Keep a record of why your view changed.

Research notes are most useful when they explain the thinking, not just the conclusion. A chart saved without context becomes difficult to interpret later. A short note with an observation, a hypothesis and a counterargument gives you a way to revisit the reasoning.

Separate observation from interpretation

Write down what the source actually shows before describing what you think it means. For the demonstration ELYS signal, “activity is above its recent baseline” is an observation. “It may relate to the upcoming update” is an interpretation. Keeping them separate makes both easier to challenge.

Leave room for another explanation

Add a field called “What would change my mind?” A useful entry identifies a check you can perform, such as reviewing the underlying record or comparing another event window. It does not need to settle the question immediately.

Preserve the handoff

If a colleague will pick up the work, add the source, timestamp, next question and owner. Share the note rather than only the screenshot. When new information arrives, append a dated update so the change in your view remains visible.

A simple template: observation; source; working hypothesis; alternative explanation; next check. Keep each field short enough that you will actually maintain it.