Claude is not a search engine, but it can be a powerful tool in a research process. The key is knowing what it is good at — and what you should always double-check.
Claude excels at explaining complex topics, giving overviews of different perspectives, identifying key concepts, analyzing text you provide, and generating counterarguments. Use it to understand a topic — then verify facts with primary sources.
Claude can produce incorrect information with great confidence. Always ask Claude what type of source a claim comes from, verify specific numbers and quotes against primary sources, and be extra skeptical about niche topics.
Your words create your world. Choose them with care.— Florence Scovel Shinn