AP Seminar - Big Idea 1: Question and Explore

Everything you need to know for Big Idea 1: Question and Explore

Inquiry

The act of asking questions to seek information or understanding.

Research Question

A question that guides the research process; it should be clear, focused, and researchable.

Context

The circumstances or background that helps to understand an issue or topic.

Perspective

A point of view or way of looking at a situation.

Stakeholders

Individuals, groups, or organizations that have an interest or investment in a topic or issue.

Primary Source

An original document or other material that has not been altered or interpreted by another person.

Secondary Source

A document or recording that relates or discusses information originally presented elsewhere.

Credibility

The quality of being trusted and believed in; the reliability of a source.

Bias

A particular preference or point of view that is personal, rather than scientific or factual.

Claim

A statement that asserts something to be true.

Evidence

The available body of facts or information indicating whether a belief or proposition is true or valid.

Analysis

A detailed examination of the elements or structure of something.

Synthesis

The combination of ideas to form a theory or system.

Argument

A reason or set of reasons given with the aim of persuading others that an action or idea is right or wrong.

Counterargument

An argument or set of reasons put forward to oppose an idea or theory developed in another argument.

Validity

The quality of being logically or factually sound; soundness or cogency.

Scope

The extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with or to which it is relevant.

Limitation

A restriction; a condition of limited capability.

Implications

The possible results or effects of an action or a decision.

Contextualization

The act of placing something within its context to see how it relates to the surrounding environment or time.

Exploration

The investigation of unfamiliar subjects or areas.

Interdisciplinary

Involving two or more academic, scientific, or artistic areas of knowledge.

Thesis

A statement or theory that is put forward as a premise to be maintained or proved.

Abstract Concepts

Ideas that do not have a physical presence and cannot be touched but are understood intellectually.

Feasibility

The state or degree to which something can be easily or conveniently done.

Cultural Context

The societal, religious, political, and historical circumstances that influence the environment in which a text or event occurs.

Historical Context

The background provided by the time period or historical setting in which an event takes place or a document was created.

Economic Context

The economic environment surrounding a topic or event, including factors such as market structures, economic policies, and the distribution of wealth.

Political Context

The political environment and events that influence the issues, ideas, institutions, and individuals in a specific setting.

Social Context

The environment of people, relationships, and norms that surround and influence a particular issue or event.

Geographical Context

The physical setting or location of an event or idea, which includes natural landscapes, climate, and geographical features.

Ethical Context

The set of moral principles and values that surround and influence a topic or situation.

Rhetorical Context

The circumstances that prompt the creation of a text, including the audience, purpose, and medium.

Technological Context

The impact of technology on the setting and how it influences the topic or event being studied.

Environmental Context

The ecological and environmental factors that impact and are related to the topic or event.

Audience

The group of people for whom a message is intended or who are likely to be influenced by it.

Purpose

The reason behind a text’s creation, which could be to inform, persuade, entertain, or a combination of these.