Research and sources
End a research note with useful open questions
Close the note with the unknowns that matter to its stated purpose. For each, explain which decision it affects, what evidence could answer it and where to begin looking. Separate questions already answered in the note from those that need more work, and assign priorities for the next reader.
A text to start with
Here is my research note: [text]. The decision it supports is [decision]. List the remaining unknowns. For each, state why it matters to that decision, what evidence would settle it and the most likely source. Mark any question the note already answers and any that does not affect the decision, so I can remove them.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Open questions worksheet
Decision this note supports: [ ] Date of note: [ ] Unknown: [ ] Why it matters to the decision: [ ] Evidence that would settle it: [ ] Likely source: [ ] Priority and owner: [ ] Question already answered in the note: [ ] Question unrelated to the decision: [ ] Questions removed and why: [ ]
Prune the list
Compare each question with the note before adding it to the list. If the answer is already there, link to it or clarify the wording that hid it. Explain how each remaining question bears on the decision, keeping broader learning topics in a separate list. Replace vague topics with questions someone could investigate. Name a likely source only where there is a reason to expect useful evidence, and mark that suggestion as unconfirmed until checked.
Ask another agent to check the result
Review my open questions against the note and the decision. Remove any question the note already answers and any that would not change the decision. Flag questions too broad to investigate, and say which remaining ones matter most.
Hand the questions on
Order the remaining questions by how much they affect the decision. Give each an owner or a next step if you can, and note which can wait. Put the list at the end of the note with the date, so a later reader knows how current it is.