, identifying the most relevant content.
• Filtering and analysis: Assesses the reliability of the data found and eliminates irrelevant or dubious information.
• Organization: Synthesizes relevant information into a coherent format, including statistics, comparisons, and summaries.
• Report generation: Produces a final document with citations, references and insights based on the analysis performed, allowing the user to verify sources and deepen the research.

This system allows the Deep Research delivers more in-depth and contextualized answers than a simple traditional search. In addition, it is able to refine results as it receives new instructions from the user, making the process interactive and dynamic.

How to use Deep Research on ChatGPT

To use the Deep Research You must first be a subscriber to the plans ChatGPT Plus (US$ 20, approximately R$ 116) or ChatGPT Pro ($200, around R$1.159,99), to get the most out of the tool. Knowing this, here's how to use it:

XNUMXst step – Access the ChatGPT and select the option Deep Research (Research) in the message composer.

Second step - Describe your search in detail, including keywords, context, and specific criteria to refine your results.

Here, you must formulate the question clearly and specifically, avoiding ambiguities and making your objective clear. This way, you delimit the scope of the research and indicate exactly which aspects the user wants to delve deeper into.

After the initial request, the Deep Research You can also ask some additional questions to define the level of depth of the research and confirm your request.

Third step – Please wait for processing.

Once the query has been submitted, the process of Deep Research It can take anywhere from a few minutes to about half an hour, depending on the topic and the complexity of the data requested. During this time, the AI ​​analyzes the available sources and compiles a report that provides references and links to related studies and articles.

Fourth step – Review the final report.

After receiving the report, it is recommended that you review it carefully, checking the sources cited and exploring the references. By reviewing it, you ensure the veracity and relevance of the information, as well as enabling adjustments and refinements to the report. prompt (command) if necessary. Once you're done, you can export and share the conversation and report with others.

How to write a prompt for Deep Research

When making a request for the Deep Research, it is interesting that you develop prompts that facilitate the understanding of the tool for a result closer to what you want. Here's how:

Think about the purpose of your question

To make your prompts more effective, it’s helpful to think about what exactly you’re looking for as a result. Ask yourself: What’s the purpose of this research? Do I want to understand a concept, write a paper, compare historical data, or create a critical analysis? By answering these questions, you can tailor your prompt to be more targeted, which increases the chances of getting a detailed and useful answer.

When making a very generic request, it is normal for the program itself to ask you additional questions to delimit the subject and deliver an optimized report.

Think about what you want as an answer

It is also important to define the format of the response. If you require an extensive textual explanation, mention that you prefer a continuous text with well-structured paragraphs. If the presentation of graphs or tables is relevant, include this request.

For example, you might say, “Please provide the answer in a text format, organized into paragraphs, and include relevant data that can be turned into graphs later.” This way, the AI ​​understands not only the expected content, but also the way in which the information is delivered.

Mention particularities and scope of the research

Another aspect that can make a difference is to mention the public-bowel. If the survey is aimed at specialists, you can use more technical language. If the audience is more general, opt for simple terms and explanations that do not require extensive prior knowledge. Paying attention to these characteristics ensures that the response is understandable and appropriate to the readers' expectations.

Suppose you are interested in studying the resistance movements during the military dictatorship in Brazil. A good prompt might be:

“Conduct an analysis of the resistance movements in Brazil during the military dictatorship, highlighting the differences and similarities between the strategies used in São Paulo and the Northeast. Provide historical data and citations from reliable sources.”

The prompt indicates that the focus is not just descriptive but also analytical, encouraging the AI ​​to provide data and insights that can be used to form a critical view of the subject.

Possibilities and applications

The ability to interpret data and carry out advanced research on various subjects makes the Deep Research A powerful tool that can be applied in a variety of situations, both for general research and for productivity in studies or work. See some possibilities and applications:

Using Deep Research in Academic Research

For academic research, the Deep Research can help gather studies, scientific articles and relevant data to support a thesis or article. With the right command, it is possible to structure a complete academic work.

For example, you can request that the Deep Research analyze the model of an academic work (course completion works, theses and dissertations) within the standards of Brazilian Association of Technical Standards (ABNT) – or other standardization – and ask him to develop the structure of the work based on his research topic. Until then, it is possible to “get by” with the basic tools of the ChatGPT – however, with the Deep Research, after these initial steps, you can request complete reports and analyses, facilitating and reducing project development time.

As for the prompt, it is important to specify your topic clearly, delimiting the period and the area of ​​study. In this sense, take the opportunity to ask the tool to contextualize certain data within the objectives of your work. For example, instead of asking “Talk about the Industrial Revolution”, you can elaborate:

PROMPT: Realize uma análise aprofundada sobre os impactos das [inovações/eventos] na [contexto histórico ou social], focando em [aspectos específicos (ex: avanços tecnológicos, mudanças econômicas)] entre [período]. Inclua referências a [fontes acadêmicas (ex: artigos, livros)] e dados estatísticos relevantes. Estruture o relatório com base nas normas [padrão de formatação (ex: ABNT, APA)], garantindo seções como introdução, metodologia, resultados e conclusão.

In an example, requesting a comparison:

PROMPT: Realize uma análise comparativa entre as transformações industriais do Brasil e da América Latina nas últimas cinco décadas, destacando as diferenças nas políticas de desenvolvimento e os impactos na economia regional. Estruture o relatório com base nas normas para trabalhos acadêmicos da Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas (ABNT)

In this way, the prompt can direct the search to specific aspects that interest a national audience, and the AI ​​can search for data from Brazilian studies, reports from recognized institutions and other productions linked to its theme.

Prompts for healthcare professionals

Healthcare professionals often need up-to-date and well-founded information to support treatments, clinical practices and research. In these situations, prompts should clearly define the topic, include technical terms and specify the source of the desired data. See:

PROMPT: Estou desenvolvendo um plano de [tipo de intervenção (ex: suplementação, treinamento)] para [público-alvo (ex: maratonistas amadores, atletas de alto rendimento)]. Preciso de uma análise detalhada sobre:
Comparação entre [elemento A (ex: suplemento X)] e [elemento B (ex: suplemento Y)] para [objetivo específico (ex: retardar fadiga muscular)].
Protocolos de [processo (ex: hidratação, recuperação)] em [condições específicas (ex: climas quentes, altas altitudes)], incluindo [detalhes técnicos (ex: dosagem, frequência)].
Efeitos de [elemento adicional (ex: carboidratos em gel)] no [desempenho/saúde], considerando [variáveis (ex: tempo de absorção)].
Estudos de caso ou ensaios clínicos com nível de evidência [classificação (ex: A, B)] que comprovem a eficácia dessas estratégias.
Formate a resposta em tópicos estruturados com referências de [fontes especializadas (ex: ISSN, ACSM)].

Eg

PROMPT: Estou desenvolvendo um plano de suplementação para maratonistas amadores. Preciso de uma análise detalhada sobre: Estudos de caso ou ensaios clínicos com nível de evidência A (ISSN ou ACSM) que comprovem a eficácia dessas estratégias. Comparação entre beta-alanina e bicarbonato de sódio para retardar a fadiga muscular em provas de longa duração. Protocolos de hidratação com eletrólitos (sódio, potássio, magnésio) em climas quentes (acima de 30°C), incluindo recomendações de dosagem e frequência. Efeitos da suplementação com carboidratos em gel durante a corrida, considerando tempo de absorção e impacto no desempenho.

Or, on another occasion, a psychologist interested in mindfulness-based interventions could request:

PROMPT: Desenvolva uma revisão sobre a eficácia das intervenções psicoterapêuticas baseadas em mindfulness no tratamento de transtornos de ansiedade em adultos, integrando dados de meta-análises, publicações em periódicos de psicologia e estudos de caso realizados no contexto brasileiro

Prompts for IT professionals

IT professionals such as software developers, systems analysts, and data scientists often require technical information, benchmarks, case studies, and comparative analyses. Prompts in this area should be precise, with technical terms and indication of desired metrics or benchmarks.

PROMPT: Explique as vantagens e desvantagens da adoção de [tecnologia A (ex: computação em nuvem)] versus [tecnologia B (ex: soluções on-premises)] para [público-alvo (ex: empresas brasileiras, startups)], com base em estudos de mercado (crescimento de adoção, custos operacionais), dados de desempenho (latência, escalabilidade, segurança) e relatórios de [consultoria especializadas].
Inclua uma análise crítica sobre a viabilidade em [contexto geográfico ou setorial] e formate a resposta em tópicos comparativos.

Here are some examples:

Software Developers:

PROMPT: Forneça uma análise comparativa entre as principais linguagens de programação utilizadas para [área] em 2024, destacando [os dados que você deseja avaliar]. Utilize dados de benchmarks do [índice], estudos de caso e opiniões de especialistas da área 

It defines the focus, indicating that the response must include quantitative and comparative data, useful for choosing the most appropriate language for a project.

Data Scientist:

PROMPT: Explique as últimas tendências em algoritmos de aprendizado de máquina para previsão de séries temporais, com foco em aplicações financeiras. Inclua referências a estudos recentes, benchmarks de desempenho e comparações entre modelos como [modelos], utilizando fontes como [fontes]

In this case, we are creating a prompt that requires a technical response that integrates performance data and academic references, ideal for researchers.

Network Administrators:

Realize uma pesquisa sobre [tema], enfatizando soluções de [objetos de análise]. Forneça referências a relatórios do [fonte], estudos de caso em empresas brasileiras e dados sobre a eficácia dessas soluções

This prompt guides research into the field of information security, combining market data and technical studies, which is crucial for professionals who manage corporate networks and systems.

Remembering that the more complex the task, the more advanced, detailed and specific your prompt has to be. An expert in Information security who is planning a study on cybersecurity and machine learning applied to medical devices, for example, can use commands like:

PROMPT: Desenvolva um IDS para redes IoMT (protocolos HL7/DICOM): Analise padrões de tráfego anômalos em ataques a bombas de infusão (ex: CVE-2023-1234). Compare arquiteturas de deep learning: redes TempCNN vs. Transformers com attention esparsa. Implemente detecção em tempo real (latência <50ms) usando Apache Kafka e ONNX Runtime. Inclua datasets do PhysioNet/Computing in Cardiology Challenge e papers do IEEE S&P sobre threat modeling

How to do market analysis with Deep Research

When it comes to market analysis, the goal is usually to gather information that helps you understand trends, see product performance, and compare competitors. Here, the prompts should clearly specify the market segment, the competitors or models you want to compare, and the analysis criteria, such as price, performance, or innovation.

An example for the smartphone market, delimit the sector (smartphones), the competitors and the attributes to be compared, directing the AI ​​to search for information that helps to form a complete view of the scenario. How:

PROMPT: Forneça uma análise detalhada do mercado de [categoria de produtos (ex: smartphones, eletrodomésticos)] no [país/região] entre [ano inicial] e [ano final], destacando:
Participação de marcas como [marca A], [marca B] e [marca C].
Comparação de aspectos como [critério 1 (ex: inovações tecnológicas)], [critério 2 (ex: desempenho)] e [critério 3 (ex: preços)].
Dados de [fontes (ex: pesquisas de mercado, análises de especialistas)].
Formate os resultados em um relatório completo com tabelas comparativas e gráficos de tendências.

If you're interested in the home appliance sector, for example, the prompt can direct your search to specific criteria for the segment, gathering data that helps you understand how these innovations influence consumers' purchasing decisions, as follows:

PROMPT: Realize uma análise comparativa das principais marcas de geladeiras lançadas no Brasil em 2024, considerando tecnologias como conectividade inteligente, eficiência energética e design. Baseie a resposta em dados de vendas, avaliações de consumidores e relatórios de consultorias do setor

Finally, for a more strategic view, a prompt aimed at investors could be:

PROMPT: Analise as tendências do mercado de automóveis elétricos no Brasil, destacando inovações recentes, políticas governamentais de incentivo e a atuação dos principais players, como Tesla e BYD. Inclua dados sobre crescimento de vendas, projeções de mercado e desafios logísticos".

Here, the prompt goes beyond market data, including external factors that impact the industry, providing a comprehensive analysis targeted at an audience with investment interests.

Prompts for Journalists and Communicators on Deep Research

For journalists and other information professionals, the Deep Research can be a useful tool for compiling data from multiple sources, identifying connections, and understanding narratives about complex topics. In this application, the prompt should include the central theme, the aspects to be explored, and the type of sources the AI ​​should consider, such as interviews, official data, and case studies.

For example, for an article about the impact of climate change on large Brazilian cities, you can use prompts like:

PROMPT: Faça uma análise sobre as mudanças na legislação de [área (ex: proteção ambiental, direitos trabalhistas)] no [país/região] nos últimos [número de anos] anos, destacando as principais controvérsias e debates políticos, impactos concretos para [grupo afetado]. Utilize dados oficiais, opiniões de especialistas e exemplos de casos reais.
Estruture a resposta em seções temáticas, incluindo uma linha do tempo das mudanças legislativas e suas consequências práticas.

For a story about public policy, you might use a prompt like:

PROMPT: Realize uma análise sobre as mudanças na legislação de proteção ambiental no Brasil nos últimos 15 anos, destacando as principais controvérsias e os impactos para a população. Busque dados oficiais, opiniões de especialistas e exemplos de casos reais para ilustrar a evolução dessa legislação

Another possibility, now focused on the area of ​​culture:

PROMPT: Faça um relatório sobre o impacto da indústria do streaming na produção de conteúdo nacional no Brasil, analisando como plataformas como Netflix e Amazon Prime Video influenciaram a criação de séries e filmes. Forneça dados de audiência, opiniões de críticos e exemplos de produções relevantes

Advertisers can also use the Deep Research to do deeper analysis on marketing issues, for example:

PROMPT: Faça uma análise sobre as estratégias de marketing digital adotadas por marcas brasileiras em 2024, destacando o uso de influenciadores, campanhas interativas e métricas de engajamento. Baseie a resposta em estudos de mercado, cases de sucesso e dados de consultorias especializadas

Shopping and Comparisons with Deep Research

When the objective is to compare products or services, the Deep Research can help compile technical specifications, consumer reviews and comparative analysis between different brands.

For this type of search, the prompt should mention the product models or categories and the desired comparison criteria. For example:

PROMPT: Analise as diferenças entre os [produtos] lançados no [país/região] em [ano], comparando recursos como [critério 1], [critério 2], [critério 3 ], [...]. Inclua:
Dados técnicos baseados em análises de [especialistas/laboratórios independentes)].
Avaliações de consumidores de plataformas como [Reclame Aqui, Google Reviews...].
Fichas técnicas em formato de tabela, destacando [especificações].
Formate o relatório com conclusões sobre custo-benefício e recomendações para diferentes perfis de usuários

One possibility would be:

PROMPT: Analise as diferenças entre as geladeiras inteligentes lançadas no Brasil em 2024, comparando recursos como eficiência energética, conectividade com dispositivos domésticos e funcionalidades extras, com base em análises de especialistas e avaliações de consumidores. Faça um relatório completo e forneça fichas técnicas dos produtos em formato de tabela

In any case, remember that you need to define the comparison criteria and the most relevant attributes for your purchasing decision.

In fact, in addition to research, subscribers to the service Pro da OpenAI can further automate the shopping experience with Operator. Read our full article about How to use Operator to perform activities for you.

More in-depth general searches

O Deep Research can gather information from multiple sources and provide a comprehensive view on any topic. The prompt should be formulated in a way that allows the AI ​​to explore different angles without leaving gaps. In this case, you can use the Deep Research as a Google more intelligent, to answer questions about everyday matters,

As demonstrated in the tutorial further up in this text, the prompt was a simple research question, which generated an analysis of the similarities between Anora, winning film of the Oscar for Best Picture in 2025, with the original script for the romantic comedy A beautiful woman (1990).

The tool brought a complete report (see here), with the main criticisms and repercussions of the film in the media, possible similarities and references to Anora to the original script and the director's response Sean baker to the controversy – summarizing, in a single answer, something that could take much longer to research through common search engines.

In addition to compiling information, the Deep Research also provides an in-depth analysis of the information captured and written in the text, maintaining the main references used to develop the reasoning. Read how the conclusion of the controversy about Anora by the tool:

PROMPT: ANORA é baseado no roteiro original de Pretty Woman? Aquele que era mais sombrio e tinha um final triste?

RESPOSTA: Mesmo que Baker não tenha intencionalmente recriado Uma Linda Mulher, muitos críticos apontaram que Anora se assemelha ao que Uma Linda Mulher poderia ter sido se tivesse seguido o roteiro original. Um crítico da Baltimore Magazine sugeriu que Baker deve ter conhecido o roteiro $3,000, argumentando que “Anora é a versão de Uma Linda Mulher de Sean Baker”, contada com o realismo brutal que o filme de 1990 evitou (BaltimoreMagazine). O filme ainda faz algumas referências sutis a Uma Linda Mulher. Em uma cena, o cliente de Ani oferece a ela $10.000 pela semana, mas ela negocia para $15.000. Ele então brinca dizendo que ela deveria ter pedido $30.000 (BaltimoreMagazine). Essa fala é uma referência direta a Uma Linda Mulher, onde o valor do acordo era $3,000 — como se Anora tivesse apenas acrescentado um zero ao número (BaltimoreMagazine). No fim, Anora pode não ter sido inspirado diretamente em $3,000, mas o resultado final é surpreendentemente próximo da visão original desse roteiro perdido. 

These are just some of the many possible uses for the Deep Research do ChatGPT, you can get inspired by the suggested prompts and think of something completely new for your needs. Would the tool help you in your day-to-day life? Tell us in the comments.

Learn more about OpenAI:

OpenAI releases GPT-4.5 with improved writing and reduced hallucinations

How to use Operator, OpenAI's AI agent that performs tasks for you

Text revised by Alexandre Marques in 17 / 03 / 2025.

Sources: OpenAI, DataCamp