Research session
For a short session in any research project.
What I tried
Describe the action or question you worked on.
What I noticed
Separate what happened from what you think it means. Add a source or file reference if useful.
Where I stopped
Name the unfinished part or uncertainty.
One next action
Leave a small action you can begin next time.
Reading session
For reading and synthesis alongside your existing reference manager.
Source and location
Record the reference and page or section needed to find the point again.
The source’s claim
Write what the source actually says, in your own words. Mark any quotation clearly.
My interpretation
Explain what you think it contributes and what remains uncertain.
Next check
Name one claim, source or comparison to revisit.
Analysis decision
For a computational or quantitative research session.
Question and inputs
Record the question, input reference and code or method version. Do not put confidential data in a public example.
Change I made
Describe the parameter, method or code change.
Result and limit
Keep the observed result separate from interpretation and uncertainty.
Next comparison
Leave one check or comparison to run next time.
Make the next step small
A five-minute research-session handoff: a practical guide with reading and analysis examples.
“Continue reading” leaves a choice to make. “Compare the first two sources’ definitions” gives you somewhere to start. This is a practical prompt to try, not a measured productivity claim.
Use these prompts in your own notes. If they help someone else, you can share this page. There is no signup, email gate or referral reward.
Research Logbook is a free Windows notebook being prepared for release. The temporary browser trial reuses its writing editor; the illustrated sample shows the Windows app. Windows installation access remains pending.
Tell us what is missing
What would stop this fitting your next research session? Reply where you found it, or use the existing feedback form. Email is optional. Please use made-up examples and keep confidential research out of replies.