1.4 — Adapting Strategy to Task Type
CCAO-F Domain 1 · Task 1.4
What You Need to Know
Four task types, each with a different briefing shape:
| Type | Briefing shape |
|---|---|
| Analysis | Material + questions (attach the real data; name the questions and the decision the findings will inform; ask for findings, evidence, caveats) |
| Research | A scoped question, not a topic (scope, angle, what findings must inform). Use Research for multi-source thorough gathering; web search for one or two lookups |
| Drafting | Full five-component brief + exemplar + iteration; stage long work |
| Brainstorming | Wide then narrow — ask for quantity and range first; withhold criteria until the convergence step |
The Diagnostic Habit
Name the type, then pick the shape. Most exam items hide the error in a plausible plan that applies the right briefing to the wrong task type.
Exam Traps
- Asking for an analysis without naming the questions it must answer
- Opening a brainstorm with tight constraints and a fixed number of acceptable directions
- Briefing research as a topic rather than a scoped question
Check your understanding
Practice Scenario
A university department administrator has four tasks: find out why tutorial attendance dropped; learn how three other universities run applicant open days; write the new-term welcome letter; and generate ideas for raising open-day attendance. Which working plan matches the strategy to each task?
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Sources
- Prompting best practices, Claude Platform Docs
- When should I use web search, extended thinking, and research?, Claude Help Center
- Use research on Claude, Claude Help Center
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