Editing Openai/691c70cf-cc44-8003-b152-d1fc305f6b3c (section)

=== 🚀 TOPIC-BASED TAKEAWAYS, SUMMARIES & FACT EXTRACTIONS ===

==== 1. Core Change: Instruction-Following ====

===== Summary =====

ChatGPT 5.1’s major improvement is that it truly follows instructions with precision. This is the first version that treats prompts as detailed specifications rather than suggestions.

===== Extracted Facts =====
* Previous versions ignored or drifted from instructions.
* Version 5.1 follows detailed, rule-heavy prompts accurately.
* Critical for genealogy where precision matters (transcriptions, analysis, voice consistency in writing).
* Reduces guesswork and inconsistency.

==== 2. Model Behavior & Modes ====

===== Summary =====

ChatGPT 5.1 has two modes—Instant and Thinking—each suited to different genealogy tasks.

===== Extracted Facts =====
* Instant Mode: Use for most genealogy tasks (transcription, story drafts, quick questions).
* Thinking Mode: Use for complex reasoning (conflicting censuses, unreliable timelines, impossible relationships).
* Thinking mode shows its reasoning and takes longer.
* Only available on paid plans.

==== 3. Settings You Must Change ====

===== Summary =====

To benefit from the new update, users must modify two settings.

===== Extracted Facts =====
* Must manually switch to ChatGPT 5.1.
* Must delete previous custom instructions (temporarily).
* Recommendation: test the model “clean” for 10 hours.

==== 4. How to Rewrite Prompts for 5.1 ====

===== Summary =====

Short vague prompts no longer suffice—you should write prompts as technical specifications.

===== Extracted Facts (Example Types) =====
* Transcription Prompts: Must specify how to treat unreadable words, uncertainty markers, preservation of spelling.
* Research Analysis Prompts: Should specify table structure, fields, inconsistencies, and evaluation criteria.
* Family Story Writing Prompts: Must define tone, voice, avoidance rules, structure, and formatting.

==== 5. Teaching ChatGPT Skills ====

===== Summary =====

5.1 can learn reusable skills when given explicit style guides or rules.

===== Extracted Facts =====
* Create writing style guides: citation format, date format, place format, name format, uncertainty markers.
* You can reference these guides later to apply consistent standards.
* ChatGPT 5.1 reliably remembers and applies these instructions within a session.

==== 6. Using ChatGPT to Learn & Analyze (Teaching Mode + Critical Thinking) ====

===== Summary =====

5.1 supports two special prompting strategies: teaching mode and critical analysis.

===== Extracted Facts =====
* Using the word “Teach” activates educator mode (chunked explanations, leveled teaching).
* You can ask it to evaluate the reliability of sources (e.g., conflicting birth dates).
* It explains record reliability and suggests next research steps.

==== 7. Best Practices Checklist ====

===== Summary =====

A practical checklist is provided to help users adopt 5.1 effectively.

===== Extracted Facts =====
* Write prompts as specifications.
* Create reusable style guides.
* Ask for teaching mode.
* Request critical thinking mode.
* Always verify against original documents.
* AI helps analyze; it does not replace genealogical judgment.

==== 8. The Human Genealogist Still Leads ====

===== Summary =====

Even with improved accuracy, humans retain responsibility for verification.

===== Extracted Facts =====
* Must verify transcriptions.
* Must review analysis logic.
* Must validate citations and source support.
* AI does not conduct actual research or assess real evidence quality.

==== 9. Suggested First Step for Beginners ====

===== Summary =====

Start by mastering transcription prompts; they show improvements fastest.

===== Extracted Facts =====
* Create one detailed transcription prompt.
* Test across five documents.
* Refine before moving to more complex tasks.