Decide When to Stop Researching
Added 2026-10-31
Stop when new information no longer changes the decision.
I am researching a decision and have already spent a lot of time. Do: 1) ask me three questions to judge whether I have enough information to decide; 2) name two likely benefits and two risks of "a bit more research"; 3) give a stopping condition — what would make me stop and decide; 4) if the decision is reversible, suggest how fast to make a minimal one; 5) remind me of the typical signs of research addiction.
Site original
Chinese original
How to use
调研的终点是「信息不再改变决定」。
Try tweaking it
- Ask what evidence would overturn the judgement.
- Have it argue both sides with three reasons each.
What you should get
- A decision table: assumptions, evidence, counter-evidence
- A next action with an observable signal
Common mistakes
- Asking only "should I?" and getting equally valid answers both ways.
- Never asking for counter-examples, so you only hear support.
How to check the output
- It states what evidence would overturn the conclusion.
- Both sides are argued, with assumptions marked as such.
Where it works
- Good for: splitting a decision into assumptions, evidence and counter-cases, leaving the call to you.
- Watch out: ask what evidence would overturn the judgement, or you will only hear supporting reasons.