OpenAI has just announced a groundbreaking new feature for its ChatGPT platform: deep research. Designed to aid professionals and individuals in conducting thorough, complex research, this new capability promises to elevate the level of precision and detail that AI can provide in specialized fields such as finance, science, policy, and engineering. With deep research, ChatGPT can process and analyze multiple sources, helping users navigate intricate topics that demand a higher level of accuracy and understanding.
What is ChatGPT Deep Research?
ChatGPT deep research is a powerful tool aimed at professionals who need comprehensive research beyond quick answers. This feature allows users to obtain detailed insights from various online sources, offering a deep dive into complex subjects. OpenAI specifically designed it for those in intensive knowledge-based fields like finance, engineering, science, and policy, as well as for individuals making significant purchases, like cars or appliances, that require careful investigation.
Rather than just summarizing information, deep research delivers meticulously curated data, taking into account various online sources and presenting users with thorough and reliable responses. It allows users to attach files or spreadsheets and generates reports, making it particularly useful for anyone involved in data-heavy research tasks.
How Does ChatGPT Deep Research Work?
To use ChatGPT’s deep research, users simply select the “deep research” option in the composer and enter a query. They can also attach files, such as spreadsheets, to assist in the research. The process is web-based for now, with mobile and desktop app integration coming soon. Users will be notified once their query has been completed, with typical response times ranging from five to 30 minutes.
Currently, deep research outputs are text-only, but OpenAI has announced plans to include images, data visualizations, and other analytical outputs in the future. Moreover, the feature will soon support specialized data sources, including subscription-based services and internal resources, expanding its versatility even further.
Accuracy and Precision: How Reliable is ChatGPT Deep Research?
Given the complex nature of deep research, many users might wonder how reliable the information produced by ChatGPT’s deep research tool truly is. While AI has made significant advancements, it is not infallible. OpenAI acknowledges that deep research may sometimes make mistakes or incorrect inferences, particularly in distinguishing authoritative information from rumors.
To ensure better accuracy, OpenAI is using a specialized version of its o3 reasoning model, trained with reinforcement learning on real-world tasks like web browsing and data analysis. This model is optimized to search, interpret, and analyze vast amounts of data across the internet, including text, images, and PDFs. It is also capable of browsing user-uploaded files and generating graphs using Python tools, providing richer and more dynamic results.
Additionally, OpenAI is making deep research outputs fully documented, with clear citations and summaries of the AI’s reasoning process. This transparency helps users verify the information and reference it accurately, minimizing the risk of errors or misinterpretations.
Testing and Performance: ChatGPT Deep Research Results
In terms of performance, OpenAI has tested ChatGPT deep research using a challenging evaluation called Humanity’s Last Exam, which includes over 3,000 expert-level questions in various academic fields. The o3 reasoning model powering deep research achieved an accuracy rate of 26.6%, which is considered strong given the high difficulty level of the exam. To put this into context, the deep research model outperformed other AI models, including Gemini Thinking (6.2%) and Grok-2 (3.8%).
While the results are promising, OpenAI is careful to note that ChatGPT deep research has its limitations. The AI may struggle to communicate uncertainty and could occasionally format reports and citations incorrectly. Moreover, users should still be mindful of double-checking the results to ensure the quality and accuracy of the information before using it.
ChatGPT Deep Research: A Step Forward in AI-Powered Research
OpenAI’s introduction of deep research takes AI-powered research to a new level. By providing detailed, well-cited, and reliable information, it is a valuable tool for anyone needing precise research, whether for professional purposes or major purchasing decisions. While the technology is still evolving, the potential of deep research to support complex, data-driven tasks is immense.
As OpenAI continues to improve the feature, it will likely become an indispensable tool for individuals and teams who require in-depth knowledge and analysis. Whether you’re a finance professional, a scientist, or simply someone looking for a thorough answer to a specific question, ChatGPT deep research promises to make your work more efficient and reliable.
Is ChatGPT Deep Research Right for You?
For those involved in intensive knowledge work or who require high-level research capabilities, ChatGPT’s deep research offers a valuable resource. It is particularly useful for tasks that demand careful examination of multiple data sources or complex problem-solving. While there are still limitations, such as occasional errors in formatting and citation, the transparency provided by OpenAI ensures users can verify the accuracy of the AI’s responses.
For anyone seeking precise, well-researched answers, this tool is a step in the right direction—combining the power of AI with the need for reliability and accuracy in research. As the feature becomes more widely available, expect its utility to grow, making it a go-to solution for anyone looking to take their research to the next level.
