AP Research Glossary (copy)

Argument

Argument

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

Author

One who creates a work that conveys a perspective and can be examined.

Bias

A personal opinion, belief, or value that may influence one's judgment or perspective.

Claim

A statement made about an issue that asserts a perspective.

Coding

A method for reducing data sets into categories or numbers for analysis.

Commentary

Discussion and analysis of evidence in relation to the claim that may identify patterns or explain relationships.

Complex Issue

An issue involving many facets or perspectives that must be understood to address it.

Concession

Acknowledgment and acceptance of an opposing or different view.

Conclusion

Understanding resulting from analysis of evidence.

Context

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

Counterargument

An opposing perspective supported by evidence.

Credibility

The degree to which a source is believable and trustworthy.

Cross-Curricular

Goes beyond the traditional boundary of a single content area or discipline.

Conventions

The stylistic features of writing

Coding

A method for reducing data sets into categories or numbers for the purpose of analyzing emerging themes patterns or trends

Deductive

A type of reasoning that constructs general propositions supported with evidence.

Evidence

Information used as proof to support a claim or thesis.

Fallacy

Evidence or reasoning that is false or in error.

Feasible

Able to be accomplished within the available time and resources.

Implication

A possible future effect or result.

Inductive

A type of reasoning that presents cases leading to a logical conclusion.

Inquiry

A process for seeking truth or knowledge through research or artistic endeavor.

Interdisciplinary

Involving two or more areas of knowledge.

Lens

A filter through which an issue or topic is considered.

Limitation

A boundary at which an argument or generalization is no longer valid.

Line of Reasoning

Arrangement of claims and evidence that leads to a conclusion.

Literature

Foundational and current texts of a field or discipline of study.

Material Culture

Physical objects and resources that define a culture.

Perspective

A point of view conveyed through an argument.

Plagiarism

Failure to acknowledge or cite ideas taken from another source.

Point of View

A position or standpoint on a topic or issue.

Primary Research

Planning and implementation of an inquiry to gather firsthand data.

Primary Source

An original source of information about a topic.

Qualification

A condition or exception.

Qualitative

Having to do with text, narrative, or descriptions.

Quantitative

Having to do with numbers, amounts, or quantities.

Rebuttal

Contradicting an opposing perspective with alternate evidence.

Refutation

Disproving an opposing perspective with counterclaims or counterevidence.

Reliability

The extent to which something can be trusted to be accurate.

Resolution

The act of solving a problem or dispute.

Secondary Research

Gathering data from previously published sources.

Secondary Source

A commentary about one or more primary sources providing additional insight.

Solution

A means of answering a question or addressing a problem.

Text

Something composed that conveys a perspective and can be examined.

Thesis

A claim or position on an issue supported by evidence.

Tone

The way an author expresses an attitude about a topic through rhetorical choices.

Triangulation

Implementing more than one research method to strengthen understanding and validity.

Validity (Argument)

The extent to which an argument or claim is logical.

Validity (Research)

The extent to which conclusions accurately address the variables measured.

Vocal Variety

Changing vocal characteristics to emphasize ideas or convey emotion.

Alignment

Cohesion between the focus of an inquiry, the method of collecting information, the process of analysis of the information, and the conclusions made to increase understanding of that focus

Workshopping

Presenting scholarly works to peers for feedback to inform or guide revisions

Assumption

A belief regarded as true and often unstated