# Research Decision Log Template

Save to: `RESEARCH/[topic]/context/decision_log.md`

Use this log for decisions with downstream academic consequences. Do not use it as a generic activity journal.

| Decision ID | Stage | Status | Decision | Rationale | Alternatives Rejected | Evidence Basis | Revisit Trigger | Downstream Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DEC-001 | A | locked | Narrow the project to ... | Broad framing made the RQ unanswerable with available evidence | Alternative broad framing around ... | `framing/research_question.md`; `gap_analysis.md` | New corpus shows the broader framing is feasible | Changes search strategy and contribution statement |
| DEC-002 | B | revisit-after-E | Treat construct X using definition Y | This definition best matches the dominant literature stream and measurement availability | Definitions Z and W were less stable / not operationalizable | `literature/literature_map.md`; `notes/...` | Synthesis reveals the rival definition explains more evidence | Affects design variables and interpretation language |

Recommended status values:

- `locked`
- `tentative`
- `revisit-after-B`
- `revisit-after-E`
- `blocked`
