We want to be more effective in serving others and believe research should facilitate this process. These and variations of these questions is a way to start. I think it is important to keep a research journal. In the research that I have done, I typically start with a new notebook and keep general notes about each step of the process. If this does become the case you will likely find the research journal invaluable.
Some researchers keep research diaries or journals on tape or on their computers.
The later is especially helpful if you have a laptop that you can take out into the field with you. You can organize your research notes into any format since they are exclusively for you own benefit. Research diaries and notes are especially relevant to qualitative, ethnographic kinds of field based endeavors but are also very helpful even for more traditional library or laboratory based research projects. Ultimately, you want to make a judgment based on good evidence. For Action Researchers, the judgment should ideally lead to changed or new practice.