The Research Logic Model Process: A Pragmatic Approach to Planning a Research Trajectory

Early-career health researchers who choose to pursue an academic position are expected to develop and implement a sustained, translational research program that contributes knowledge to their disciplines. Planning this research trajectory can seem daunting for new researchers, who may have had limited training in how to approach this challenge. This article introduces a pragmatic and structured approach to creating a feasible research agenda to achieve long-term research goals: the Research Logic Model (RLM). Based on the traditional logic model, the RLM process comprises six key steps: (1) formulating a long-term goal that defines the desired impact of the research; (2) identifying key studies to achieve this goal; (3) determining the preliminary studies required to gather foundational data for key studies; (4) identifying and securing necessary resources; (5) planning for knowledge translation and dissemination; (6) assembling the RLM. By working backward from desired outcomes, the RLM ensures that each research activity is strategically aligned with overarching goals. Early-career health researchers can use the RLM to plan and prioritize research activities, manage resources effectively, and maintain focus on achieving meaningful contributions to their field.