Lesson Content

Why completeness checking is hard self-review.

Self-review for completeness fails the same way all self-review fails: you know what you meant to cover, so you perceive coverage that is not there. Perplexity provides an external reference: what does a comprehensive treatment of this topic typically include?

The completeness reference search.

"I have written a [document type] on [topic]. What would a comprehensive, authoritative treatment of this topic typically include that I should verify is present in my work? Organize by: critical (missing this significantly weakens the document), important (typically expected), and nice to have."

Counterargument completeness.

"I have written an argument for [position]. What are the most important counterarguments or competing perspectives that a well-informed critical reader would expect me to have addressed? Which are strong enough that omitting them would damage my credibility?"

Perspective completeness.

"My document primarily addresses [topic] from [angle/perspective]. What other perspectives or stakeholder groups would be affected by or have important views on this topic that I should consider including or at least acknowledging?"

Proportionate completeness checking.

Apply completeness checking in proportion to document stakes:

• Internal memo: Quick personal review is usually sufficient
• Professional report or recommendation: Completeness checking through Perplexity research adds value
• Published or public-facing document: Full completeness check required
• Documents with legal, financial, or safety implications: Expert review in addition to research