How Research works — a step-by-step process

When you enable Research, a multi-stage process is activated that goes far beyond a simple internet search. Stage one: Claude plans the approach. With Research enabled, extended thinking is automatically activated. This allows Claude to break down your request, determine what information is needed, and plan how to investigate different aspects of your question. Stage two: Claude conducts multiple searches. Instead of a single search, Claude performs many interconnected searches that build on each other. It decides what to investigate next based on what it finds, following promising directions and filling in gaps. Stage three: Claude synthesizes the results. After gathering information from many sources, including the internet and connected integrations such as Gmail, Google Calendar, or Google Drive, Claude compiles everything into a comprehensive, well-organized report. Stage four: Claude provides citations. Every statement in Research reports cites a source, making it easy to verify information and dig into the details when necessary.