Research Frameworks and Vendors with Perplexity

1. Go to perplexity.ai in your browser.
2. Look for the search box in the middle of the page.

What you should see: A single question box, possibly with options for the kind of search or the sources to use. Troubleshooting: If you are asked to sign in, follow the prompts. You can look for a sign-in or sign-up link near the top or bottom of the page.

A narrow question gets a checkable answer. Include the vendor or framework name and the one thing you want to know.

1. Name the subject ("Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation").
2. Name the aspect ("how each level is typically measured").
3. Ask for the vendor's own documentation or independent write-ups.

What you should see: A question that can be answered in a few sentences. Troubleshooting: If the first answer is generic, add the context: your industry, the size of your organization or the exact feature name from the vendor's sales material.

1. Read the answer.
2. Look for the list of sources or the numbered references, usually shown next to or below the answer.
3. Open at least two of them in new tabs.

What you should see: Links to web pages, each one tied to a claim in the answer. Troubleshooting: If a link does not open or the page does not say what the answer says, treat that claim as unverified.

Decide what kind of source each one is.

1. A vendor's own page tells you what the vendor claims.
2. An independent review or analyst write-up tells you how it works in practice.
3. A forum post or blog is a lead, not evidence.

What you should see: A short list of sources with a label next to each. Troubleshooting: If every source is the vendor's own marketing, say so in your notes. A business case built only on vendor claims is weaker than one with a second view.

Follow-up questions keep the conversation on the same topic. Ask for the opposing view ("What are the common criticisms of this approach?") so you do not collect only the flattering ones.