Ap Seminar Notebook

APA Citation

A citation style used for academic writing, particularly in the social sciences. It provides a standardized method for referencing sources and formatting papers.

Citation Rules - 2 Authors & 2+ Authors

(Smith and Jones, 2023) Use "and" for citations with two authors.

(Smith et al., 2023) for sources with multiple authors.

Single & Multiple Page

p.#, pp.#

When there is no author,

use the title of the work in place of the authors name. (“Study Finds,” 2023).

When there is no date/year,

(Smith, n.d.)

Transitions

emphasizing connections, bridge between parts of your writing

Transition: Example

For example, thus, for instance, in particular, specifically

Transition: Contrast

However, nonetheless, in spite of, conversely, in contrast

Transition: Addition

In addition, furthermore, moreover, likewise, similarly

Transition: Cause/Result

Accordingly, so, hence, therefore, as a result, for this reason

Rhetorical Verbs

verbs used for line of reasoning. Ex: Introduces, Establishes, Supports, Implies

Note: DO NOT use: uses, employs, utilizes

CERER Format

Claim, 2 evidence, reasoning, 2 evidence, reasoning

Introduction: Value

establishing significance of issue using a relevant source

Introduction: Context

who, what, when, where, etc. and the debate. Specify focus using evidence (Background Knowledge)

Introduction: Perspectives

Introduce conversation between the perspective of stakeholders.

Ex: Stakeholder: Teacher

Perspective: Homework assigned on weekends can improve school performance

Introduction: RQ

directly state the research question

Introduction: Defensible Thesis

original & unique perspective

Thesis Sentence Frame (IRR)

Through (lens) perspective, research reveals that (insight on problem about topic); while (counterpoint), studies suggest that (major finding #1) and (major finding #2), which ultimately highlights (overall implication)

Thesis Sentence Frame (IWA)

Although X, A,B, and C; therefor Y

Universal Theme

an idea or message that resonates across different cultures, time periods, and experiences

Ex: Belief, Freedom, Privacy, Hope

Lens

perspectives in which a topic can be analyzed

Ex: Scientific, Political/Historical, Economical, Ethical, Environmental, Cultural/Social, Artistic/Philosophical

Stakeholder

individuals or groups that have an interest in, or are affected by it

Ex. Teacher, Student, Researcher

Perspective

point of view conveyed through argument

Ex: Homework on weekends is beneficial, Homework on weekends is not beneficial, Homework on weekends improves cognitive function

Components of an Effective RQ

1. Ongoing Debate

2. Engagements with alternate perspectives

3. Requires judgement or evaluation

4. Is researchable

5. Is not multinested

Solution-Based RQ

argument that solves a problem.

Starters: What is the best way to…

How should…

Position-Based RQ

takes a position on a issue

Starters: Should…

Do…

DO NOT use To what extent…

Bandwagon

The idea that popularity equates to value

Hasty Generalization

Making a conclusion based on an assumption or small sample or insufficient data

False Dilemma

Setting up two choices in a way that eliminates a choice, leaving only one choice. (One of the choices is bad so you are forced to choose the other).

Ad Hominem

Name calling or abuse

Slippery Slope

A conclusion that one thing will set off a chain reaction.

Ex: If students are required to wear uniforms, local clothing stores will do less business, leading to store closures and hurting the local economy

Red Herring

Distraction, divert attention to avoid topic

Strawman

Presenting the weakest version of an alternate conclusion/claim, in order to attack it

Ex: Being a vegan, you must hate farmers and want to put them out of business

Moral Equivalence

Drawing false comparison between two unlike phenomena

Ex: Treating lying about age on a dating profile akin to cheating on a spouse.

False Cause

A conclusion based on causation: that if B happened after A, then A caused B.

Ex: A black cat caused bad luck

Appeal to Authority

Using irrelevant, poor, or inaccurate authority to validate a conclusion.

Genetic Fallacy

Claiming something is defective because of its origin or how it was created.