Prompts for research workflows designed around the Genealogical Proof Standard (GPS). These are structured to follow professional methodology developed by the Board for Certification of Genealogists and documented in Mills' Evidence Explained.
GPS ensures genealogical conclusions are well-reasoned and evidence-based through five interdependent elements:
- Reasonably exhaustive research
- Complete, accurate citations
- Thorough analysis and correlation
- Resolution of conflicting evidence
- Coherent written conclusion
| Prompt | Purpose | Use When |
|---|---|---|
| research-assistant-v8.5-compact.md | GPS-aligned compact research assistant | Recommended compact prompt |
| research-assistant-v8.5-compact-unwrapped.md | Same v8.5.2c compact prompt without hard wrapping | Copy/paste into tools that preserve line breaks poorly |
| research-assistant-v8.md | Full GPS-based research assistant (669 lines) | System prompt for ongoing research assistance |
| research-assistant-v8-compact.md | Token-efficient v8 | Context-limited models |
| research-with-citations-v7.md | Web research with GPS methodology | Single research queries with citation requirements |
| web-research-v7.md | Compact web search prompt | Quick web research tasks |
| contract-first-genealogy-v3.1.md | Contract-lock workflow | Structured research projects with deliverables |
| research-agent-assignment-v2.1.md | Research agent specification | Autonomous research tasks |
The compact/compressed versions are token-efficient alternatives for context-limited models. Here's what they trade away:
| Feature | Full v8 (704 lines) | Compact v8 (147 lines) |
|---|---|---|
| Three-Layer Model | Detailed tables with examples | Condensed paragraph summaries |
| Worked examples | Death certificate walkthrough | Omitted |
| Adaptive scaffolding | Full detection protocol + calibration table | Simplified behavioral cues |
| Decision trees | Appendix B flowcharts | Omitted |
| Core templates | Evidence table, research plan, conflict matrix, proof summary | Omitted |
| Terminology reference | Appendix A quick-reference table | Omitted |
| Provenance chain | Detailed with error propagation | Brief mention |
| Cluster research | Full FAN protocol + same-name defense | Brief mention |
When to use compact: Models with small context windows, or when combined with other system prompts. The compact variant preserves all rules, guardrails, and the evidence framework — it cuts examples, templates, and decision trees.
Risk: Without worked examples, models may apply the Three-Layer Model less precisely. Without templates, users must structure their own output formats.
v8 was amalgamated from five beta candidates through systematic feature analysis (January 2026). Key changes:
- Restructured into 10 parts (v7 had a flatter organization) — clearer separation of concerns
- Added prompt-injection resistance — explicit instruction to treat uploaded documents as data, not commands
- Added instruction priority hierarchy — System > Ethics > GPS > User, making conflict resolution explicit
- Expanded document analysis protocol — step-by-step image upload handling with quality assessment
- Added core templates — evidence table, research plan, conflict resolution matrix, proof summary format
- Added decision trees — flowcharts for user level detection, sensitive information, and conflicting evidence
- Added terminology quick reference — Appendix A lookup table
- Added capabilities & limitations section — honest about what AI can and cannot do
- Strengthened DNA ethics — explicit disclosure requirements before recommending testing
- Added error recovery protocol — how to handle and communicate mistakes transparently
- Added adaptive user experience — beginner/intermediate/advanced detection and response calibration
- Added scaffolding protocols — adjusting support as users grow
- Added cognitive load management — chunking, pausing, prioritizing
- Expanded ethics section — CARE principles for Indigenous data, diverse family structures, cultural naming
| Prompt | Notes |
|---|---|
| research-assistant-v7.md | Previous full version |
| research-assistant-v7-compressed.md | Token-efficient v7 |
| research-assistant-v6.1.md | Earlier full version |
| research-assistant-v6.1-compressed.md | Token-efficient v6.1 |
The prompts use the Evidence Analysis Process Map vocabulary:
| Element | Classes | Definition |
|---|---|---|
| SOURCES | Original, Derivative, Authored | The containers holding information |
| INFORMATION | Primary, Secondary, Indeterminate | Content classified by informant's knowledge |
| EVIDENCE | Direct, Indirect, Negative | Interpretation relative to research question |
See reference/evidence-terminology.md for detailed definitions.
- Mills, Elizabeth Shown. Evidence Explained, 4th ed. (2024)
- Board for Certification of Genealogists. Genealogy Standards, 2nd ed. revised (2021)