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AI research tools — scored
Research tools fail when you cite a summary you did not open. Score verified reading time, not chat fluency.
Last reviewed: 2026-08-15. Re-run the protocol after major model or pricing changes.
How do you test AI research tools in 15 minutes?
- Write a question you already know one good paper or page for.
- Ask two tools. Open every citation.
- Mark invented titles, wrong years, and missing counter-evidence.
- Stop when you can defend inclusion/exclusion.
What is the scoring rubric?
| Criterion | Weight | How to score |
|---|---|---|
| Cites open | Gate | Fail dead or invented sources. |
| Known paper found | 1–5 | Did it surface a source you already trust? |
| Overclaiming | Pass/Fail | Fail if it treats a blog as a trial. |
| Time to a usable map | 1–5 | Include verification time. |
Which research tool should I start with?
| Tool | Best fit | Best job | Watch-out | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Perplexity | Open-web map | Fast linked answers | Not a bibliography | Open the links. |
| Elicit | Paper workflows | Question-driven papers | Still read methods | Strong for literature screening. |
| ResearchRabbit | Citation graphs | Related-paper maps | Can miss key papers | Start from 3–5 seeds you trust. |
| NotebookLM | Your sources | Q&A over uploads | Not open-web research | Keep it in the source-notes lane. |
Learn the craft, not just the tool
Practice the transferable habit in AI for research, then Citation checker, Deep research blog.
FAQ
Is Perplexity better than ChatGPT for research?
Usually for sourced web maps. ChatGPT can draft; it is weaker as a citation engine unless you browse and verify.
Can I cite an AI summary?
Cite the primary source you opened. The summary is a map.