Good research notes make it possible to return to a question without reconstructing the whole investigation. This sample offers a starting structure for your own documents.
Start with a question
Write down what you want to understand. Keep the question specific enough that new evidence could change your answer.
Keep evidence close
Separate observations from interpretation. Record where a claim came from, when you accessed it, and what limitations apply. Link to an original source whenever possible.
Question → Evidence → Interpretation → Next questionLeave a useful next step
Finish with the unresolved question or the next document to read. A note can be useful before it is complete.
References
This is a writing template, not a research finding. Replace these sections with your own evidence and sources.