AP Seminar Vocabulary

Inquiry

A process for seeking truth, information, or knowledge through a study, research investigation, or artistic endeavor/ work

Context

The intent, audience, purpose, bias, situatedness, and/or background of a source of reference

Lens

Filter through which an issue or topic is considered or exaimned

Bias

A personal opinion, belief, or value that may influence one’s judgment, perspective, or claim

Thesis

A claim or position on an issue or topic put forward and supported by evidence

Argument

A claim or thesis that conveys a perspective developed through a line of reasoning and supported by evidence

Evidence

information used as proof to support a claim

Crediblity

The degree to which a source is believable and trustworthy

Plagiarism

Failure to acknowledge, atrribute, and/or cite any ideas or evidence taken from another source

Commentary

Discussion and analysis of evidence in relation to the claim which may identify patterns, describe trends, or explain relationships.

Line of Reasoning

Arrangement of claims and evidence that leads to a conclusion

Concluison

Understanding resulting from analysis of evidence

Rebuttal

Contradicting an opposing eperspecitvy by providing alternate, more convincing evidence

Counterargument

An opposing perspective, idea, or theory supported by evidence

Solution

A means of answering a question or addressing a problem or issue

Limitation

A boundary or point at which an argument or generalization is no longer valid

Implication

A possible future effect or result

Issue

Imoprtant problem for debate or discussion

Refutation

Disproving an opposing perspective by providing counterclaims or counter evidence

Resolution

The act of solving a problem or dispute