Key Terms in Argumentation and Inquiry Analysis

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

argument

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

assumption

A belief regarded as true and often unstated

attribution

Acknowledgment of the source of information, usually in the form of a citation

bias

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

claim

A statement made about an issue that asserts a perspective

commentary

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

complex issue

Issue involving many facets or perspectives that must be understood in order 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, situatedness, and/or background (larger environment) of a source or reference

conventions

The stylistic features of writing (e.g., grammar, usage, mechanics)

counterargument

An opposing perspective, idea, or theory supported by evidence

credibility

The degree to which a source is believable and trustworthy

deductive

A type of reasoning that constructs general propositions that are supported with evidence or cases

evidence

Information (e.g., data, quotations, excerpts from texts) used as proof to support a claim or thesis

fallacy

Evidence or reasoning that is false or in error

implication

A possible future effect or result

inductive

A type of reasoning that presents cases or evidence that lead to a logical conclusion

inquiry

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

interdisciplinary

Involving two or more areas of knowledge

lens

Filter through which an issue or topic is considered or examined

limitation

A boundary or point at which an argument or generalization is no longer valid

line of reasoning

Arrangement of claims and evidence that leads to a conclusion

perspective

A point of view conveyed through an argument

plagiarism

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

point of view (POV)

A position or standpoint on a topic or issue

primary source

An original source of information about a topic (e.g., study, artifact, data set, interview, article)

qualification

A condition or exception

qualitative (QUAL)

Having to do with text, narrative, or descriptions

quantitative (QUAN)

Having to do with numbers, amounts, or quantities

rebuttal

Contradicting an opposing perspective by providing alternate, more convincing evidence

refutation

Disproving an opposing perspective by providing 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 source

A commentary about one or more primary sources that provides additional insight, opinions, and/or interpretation about the primary source data, study, or artifacts

solution

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

thesis

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

tone

The way in which an author expresses an attitude about his or her topic or subject through rhetorical choices

validity

The extent to which an argument or claim is logical

vocal variety

Changing vocal characteristics (e.g., pitch, volume, speed) in order to emphasize ideas, convey emotion or opinion, or achieve other specific purposes