Chain-of-Thought Prompting
Technique where model generates intermediate reasoning steps. Improves accuracy on multi-step tasks: math, logic, complex classification.
Zero-Shot CoT
Add: "Think step by step." No examples needed.
Few-Shot CoT
Provide 2–3 examples showing reasoning steps.
Structured CoT
Template: UNDERSTANDING → PLAN → EXECUTION → VERIFICATION → ANSWER
For: credit scoring, risk assessment, decisions.
When Useful
Improves: complex math, logic, complex criteria, diagnosis.
Unnecessary: simple factual (slower), creative (limits variation), streaming (user sees thinking).
Timeline
- Zero-shot: 0.5–1 day
- Few-shot: 1–2 days
- Structured: 3–5 days