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name: question-refiner description: Transform raw research questions into structured, validated research prompts with automatic research type detection and output format validation. Ensures prompts are ready for research-executor with comprehensive quality checks.

Question Refiner

Overview

Transform vague research questions into structured, actionable research prompts through strategic clarifying questions with automatic research type detection and quality validation.

When to Use

• User provides a raw, unstructured research question
• Research scope is unclear or too broad
• Need validated structured prompt for research-executor
• Want to ensure prompt meets quality standards (≥8.0)

Core Approach

Progressive Questioning (2 rounds max):

1. Round 1 (3 questions): Topic focus, output format, audience
2. Round 2 (conditional): Scope, sources, special requirements
3. Auto-detect research type → Select template → Generate & validate

Research Type Detection

Output Structure

Copy### RESEARCH TYPE
[auto-detected type]

### TASK
[Clear, specific research objective]

### CONTEXT/BACKGROUND
[Why this matters, who will use it]

### SPECIFIC QUESTIONS
1-7 concrete sub-questions

### KEYWORDS
[Search terms ≥5]

### CONSTRAINTS
- Timeframe: [e.g., 2020-present]
- Geography: [e.g., global]
- Source types: [academic, industry, news]

### OUTPUT FORMAT
- Type: [comprehensive_report|executive_summary|comparison_table]
- Citation style: [inline-with-url|footnotes]

### QUALITY SCORE
[0-10, must be ≥8.0]

Quality Validation

Process: Generate → Validate → If score < 8.0: Refine (max 2 attempts)

Token Optimization

📋 Reference: .claude/shared/constants/token_optimization.md

Context Budget: 10k tokens max

Error Handling

📋 Reference: .claude/shared/constants/error_codes.md

• E001: Insufficient context → Ask clarifying questions
• E003: Validation failed → Refine and retry
• E004: Quality < 8.0 after retries → Request manual review

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See also: Skill Base Template

Examples

See examples.md for detailed interaction patterns.

Detailed Instructions

See instructions.md for complete questioning strategy.