What is the Chain of Questions in Prompt Engineering?

Introduction

Chain of Questions has become a game-changer in prompt engineering. Imagine having a conversation where each question builds on the previous one, leading to deeper and more insightful responses. That’s exactly what this technique does with AI models. By asking interconnected questions, we can unlock detailed and comprehensive answers, making AI more effective at tackling complex problems. Let’s dive into how the Chain of Questions transforms our use of AI systems today.

Overview

• Chain of Questions enhances AI prompt engineering by creating deeper, interlinked responses.
• This technique mimics human inquiry by building questions sequentially for detailed analysis.
• CoQ leverages sequential progression, dependency, and context to guide AI reasoning.
• Implementing CoQ in AI models involves structured prompts and iterative refinement.
• CoQ has wide applications in research, journalism, legal discovery, product development, and strategic planning.
• Future advancements in CoQ may include adaptive questioning, multi-perspective analysis, and interactive systems.

Understanding the Chain of Questions

Chain of Questions is one of the most advanced approaches to rapid engineering. In this technique, queries are arranged sequentially and highly interconnected to trace complicated reasoning by AI models. The technique is designed to help AI systems produce more complex and comprehensive results by replicating how people conduct lengthy inquiries or investigations.

The Concept Behind Chain of Questions

The core idea underpinning CoQ is built on a process of progressive inquiry. In human reasoning, we frequently begin with a broad question and then narrow it down to more specific features based on the early responses. CoQ reproduces this process in AI interactions. 

Here’s how it works:

1. Sequential Progression: Questions are presented logically, with each question building on information gathered from prior responses.
2. Dependency and Context: Each question in the chain depends on and contextualizes the next, resulting in a problem-solving path.
3. Depth and breadth: The technique allows for both vertical research (delving deeper into specific features) and horizontal expansion (covering multiple relevant aspects of a topic).
4. Guided Reasoning: By breaking down big themes or problems into smaller, more digestible questions, CoQ leads the AI through a systematic reasoning process.
5. Iterative Refinement: The chain can be built with questions that refine or challenge prior responses, resulting in a more thorough and accurate analysis.

Implementing Chain of Questions in Prompt Engineering

Let’s use the OpenAI API with a carefully crafted prompt to demonstrate how we can implement a chain of questions in prompt engineering. 

Here’s an example:

Step 1: Install and Import Dependencies

!pip install openai --upgrade

Importing libraries: 

import os
from openai import OpenAI
from IPython.display import display, Markdown
client = OpenAI()  # Make sure to set your API key properly
Setting Api key configuration
os.environ["OPENAI_API_KEY"]= “Your open-API-Key”

Step 2: Creating Our Helper Function We’ll create a function called generate_responses

This generate_responses function calls the API of ChatGPT-3.5 and generates the response.

1. It takes two things as input:
   • A question or statement (called a prompt) that we want the model to respond to.
   • A number that tells it how many answers we want (generally 1)
2. It creates an empty list to store the LLM responses or answers.
3. After getting all the answers, it gives or returns a list of answers.

def generate_responses(prompt, n=1):
   """
   Generate responses from the OpenAI API.
   Args:
   - prompt (str): The prompt to be sent to the API.
   - n (int): The number of responses to generate. Default is 1.
   Returns:
   - List[str]: A list of generated responses.
   """
   responses = []
   for _ in range(n):
       response = client.chat.completions.create(
           messages=[
               {
                   "role": "user",
                   "content": prompt,
               }
           ],
           model="gpt-3.5-turbo",
       )
       responses.append(response.choices[0].message.content.strip())
   return responses

Step 3: Defining a function (generate_coq_prompt) to create a structured prompt for implementing the Chain of Questions

The generate_coq_prompt function:

1. Takes a topic and a list of questions as input
2. Constructs a prompt string using an f-string, which incorporates:
   • The input topic
   • An instruction to use the Chain of Questions technique
   • The list of questions, numbered and joined into a single string
   • Instructions for answering each question
   • A request for synthesis and proposing advanced questions
3. Returns the constructed prompt

def generate_coq_prompt(topic, questions):
   prompt = f"""
Topic: {topic}
Using the Chain of Questions technique, provide an in-depth analysis of {topic} by answering the following questions in order:
{' '.join([f"{i+1}. {question}" for i, question in enumerate(questions)])}
For each question:
1. Provide a comprehensive answer.
2. Explain how your answer relates to or builds upon the previous question(s).
3. Identify any new questions or areas of inquiry that arise from your answer.
After answering all questions, synthesize the information to provide a comprehensive understanding of {topic}.
Finally, propose three advanced questions that could further deepen the analysis of {topic}.
"""
   return prompt

Step 4: Setting up our topic and questions, creating a prompt, and generating responses

Now, we are ready to use our functions. Let’s understand what this code is doing and how we’re calling our helper functions to get the desired output:

1. It defines our main topic (Artificial Intelligence Ethics) and a list of questions to explore this topic.
2. It creates a detailed prompt using our generate_coq_prompt function, which structures the Chain of Questions approach.
3. It calls the generate_responses function with our new prompt, which interacts with the OpenAI API to get solution(s).
4. Finally, the code outputs the LLM response(s). It uses a loop to handle multiple responses if requested. Each response is formatted as a Markdown heading and text for better readability.

topic = "Artificial Intelligence Ethics"
questions = [
   "What are the primary ethical concerns surrounding AI development?",
   "How do these ethical concerns impact AI implementation in various industries?",
   "What current regulations or guidelines exist to address AI ethics?",
   "How effective are these regulations in practice?",
   "What future challenges do we anticipate in AI ethics?"
]
coq_prompt = generate_coq_prompt(topic, questions)
responses = generate_responses(coq_prompt)
for i, response in enumerate(responses, 1):
   display(Markdown(f"### Chain of Questions Analysis {i}:\n{response}"))

Output

In the output, AI systematically handles each question, providing a comprehensive critique of artificial intelligence’s ethics. The response adheres to the requested framework, answering each question, tying the responses to previous ones, highlighting new areas of investigation, synthesizing the information, and suggesting advanced questions for further analysis.

Applications of Chain of Questions

Chain of Questions has wide-ranging applications across multiple fields:

1. Academic Research: Researchers can use CoQ to explore complex topics, systematically building their understanding through a series of questions.
2. Investigative Journalism: Journalists can employ CoQ to dig deeper into stories, uncovering new angles and connections.
3. Legal Discovery: Lawyers can apply CoQ in depositions or document reviews, systematically uncovering relevant information.
4. Product Development: Designers and engineers can use CoQ to explore user needs and potential product features thoroughly.
5. Strategic Planning: Business strategists can employ CoQ to analyze market conditions and develop comprehensive strategies.

Example: Environmental Policy Analysis

Let’s look at a more complex example in environmental policy analysis.

Defining a function (environmental_policy_coq) to create a structured prompt for environmental policy analysis

The environmental_policy_coq function:

• Takes a policy topic and a list of questions as input
• Constructs a prompt string using f-strings, which include:
  • The input policy topic
  • An instruction to use the Chain of Questions technique
  • The list of questions, numbered and joined into a single string
  • Detailed instructions for answering each question
  • Instructions for synthesizing information, discussing narratives, proposing recommendations, and suggesting future questions
• Returns the constructed prompt

def environmental_policy_coq(policy, questions):
   prompt = f"""
Environmental Policy: {policy}
Using the Chain of Questions technique, conduct a thorough analysis of the {policy} by addressing the following questions in order:
{' '.join([f"{i+1}. {question}" for i, question in enumerate(questions)])}

For each question:

1. Provide a detailed answer based on current research and data.
2. Explain how your answer relates to or builds upon the previous question(s).
3. Discuss any controversies or debates surrounding this aspect of the policy.
4. Identify potential gaps in current knowledge or areas needing further research.

After addressing all questions:

1. Synthesize the information to evaluate the {policy} comprehensively.
2. Discuss how this chain of questions challenges or supports common narratives about the policy.
3. Propose three policy recommendations based on your analysis.
4. Suggest three advanced questions for future policy analysis in this area.

"""
   return prompt
policy = "Carbon Pricing Mechanisms"
questions = [
   "What are the main types of carbon pricing mechanisms currently in use?",
   "How effective have these mechanisms been in reducing greenhouse gas emissions?",
   "What economic impacts have been observed from implementing carbon pricing?",
   "How do different stakeholders (industry, consumers, government) respond to carbon pricing?",
   "What are the key challenges in implementing and maintaining effective carbon pricing policies?",
   "How do carbon pricing mechanisms interact with other climate policies?"
]
policy_prompt = environmental_policy_coq(policy, questions)
policy_responses = generate_responses(policy_prompt)
for i, response in enumerate(policy_responses, 1):
   display(Markdown(f"### Environmental Policy Analysis using Chain of Questions {i}:\n{response}"))

So First, Let’s understand what this code is doing and how we’re calling our helper functions to get the desired output:

1. It defines our main policy topic (carbon pricing mechanisms) and a list of questions to explore this policy.
2. It creates a detailed prompt using our environmental_policy_coq function, which structures the Chain of Questions approach for environmental policy analysis.
3. It calls the generate_responses function with our new prompt, which interacts with the OpenAI API to get analysis result(s).
4. Finally, the code outputs the LLM response(s). It uses a loop to handle multiple responses if requested. Each response is formatted as a Markdown heading and text for better readability.

This implementation demonstrates how a Chain of Questions can be applied to complex policy analysis, providing a structured approach to examining various aspects of environmental policies.

Output

So, the output is a detailed analysis of carbon pricing mechanisms utilizing the Chain of Questions technique. It carefully tackles the input’s six topics, including carbon pricing types, efficacy, economic impacts, stakeholder responses, implementation challenges, and connections with other climate policies. The study provides extensive answers, links each response to previous questions, examines disagreements, and identifies opportunities for future research. It closes with a summary, policy recommendations, and advanced questions for future investigation, all organized around the prompt in the input code.

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Benefits of Chain of Questions in Prompt Engineering

Here are the benefits of a chain of questions in prompt engineering:

1. Depth of Analysis: CoQ thoroughly explores topics, delving deeper with each query.
2. Structured Thinking: The sequential pattern of CoQ encourages logical and structured mental processes.
3. Uncovering Hidden Facets: By building on prior responses, CoQ can discover unexpected connections or neglected facets of a subject.
4. Improved Problem Solving: Dividing difficult problems into a series of questions can lead to more effective problem-solving strategies.
5. Improved Learning: Responding to interconnected questions will help you grasp and retain more knowledge.

Challenges and Considerations

While the Chain of Questions has numerous advantages, it’s vital to examine the potential challenges:

1. Question Selection Bias: The selection and ordering of questions can substantially impact the direction and outcome of the analysis.
2. Cognitive Load: Managing a lengthy list of queries can be psychologically stressful for both AI and human users.
3. Time Constraints: Responding to a long chain of queries can be time-consuming.
4. Tunnel Vision: Focusing too narrowly on a preset set of questions may result in missing vital features outside the chain.

The Future of Chain of Questions in Prompt Engineering

As AI continues to evolve, we can expect to see more sophisticated applications of Chain of Questions:

1. Adaptive Questioning: AI systems that can produce and adapt questions based on prior responses.
2. Multi-perspective CoQ: Including several perspectives by producing questions from various angles.
3. Interactive CoQ: Systems that allow users to create and amend question chains collaboratively in real time.
4. Cross-domain CoQ: A series of questions that cross various disciplines, allowing for complete interdisciplinary study.
5. Meta-cognitive CoQ: AI systems that can evaluate and improve their own questioning methods.

Conclusion

Chain of Questions is a powerful tool in the prompt engineer’s toolkit. By guiding AI models through interconnected questions, it enables more comprehensive, nuanced, and insightful analyses of complex topics. As we refine these techniques, we’re not just improving AI’s analytical capabilities – we’re paving the way for more sophisticated and context-aware AI interactions that can truly augment human inquiry and decision-making processes.

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Sahitya Arya 01 Aug, 2024

I'm Sahitya Arya, a seasoned Deep Learning Engineer with one year of hands-on experience in both Deep Learning and Machine Learning. Throughout my career, I've authored more than three research papers and have gained a profound understanding of Deep Learning techniques. Additionally, I possess expertise in Large Language Models (LLMs), contributing to my comprehensive skill set in cutting-edge technologies for artificial intelligence.