Lesson Content

Research workflows in Cowork.

When a web-enabled plugin (like a web search connector) is active in Cowork, Claude can perform multi-step research tasks – searching, reading sources, synthesizing findings, and presenting structured output. This significantly expands what Cowork can do compared to Chat mode, which draws only from training data.

Structuring a research task assignment.

A research assignment for Cowork with web access includes:

Research question or goal: What do you need to know? Be specific about scope – "recent developments" vs. "all history" vs. "industry-specific perspectives."

Source types: What sources are acceptable? Published research? Mainstream news? Industry publications? Blog posts? Government databases? Narrowing source type produces higher-quality research than open web.

Scope limits: Date range, geography, industry, angle.

Output format: How do you want findings structured? Bulleted summary, table, annotated list with source links, comparative analysis?

Source citation requirement: Ask Claude to cite sources for every claim. Without this instruction, Claude may synthesize across sources without making it clear which claim came from where.

Example research assignment: "Search for recent developments (last 12 months) in AI use for supply chain management. Focus on peer-reviewed industry publications and major industry news outlets – not general blogs. Identify: (1) three most significant applications currently in production, (2) two major limitations being documented, and (3) any major vendors mentioned. For each finding, cite the source."

Reviewing research output.

When Cowork returns research findings:

• Check that sources cited are actually accessible and reputable
• Spot-check two to three specific claims against the cited sources
• Flag any claims without source citations for manual verification
• Identify whether the research scope matches what you requested

The map-and-verify pattern for Cowork research.

Use Cowork to build a map of the research landscape – the key findings, the main claims, the important distinctions. Then use that map to verify the most important claims through primary sources before relying on them. This pattern makes the most of Claude's synthesis speed while protecting you from acting on unverified research.