Perplexity for Research
A one-day hands-on programme for teams using Perplexity for market research, competitor scans, and due diligence prep, or considering it as an alternative to open web search. Perplexity's distinguishing feature is that every answer carries cited sources, which changes both how useful it is and how it should be checked: a citation is a starting point for verification, not proof the claim is correct.
The day works through real research tasks: setting up a Space with persistent instructions and files for an ongoing research project, running a Pro Search multi-step question, and comparing Focus modes for different kinds of question. A deliberate module on verifying and spot-checking citations runs throughout the day rather than as an afterthought, since the biggest risk with any cited-answer tool is trusting the citation instead of opening it.
HRD Corp SBL-Khas Claimable
Programme Agenda
9:00 AM - 9:15 AM
Welcome and Programme Overview
Introduction to the session, objectives, and housekeeping.
9:15 AM - 10:15 AM
How Perplexity Differs From a Chatbot
The answer engine model, cited sources attached to claims, and how this differs from asking a general-purpose chatbot a question.
10:15 AM - 10:30 AM
Break
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Focus Modes and When to Use Each
Academic, writing and other Focus modes, matching the mode to the kind of question, and what changes in the sources each mode searches.
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Spaces for an Ongoing Research Project
Setting up a Space with persistent instructions and uploaded files, and organising a market scan or due diligence project across several sessions.
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM
Lunch
1:30 PM - 2:15 PM
Pro Search for Multi-Step Questions
Breaking a complex research question into the sub-questions Pro Search chains through, and reading the step-by-step trail it leaves.
2:15 PM - 3:15 PM
Verifying and Spot-Checking Citations
Opening the actual source, checking it says what the summary claims, recognising thin or recycled sources, and the specific risk of a confidently wrong synthesis built on real but misread sources.
3:15 PM - 3:30 PM
Break
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM
Using It for Market, Competitor and Due Diligence Research
Structuring a competitor scan, a literature review or a company background check, and knowing where paywalled or very recent information will leave gaps the tool cannot fill.
4:15 PM - 4:45 PM
Applied Practice
Participants run a real research question relevant to their own work through Pro Search, then verify three of its citations against the original source.
4:45 PM - 5:00 PM
Wrap-Up and Q&A
Key takeaways, next steps, and close.
Key Outcomes
- Explain how Perplexity's cited-answer model differs from a general chatbot
- Choose the right Focus mode for a given research question
- Set up a Space to run an ongoing research project across sessions
- Use Pro Search for multi-step research questions and read its reasoning trail
- Verify and spot-check citations before relying on a synthesised answer
- Structure a market, competitor or due diligence research task using the tool
Training Mode Physical / Online / Hybrid / e-learning
HRD Corp SBL-Khas Claimable
Level Foundation to intermediate, suitable for research, market intelligence, business development, strategy and due diligence teams
Duration 1 Day (8 Hours) | 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Venue In-house at the client's premises, or delivered via the client's preferred platform (Microsoft Teams, Zoom, or equivalent)
Assessment 10 to 15 question knowledge assessment covering all modules
Certificate Certificate of Completion issued to all participants upon full attendance