# NotebookLM prompt: research evidence matrix

Source: https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/research-evidence-matrix-prompt  
Section: Prompts  
Last verified: November 2026  
Plan: Free

Use it to compare many studies on the same dimensions in one table. Paste the prompt below into the NotebookLM (Gemini Notebook) chat and replace the parts in square brackets. It tells NotebookLM to answer only from your sources, cite them and flag what they do not cover.

## Quick facts

| Item | Detail |
| --- | --- |
| Works in | NotebookLM / Gemini Notebook chat, and the customise box of Studio items |
| Sources needed | Empirical papers with methods and results sections. |
| Cost | Free to copy. Saving it in the extension is free for up to 10 plain prompts. |

## The prompt

```text
Build an evidence matrix as a table with one row per source and these columns:
Source | Research question | Design and method | Sample or data | Main finding | Stated limitations | Relevance to [MY QUESTION]
Keep each cell under 30 words. Write "not reported" where a source does not state something. Do not infer sample sizes or effect sizes.

Use only the sources in this notebook. Cite the source for every claim. If the sources do not cover something, say "not covered in the sources" instead of filling the gap.
```

## How to use it

1. Open the notebook and tick only the sources this question is about.
2. Paste the prompt into the chat and replace every part in [SQUARE BRACKETS].
3. Open two or three citations in the answer to confirm they say what the answer claims.
4. Save the answer as a note, then keep it: [Export the table to Excel](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/data-tables-to-excel).

## Adapt it

- Add columns your field needs, such as country, year of data or measurement instrument.
- Generate it as a Studio data table to export it directly.

> NotebookLM can misread or over-generalise a source. A prompt reduces that; it does not remove it. Check cited passages before you rely on an answer.

## Frequently asked questions

### What should be in the notebook before I use the research evidence matrix prompt?

Empirical papers with methods and results sections.

### Why does the prompt ask NotebookLM to say what is not covered?

Because a grounded tool is most useful when it shows the edges of your sources. An explicit instruction to flag gaps reduces confident answers that the sources do not support.

### Does this prompt work in Gemini Notebook?

Yes. Gemini Notebook is the new name of NotebookLM since July 16, 2026. The chat works the same way: it answers from the sources you select.

## Related guides

- [Export NotebookLM data tables to Excel](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/export/data-tables-to-excel)
- [NotebookLM prompt: find research gaps in your sources](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/research-gap-finder-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: audit a claim against the evidence](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/claim-and-evidence-audit-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: compare methods across papers](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/compare-methods-across-papers-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: map consensus and debate](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/consensus-vs-debate-map-prompt)
- [NotebookLM prompt: check bias and limitations](https://nlmexporter.com/guides/prompts/bias-and-limitations-check-prompt)