When using Discourse Analyzer, prompt mistakes can lead to weak or confusing results. Here are typical errors and how to fix them:
1. Vague or Broad Prompts #
- Mistake:
Entering prompts like “Analyze this” or “Tell me about this text.” - Result:
The AI doesn’t know what you want, so answers are generic or incomplete. - How to avoid:
Be clear and specific. Example: “Summarize the main themes in this interview,” or “Identify the argument structure in this paragraph.”
2. Overly Long or Complex Prompts #
- Mistake:
Writing prompts that contain several unrelated questions at once. - Result:
The AI may focus on the wrong part, split attention, or skip details. - How to avoid:
Break your requests into separate prompts. Tackle one issue or task at a time.
3. Missing Context #
- Mistake:
Asking a question without giving enough information about the source or what you want. - Result:
The AI makes assumptions and may miss key details. - How to avoid:
Include relevant details in your prompt: What’s the text about? What aspect should be analyzed?
4. Yes/No Prompts for Deep Analysis #
- Mistake:
Asking only yes/no or single-word answer questions. - Result:
You get shallow responses instead of meaningful analysis. - How to avoid:
Ask for explanations or reasoning. Example: “Does the author show bias in this excerpt? Explain your answer.”
5. Unrelated or Off-Topic Prompts #
- Mistake:
Requesting topics outside of discourse analysis or linguistics. - Result:
Discourse Analyzer is designed for discourse and language tasks, so answers are limited or not provided. - How to avoid:
Stick to analysis, structure, argumentation, themes, or context.
6. Ignoring Tool Mode #
- Mistake:
Using Free Mode for tasks that have a dedicated tool (like theme analysis or structure). - Result:
The analysis may not be as deep or relevant. - How to avoid:
Use Tool Mode for specialized tasks, and refine your prompt to guide the tool’s focus.
7. Forgetting About Credits and Tokens #
- Mistake:
Using very long, unfocused prompts or uploading large sources without considering your credit balance. - Result:
Credits run out quickly, and you may not get the depth of answer you want. - How to avoid:
Be concise and focused. Use your credits for targeted, valuable analysis.
Quick Tips to Improve Prompt Quality #
- State exactly what you want analyzed.
- Break big questions into smaller, clear ones.
- Give enough context for the AI to understand your goal.
- Use the right tool for your analysis.
- Review your prompt before sending—does it say what you mean?
Improving your prompts helps you get better results, saves credits, and makes your research with Discourse Analyzer faster and more reliable.
