TPEE Toptronic® Prompt Engineering Editor

67. Troubleshooting AI Responses

Diagnose common problems with AI outputs and fix them systematically.

By Jacques Botte, founder of Toptronic®. Last updated 12 September 2026.

The lesson

Problem: Output is too generic or vague. Cause: Instructions not specific enough. Fix: Add concrete requirements, examples, or constraints.

Problem: AI keeps making assumptions instead of using your data. Cause: Context not prominent enough. Fix: Put critical information in the Data section and explicitly say 'Use only the provided data'.

Problem: Wrong output format. Cause: Format section missing or ambiguous. Fix: Specify exact format with examples: 'Output as JSON with fields: name, age, score'.

Problem: AI includes information you know is wrong. Cause: Model may be hallucinating or using outdated training data. Fix: Use the Data section to ground responses in verified facts.

Problem: Response is too long or too short. Cause: Missing length constraints. Fix: Specify word count, bullet points count, or 'be concise' / 'be comprehensive'.

Problem: Code does not compile or has errors. Cause: Missing technical constraints or context. Fix: Include error messages, environment details, and explicitly ask for compile-tested code.

Check yourself

Question 1: Why might AI output be too generic?
  1. The AI is broken
  2. Instructions were not specific enough — correct
  3. The computer is slow
  4. It is Tuesday

Answer: Instructions were not specific enough

Generic output usually means vague instructions. Add concrete requirements, examples, and constraints to get targeted responses.

Question 2: What causes AI to make assumptions instead of using your data?
  1. The AI is stubborn
  2. Context not prominent enough; critical info should be in the Data section — correct
  3. Too much RAM
  4. Good weather

Answer: Context not prominent enough; critical info should be in the Data section

When critical information is buried or unclear, the AI relies on its training data. Put key facts in the Data section and explicitly reference them.

Question 3: How do you fix wrong output format?
  1. Buy a new monitor
  2. Specify exact format in the Format section with examples — correct
  3. Shout at the screen
  4. Delete the AI

Answer: Specify exact format in the Format section with examples

Use the Format section to explicitly state the required output structure: 'Output as JSON with fields...' or 'Format as a table with columns...'

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