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🔍AP Research
Key Terms

134 essential vocabulary terms and definitions to know for your AP Research exam

Study AP Research
Practice Vocabulary
🔍AP Research
Key Terms by Unit

🤨Unit 1 – Question and Explore

1.1 Identifying a problem or issue and developing a question about it

TermDefinition
aesthetic problemsIssues related to artistic, creative, or design-based inquiry concerning beauty, form, or artistic expression.
challengeTo question, dispute, or provide evidence against an existing idea or assumption.
complexitiesThe multiple interconnected factors, perspectives, and nuances that make a problem or issue difficult to understand fully.
complexity of a problemThe multifaceted nature of an issue that involves multiple factors, perspectives, and considerations requiring thorough examination.
contextThe circumstances, background information, and existing knowledge in a field that frame and give meaning to a research question or project goal.
contradictory perspectivesViewpoints that directly oppose or conflict with one another regarding a problem or issue.
corroborateTo confirm, support, or provide evidence that strengthens an existing idea or finding.
divergent perspectivesViewpoints that differ significantly or move in different directions in their interpretation of a problem or issue.
extendTo expand upon, build upon, or develop further an existing idea or body of knowledge.
feasibilityThe practical possibility of conducting a research project given available resources, time, and constraints.
inquiryThe process of asking questions and investigating a topic in order to confirm, challenge, or develop understanding.
inquiry processA systematic approach to research that draws upon curiosity and imagination to explore complex issues and develop understanding.
interpretive problemsIssues involving the analysis, explanation, or understanding of meaning, texts, or phenomena within a scholarly context.
multiple perspectivesDifferent viewpoints or ways of understanding a problem or issue based on various experiences, backgrounds, and ideas.
originsThe sources, causes, or historical roots from which a problem or issue emerges.
practical problemsReal-world, applied issues that require solutions or improvements in practice or implementation.
problem or issueA topic or situation that requires investigation and understanding, serving as the starting point for research inquiry.
project goalThe intended outcome or objective that a research project or scholarly inquiry aims to achieve.
purposeThe intended goal or objective of scholarly inquiry, which may be to address practical, theoretical, interpretive, or aesthetic problems.
research questionA focused inquiry that guides scholarly investigation and defines what the researcher seeks to explore, explain, or understand.
scholarly communityThe collective group of scholars and researchers within a discipline who share common standards, practices, and interests in advancing knowledge.
scholarly inquiryA systematic and rigorous investigation or research project conducted according to academic standards and methods.
scopeThe boundaries and extent of a research project, including what is included and excluded from the inquiry.
significanceThe importance and relevance of scholarly inquiry to the broader scholarly community and its contribution to existing knowledge.
theoretical problemsConceptual or abstract issues related to understanding fundamental principles, concepts, or frameworks within a discipline.

1.2 Finding and organizing the information you need to answer the question

TermDefinition
assumptionUnderlying beliefs or premises that are taken for granted without proof or verification.
brainstormingA strategy for generating and organizing ideas by freely expressing thoughts about a topic without initial judgment or evaluation.
concept mappingA visual strategy for organizing and connecting ideas by diagramming relationships between concepts and topics.
cultural contextThe social, cultural, and historical background that shapes how people understand and interpret information and knowledge.
inquiryThe process of asking questions and investigating a topic in order to confirm, challenge, or develop understanding.
prewritingA strategy used before formal writing to explore, organize, and develop ideas about a topic.
prior knowledgeExisting understanding, information, and experiences that a person already possesses about a topic before beginning new inquiry or research.

1.3 Evaluating the sources of information you use

TermDefinition
bibliographyA complete list of all sources cited and consulted in an academic paper, formatted according to the appropriate disciplinary style.
citation generatorsOnline tools used to automatically create and format citations for sources.
data setsCollections of data that can be analyzed using software tools to identify patterns and draw conclusions.
online databasesDigital repositories that catalog and house secondary and primary sources, such as EBSCO, ProQuest, JSTOR, and Google Scholar.
primary sourcesOriginal documents or materials created at the time of an event, such as letters, photographs, or firsthand accounts.
secondary sourcesSources that interpret, analyze, or discuss primary sources, such as books, articles, or scholarly analyses written after an event.

1.4 Looking at the problem or issue from different perspectives

TermDefinition
alternate approachesDifferent methods or strategies used to achieve research goals when the initial approach encounters difficulties or proves ineffective.
artistic processesCreative approaches to inquiry that may include generating, conceptualizing, testing, and refining aesthetic approaches such as workshopping, storyboarding, composing, choreographing, staging, and model-making.
author's perspectiveThe viewpoint, bias, and assumptions that influence how an author presents information and interprets data.
authoritativeRecognized as having expert knowledge and trustworthy expertise in a particular subject area.
codingThe process of organizing and categorizing data or information to identify patterns, themes, or meaningful units.
contextualizationThe process of placing a research problem within its broader circumstances, background, and framework to understand its significance and scope.
copyright lawsLegal protections that govern the use, reproduction, and distribution of original creative works and intellectual property.
correlationsStatistical relationships between two or more variables indicating how they vary together.
credibilityThe quality of being trustworthy and believable, which is enhanced through accurate and ethical attribution of sources.
data analysisThe process of examining and interpreting collected data or information to identify patterns, trends, and meaning.
data collectionThe process of gathering information or evidence through various methods to address a research question or project goal.
data collection instrumentThe tool or method used to gather information from respondents or observers, such as surveys, questionnaires, or observation protocols.
descriptive statisticsStatistical methods used to summarize and display data characteristics such as mean, median, and standard deviation.
ethical research practicesConducting research in accordance with moral principles and established guidelines to ensure responsible and honest scholarly work.
feasibilityThe practical possibility of conducting a research project given available resources, time, and constraints.
generalizabilityThe extent to which research findings and conclusions can be applied to broader populations or contexts beyond the specific study.
inferencesConclusions drawn from data or evidence that extend beyond the immediate observations to make broader claims.
inferential statisticsStatistical methods used to analyze data and draw conclusions about a larger population based on a sample.
inquiry processA systematic approach to research that draws upon curiosity and imagination to explore complex issues and develop understanding.
institutional review boardA committee that reviews and approves research proposals involving human subjects to ensure ethical standards and protect participant rights.
intellectual propertyOriginal creations of the mind, including written works, inventions, and personal information, that are protected by law from unauthorized use.
interpretation of textsA qualitative method of analyzing written or recorded materials to extract meaning and understanding.
interviewsA qualitative data collection method involving direct conversation between a researcher and participant to gather information and insights.
long-term projectAn extended research or inquiry effort that requires sustained effort over an extended period of time.
methods of inquiryThe systematic approaches, procedures, and techniques used to investigate questions or create artistic works.
mixed methodsA research approach that combines both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis techniques.
modelingA quantitative method of representing data or phenomena through mathematical or visual representations.
observational notesQualitative data recorded by a researcher through direct observation of phenomena, behaviors, or events.
open-ended survey questionsSurvey questions that allow respondents to provide detailed, unrestricted responses rather than selecting from predetermined options.
patent lawsLegal protections that grant inventors exclusive rights to their inventions and prevent unauthorized use or reproduction of patented work.
patternRecurring sequences, structures, or relationships identified in evidence.
peer-reviewedA process in which scholarly articles are evaluated and approved by disciplinary experts before publication.
perseveranceThe ability to persist and continue working toward goals despite difficulties, setbacks, or obstacles in a research project.
populationThe entire group or collection from which a sample is drawn in a research study.
precise measurementsQuantitative data collection involving exact, accurate numerical values obtained through standardized procedures.
project goalThe intended outcome or objective that a research project or scholarly inquiry aims to achieve.
qualitative researchA research method that focuses on understanding phenomena through descriptive data, such as interviews, observations, and open-ended responses.
quantitative researchA research method that focuses on measuring and analyzing numerical data using precise measurements and statistical procedures.
relevanceThe quality of evidence being directly related to and supporting the specific claims or arguments being made.
reliabilityThe consistency and dependability of conclusions and data, reflecting how trustworthy and reproducible the results are.
research methodsThe systematic procedures and techniques used to collect, analyze, and interpret data in a study.
research questionA focused inquiry that guides scholarly investigation and defines what the researcher seeks to explore, explain, or understand.
sampleA subset of a population or collection of artifacts selected for study in a research project.
scholarly inquiryA systematic and rigorous investigation or research project conducted according to academic standards and methods.
scopeThe boundaries and extent of a research project, including what is included and excluded from the inquiry.
self-sufficiencyThe ability to work independently and solve problems on one's own while conducting research, even while seeking guidance from experts.
setbacksUnexpected obstacles, failures, or delays that occur during the research process and require adaptation or alternative approaches.
structured data collection instrumentsValidated tools and procedures used in quantitative research to systematically gather consistent and comparable data.
themesRecurring ideas, concepts, or categories that emerge from organized and analyzed data or information.
triangulationA method of combining multiple qualitative and/or quantitative data sources to verify and corroborate findings.
validityThe degree to which evidence is sound, reliable, and actually supports the claims being made.

🔎Unit 2 – Understand and Analyze

2.1 Reading critically for a purpose

TermDefinition
aestheticThe principles of beauty, artistic taste, and sensory qualities that characterize a work of art.
annotatingA reading strategy where a reader marks or writes notes directly on a text to highlight key ideas and personal responses.
argumentA reasoned position supported by evidence and logic to convey a perspective, point of view, or version of the truth.
assumptionUnderlying beliefs or premises that are taken for granted without proof or verification.
claimStatements or assertions that form the foundation of an argument and require support.
conclusionFinal judgments or determinations reached through analysis of evidence in research.
contextThe circumstances, background information, and existing knowledge in a field that frame and give meaning to a research question or project goal.
evidenceInformation, data, or examples used to support or prove claims in an argument, including facts, observations, predictions, analogies, and explanations.
faulty generalizationsBroad statements or conclusions drawn from insufficient or unrepresentative evidence, leading to inaccurate claims.
highlightingA reading strategy where a reader marks important passages or key information in a text for emphasis and later reference.
line of reasoningA clear, logical path that guides the audience through reasons and evidence to reach a conclusion.
main ideaThe central or most important point that a text communicates.
note-takingA reading strategy where a reader records key information and ideas from a text in written form.
oversimplificationThe reduction of a complex argument to an overly simple form that loses important details or nuance.
perspectiveAn individual's point of view on an issue, shaped by their background, experiences, culture, education, assumptions, and worldview.
questioningA reading strategy where a reader asks questions about the text to engage with and understand its content.
reading aloudA reading strategy where a reader vocalizes text to enhance comprehension and engagement with the material.
reading criticallyReading closely to identify the main idea, tone, assumptions, context, perspective, line of reasoning, and evidence used in a text.
rereadingA reading strategy where a reader goes through a text again to deepen understanding or clarify meaning.
scanningA reading strategy where a reader quickly searches through a text to locate specific information.
skimmingA reading strategy where a reader quickly moves through a text to get a general overview or identify main points.
structureThe way a work is organized or arranged, including how its parts are assembled and relate to one another.
styleThe distinctive manner of expression in writing, including word choice, sentence structure, and tone.
subjectThe topic, theme, or content that is depicted or addressed in a work of art or literature.
thesis statementA sentence or series of sentences that expresses the main argument or central claim of a written work.
toneThe writer's attitude or emotional stance toward a topic, conveyed through word choice and sentence structure.

2.2 Big Idea 2 Overview

TermDefinition
alignmentThe degree to which the purposes, goals, and methods of an inquiry are consistent with and support each other.
argumentA reasoned position supported by evidence and logic to convey a perspective, point of view, or version of the truth.
biasA personal preference, prejudice, or inclination that may influence an author's interpretation of evidence and conclusions.
causal relationshipsConnections that show how one element causes or directly influences another.
causalityThe relationship between a cause and its effect, used as a purpose for organizing arguments.
claimStatements or assertions that form the foundation of an argument and require support.
comparative relationshipsConnections that show similarities and differences between elements of evidence.
concessionAn acknowledgment of the validity or strength of an opposing argument or point.
conclusionFinal judgments or determinations reached through analysis of evidence in research.
contextThe circumstances, background information, and existing knowledge in a field that frame and give meaning to a research question or project goal.
correlational relationshipsConnections that show how two elements vary together without necessarily implying causation.
counterargumentArguments that oppose or challenge the main argument's position.
credibilityThe quality of being trustworthy and believable, which is enhanced through accurate and ethical attribution of sources.
deductive reasoningA logical approach where a general claim is followed by specific evidence to support it.
evidenceInformation, data, or examples used to support or prove claims in an argument, including facts, observations, predictions, analogies, and explanations.
fallaciesErrors in reasoning or flawed arguments used to persuade readers, often manipulatively.
generalizationA broad conclusion drawn from limited examples or data, which may not account for exceptions or complexity.
goalThe specific objectives or desired results that a researcher or artist aims to achieve through their inquiry or work.
implicationThe potential consequences, applications, or broader significance of research findings.
inductive reasoningA logical approach where specific evidence leads to a general conclusion.
internal coherenceThe logical consistency and interconnectedness of elements within a study, work, or argument, where components align with and support each other.
limitationConstraints, boundaries, or weaknesses in research methodology, data, or scope that affect the validity or applicability of conclusions.
line of reasoningA clear, logical path that guides the audience through reasons and evidence to reach a conclusion.
logical alignmentThe coherent connection between evidence, reasoning, and conclusions in an argument.
methods of inquiryThe systematic approaches, procedures, and techniques used to investigate questions or create artistic works.
nuanceSubtle distinctions, complexities, or shades of meaning within an argument.
opposing viewsAlternative perspectives or counterarguments that differ from the main position being argued.
oversimplificationThe reduction of a complex argument to an overly simple form that loses important details or nuance.
patternRecurring sequences, structures, or relationships identified in evidence.
purposeThe intended goal or objective of scholarly inquiry, which may be to address practical, theoretical, interpretive, or aesthetic problems.
qualitative evidenceEvidence based on descriptions, observations, and explanations rather than numerical data.
quantitative evidenceEvidence based on numerical data, statistics, and measurable information.
reasonLogical explanations that connect evidence to claims and support the argument's position.
rebuttalA direct response or counter-response to an opposing argument or criticism.
refutationA response that disproves or argues against an opposing claim or counterargument.
relevanceThe quality of evidence being directly related to and supporting the specific claims or arguments being made.
toneThe writer's attitude or emotional stance toward a topic, conveyed through word choice and sentence structure.
trendGeneral directions or tendencies shown by data or evidence over time.
validityThe degree to which evidence is sound, reliable, and actually supports the claims being made.

2.3 Evaluating the evidence an author uses to support their argument

TermDefinition
consequencesThe outcomes or results that follow from an argument, which may be intended or unintended by the author.
implicationThe potential consequences, applications, or broader significance of research findings.

👥Unit 3 – Evaluate Multiple Perspectives

3.1 Identifying, comparing, and interpreting different perspectives on, or arguments about, an issue

TermDefinition
ambiguousIdeas or perspectives that are unclear, open to multiple interpretations, or lacking a single definitive meaning.
argumentA reasoned position supported by evidence and logic to convey a perspective, point of view, or version of the truth.
assumptionUnderlying beliefs or premises that are taken for granted without proof or verification.
backgroundThe combination of an individual's experiences, culture, and education that influences their perspective on an issue.
competing perspectivesMultiple viewpoints that vie for acceptance or validity, each presenting different interpretations or solutions.
complementary perspectivesPerspectives that differ but work together to provide a more complete understanding of an issue.
concurring perspectivesPerspectives that agree or align with one another on an issue.
perspectiveAn individual's point of view on an issue, shaped by their background, experiences, culture, education, assumptions, and worldview.
worldviewA comprehensive perspective or set of beliefs through which an individual interprets and understands the world and issues within it.

3.2 Evaluating objections, implications, and limitations of different perspectives or arguments

TermDefinition
alternate perspectivesDifferent viewpoints or positions that differ from the primary or mainstream argument being considered.
assumptionUnderlying beliefs or premises that are taken for granted without proof or verification.
competing perspectivesMultiple viewpoints that vie for acceptance or validity, each presenting different interpretations or solutions.
core valuesFundamental beliefs and principles that are central to a person's worldview and decision-making.
critical thinkersIndividuals who analyze arguments and information carefully, considering multiple perspectives and evaluating evidence objectively.
emotional appealsArguments that attempt to persuade by evoking feelings or emotions rather than relying on logic or evidence.
implicationThe potential consequences, applications, or broader significance of research findings.
limitationConstraints, boundaries, or weaknesses in research methodology, data, or scope that affect the validity or applicability of conclusions.
logicThe system of reasoning used to evaluate the validity and coherence of arguments.
opposing perspectivesViewpoints that directly contradict or stand in contrast to another argument or position.
personal biasesPreconceived preferences or prejudices that influence how a person perceives and evaluates information.

💡Unit 4 – Synthesize Ideas

4.1 Formulating a well-reasoned argument

TermDefinition
aesthetic rationaleA reasoned explanation of formal and stylistic choices made in creating an artistic work.
argumentA reasoned position supported by evidence and logic to convey a perspective, point of view, or version of the truth.
causal reasoningA method of organizing arguments that establishes cause-and-effect relationships.
causalityThe relationship between a cause and its effect, used as a purpose for organizing arguments.
claimStatements or assertions that form the foundation of an argument and require support.
comparative reasoningA method of organizing arguments that examines similarities and differences between ideas or subjects.
concessionAn acknowledgment of the validity or strength of an opposing argument or point.
conclusionFinal judgments or determinations reached through analysis of evidence in research.
conventionEstablished practices, standards, and expectations for how scholars in a discipline conduct research, analyze information, and communicate findings.
correlational reasoningA method of organizing arguments that shows relationships or connections between variables or ideas.
counterargumentArguments that oppose or challenge the main argument's position.
deductive reasoningA logical approach where a general claim is followed by specific evidence to support it.
disciplinary approachA method of inquiry and analysis specific to a particular field of study, using that discipline's conventions, terminology, and ways of knowing.
discipline-specific terminologySpecialized vocabulary and language conventions used within a particular field of study to communicate concepts and ideas precisely.
evidenceInformation, data, or examples used to support or prove claims in an argument, including facts, observations, predictions, analogies, and explanations.
foundational textsSeminal works and key scholarly sources that establish the core concepts, methods, and perspectives of a discipline.
inductive reasoningA logical approach where specific evidence leads to a general conclusion.
interdisciplinary approachA method of inquiry that combines perspectives, methods, and knowledge from multiple disciplines to address a research question or topic.
line of reasoningA clear, logical path that guides the audience through reasons and evidence to reach a conclusion.
qualifiersWords or phrases that limit or modify the scope of a claim to avoid overgeneralization.
reasonLogical explanations that connect evidence to claims and support the argument's position.
rebuttalA direct response or counter-response to an opposing argument or criticism.
refutationA response that disproves or argues against an opposing claim or counterargument.
scholarly argumentA reasoned position or claim supported by evidence and analysis using discipline-specific conventions and terminology.
thesisThe main idea or central claim of an argument that the writer seeks to prove or support.
ways of knowingThe methods, epistemologies, and approaches that a discipline uses to investigate questions and establish knowledge.

4.2 Using data and information from various sources to develop and support an argument

TermDefinition
argumentA reasoned position supported by evidence and logic to convey a perspective, point of view, or version of the truth.
causal relationshipsConnections that show how one element causes or directly influences another.
claimStatements or assertions that form the foundation of an argument and require support.
commentaryExplanation or analysis that connects evidence to the thesis and clarifies its significance.
comparative relationshipsConnections that show similarities and differences between elements of evidence.
correlational relationshipsConnections that show how two elements vary together without necessarily implying causation.
credibilityThe quality of being trustworthy and believable, which is enhanced through accurate and ethical attribution of sources.
evidenceInformation, data, or examples used to support or prove claims in an argument, including facts, observations, predictions, analogies, and explanations.
inferenceA conclusion drawn from evidence or reasoning rather than explicitly stated.
interpretationThe process of explaining the meaning or significance of evidence in relation to a claim.
patternRecurring sequences, structures, or relationships identified in evidence.
primary sourcesOriginal documents or materials created at the time of an event, such as letters, photographs, or firsthand accounts.
qualitative dataNon-numerical information collected through observations, interviews, or textual analysis that describes qualities or characteristics.
quantitative dataNumerical information that can be measured, counted, or analyzed using statistical methods.
reasoningThe logical connection between evidence and claims that explains why the evidence supports the argument.
relationshipsConnections or associations between different elements, such as comparative, causal, or correlational links.
secondary sourcesSources that interpret, analyze, or discuss primary sources, such as books, articles, or scholarly analyses written after an event.
trendGeneral directions or tendencies shown by data or evidence over time.

4.3 Linking evidence to claims

TermDefinition
appropriationThe use of existing works, materials, or ideas in new creative works, which carries legal and ethical implications requiring proper credit and attribution.
attributionThe act of crediting and acknowledging the source of ideas, words, or works used in one's own writing or research.
citation styleA standardized format for crediting and referencing sources in academic work (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago).
credibilityThe quality of being trustworthy and believable, which is enhanced through accurate and ethical attribution of sources.
paraphrasingRestating an idea or passage from a source in one's own words while still crediting the original source.
plagiarismThe serious offense of presenting another person's ideas or words as one's own without proper acknowledgment or attribution.
quotingUsing the exact words of another person or source and enclosing them in quotation marks with proper attribution.

4.4 Offering resolutions, conclusions, or solutions based on evidence

TermDefinition
advantagesPositive aspects or benefits of a proposed option or solution.
assumptionUnderlying beliefs or premises that are taken for granted without proof or verification.
conclusionFinal judgments or determinations reached through analysis of evidence in research.
disadvantagesNegative aspects, drawbacks, or limitations of a proposed option or solution.
evidenceInformation, data, or examples used to support or prove claims in an argument, including facts, observations, predictions, analogies, and explanations.
implicationThe potential consequences, applications, or broader significance of research findings.
innovative solutionsNew or creative approaches to problems that challenge existing assumptions and explore alternative possibilities.
limitationConstraints, boundaries, or weaknesses in research methodology, data, or scope that affect the validity or applicability of conclusions.
reflective skepticismA critical thinking approach that involves questioning and examining ideas thoughtfully while remaining open to evidence and alternative perspectives.
resolutionsProposed answers or settlements to research questions or problems based on evidence and analysis.
solutionProposed answers or methods to address problems or research questions identified in an investigation.

🗣Unit 5 – Team, Transform, and Transmit

5.1 Planning, producing, and revising a research paper while considering audience, context, and purpose

TermDefinition
aesthetic rationaleA reasoned explanation of formal and stylistic choices made in creating an artistic work.
agreement of elementsThe grammatical consistency between related words, such as subject-verb agreement or pronoun-antecedent agreement.
argumentA reasoned position supported by evidence and logic to convey a perspective, point of view, or version of the truth.
audienceThe intended readers or recipients of an academic paper, whose needs, expectations, and level of expertise influence the paper's content, tone, and structure.
audience engagementThe degree to which an audience is actively involved with and attentive to the communicated information.
audience feedbackResponses and comments from viewers or listeners used to inform revisions and improvements to a presentation or performance.
bibliographyA complete list of all sources cited and consulted in an academic paper, formatted according to the appropriate disciplinary style.
coherenceThe quality of an argument in which all elements and ideas flow logically and smoothly, with clear relationships between parts.
coherent argumentA well-organized and logically connected set of claims and evidence that supports a main idea.
cohesive academic paperA written work in which all elements and ideas are logically connected and flow smoothly together to support a central argument or research goal.
commentaryExplanation or analysis that connects evidence to the thesis and clarifies its significance.
concessionAn acknowledgment of the validity or strength of an opposing argument or point.
conclusion and future directionsThe final section of an academic paper that reflects on the research process, discusses the potential impact on the field, and identifies possible next steps.
consistency of tenseThe maintenance of the same verb tense throughout a piece of writing to avoid confusion.
contextThe circumstances, background information, and existing knowledge in a field that frame and give meaning to a research question or project goal.
convictionThe confident and persuasive presentation of ideas with strong belief in their validity and importance.
counterargumentArguments that oppose or challenge the main argument's position.
credibilityThe quality of being trustworthy and believable, which is enhanced through accurate and ethical attribution of sources.
deliveryThe techniques and methods used when presenting or performing work, including vocal and physical elements that engage an audience.
design elementsVisual and structural components such as headings, layout, illustrations, pull quotes, captions, and lists that organize information and enhance audience engagement.
discipline-specific languageSpecialized terminology and jargon particular to a specific field of study or profession.
discussion, analysis, and/or evaluationThe section of an academic paper that interprets the significance of results or findings, explores connections to the original research question, and discusses implications and limitations.
emphasisThe technique of highlighting or drawing attention to particular ideas through sentence structure and placement.
energyThe level of enthusiasm and intensity conveyed by a speaker through delivery techniques to engage and maintain audience attention.
evidenceInformation, data, or examples used to support or prove claims in an argument, including facts, observations, predictions, analogies, and explanations.
exhibitA public display or presentation of work, often in a visual or interactive format.
eye contactDirect visual connection between a speaker and audience members, used to convey confidence and engage listeners.
findingsThe outcomes, evidence, or discoveries produced by research or a creative project.
gap in knowledgeAn area or aspect of a field that has not been adequately addressed, explained, or researched, which an inquiry aims to fill.
grammarThe system of rules governing the structure and formation of sentences in a language.
imageryDescriptive language that appeals to the senses and creates vivid mental pictures for the reader.
infographicsVisual representations of data and information designed to communicate complex information quickly and clearly to an audience.
inquiry choicesThe specific decisions made about research questions, methodologies, sources, and approaches selected for an academic investigation.
introductionThe opening section of an academic paper that provides background information, contextualizes the research question, reviews previous work in the field, and identifies the gap in knowledge to be addressed.
mechanicsThe technical aspects of writing including spelling, punctuation, and capitalization.
mediaThe channels or formats through which information is communicated to an audience, such as essays, posters, oral presentations, documentaries, or research reports.
mediumThe channel or format through which an argument is communicated, such as written text, speech, or digital media.
method, process, or approachThe specific technique, procedure, or strategy used to conduct research or complete a project, including justification for its selection.
organizational elementsStructural components that arrange information in a logical and accessible way to aid understanding and guide audience attention.
performanceThe act of presenting or executing work in front of an audience, often involving rehearsal and refinement.
placement of modifiersThe positioning of descriptive words or phrases in a sentence to clearly relate to the words they modify.
portfolioA collection of work presented to demonstrate accomplishments and skills across multiple pieces or projects.
posterA visual presentation format that displays information and work in a condensed, graphical manner.
precisionThe quality of being exact and specific in word choice to convey meaning clearly and eliminate ambiguity.
premiereThe first public presentation or performance of a completed work.
purposeThe intended goal or objective of scholarly inquiry, which may be to address practical, theoretical, interpretive, or aesthetic problems.
rationaleThe logical reasoning or justification provided for why particular decisions were made in conducting research and developing arguments.
rebuttalA direct response or counter-response to an opposing argument or criticism.
redundancyThe unnecessary repetition of words or ideas that have already been expressed.
refutationA response that disproves or argues against an opposing claim or counterargument.
rehearsalPractice sessions where a speaker or performer refines their delivery and performance before presenting to an audience.
research questionA focused inquiry that guides scholarly investigation and defines what the researcher seeks to explore, explain, or understand.
revisionThe process of reviewing and making changes to work to improve quality and effectiveness.
sentence structureThe arrangement and organization of words and clauses within a sentence to create meaning and effect.
showcaseA presentation or event designed to display and highlight completed work to an audience.
styleThe distinctive manner of expression in writing, including word choice, sentence structure, and tone.
tempoThe speed or pace at which a speaker delivers content, used to convey tone and maintain audience engagement.
thesisThe main idea or central claim of an argument that the writer seeks to prove or support.
toneThe writer's attitude or emotional stance toward a topic, conveyed through word choice and sentence structure.
transitionsWords, phrases, or techniques used to connect ideas and move the audience from one element or concept to another by illustrating relationships between them.
usageThe conventional and correct way words and phrases are employed in a language.
varietyThe use of different sentence structures and lengths to create interest and maintain reader engagement.
vocal varietyVariation in tone, pitch, and inflection used during delivery to emphasize information and maintain audience interest.
volumeThe loudness or intensity of sound used during a presentation to emphasize information and engage the audience.
word choiceThe selection of specific words to convey meaning, create tone, and achieve precision in writing.
wordinessThe use of more words than necessary to express an idea, reducing clarity and efficiency.

5.2 Presenting an argument for context, purpose, and/or audience

TermDefinition
collaborative toolsOnline or digital platforms and resources that enable team members to communicate, share information, and work together remotely.
conflict resolutionThe process of addressing and resolving disagreements or disputes within a team to maintain productive collaboration.
consensus buildingThe process of working toward agreement among all team members on decisions and approaches.
constructive team climateA positive and supportive team environment that encourages open communication, mutual respect, and collaborative problem-solving.
interpersonal communicationDirect exchange of information, ideas, and feedback between team members to build understanding and coordination.
negotiationThe process of discussing and reaching agreement on terms, roles, or solutions within a team context.
social-cultural perspectivesThe diverse backgrounds, values, and viewpoints that team members bring based on their social and cultural experiences.
teambuilding activitiesStructured exercises and simulations designed to strengthen relationships, trust, and coordination among team members.

5.3 Reflecting on one’s own and others’ writing, thinking, and creative processes

TermDefinition
assumptionUnderlying beliefs or premises that are taken for granted without proof or verification.
body of workA collection of related scholarly projects or inquiries that together demonstrate the development and evolution of a scholar's research and thinking.
collaborative effortWork undertaken jointly by multiple people working together toward a common goal.
findingsThe outcomes, evidence, or discoveries produced by research or a creative project.
implicationThe potential consequences, applications, or broader significance of research findings.
individual contributionsThe specific actions, ideas, or work that each person brings to a group project or task.
inquiry processA systematic approach to research that draws upon curiosity and imagination to explore complex issues and develop understanding.
limitationConstraints, boundaries, or weaknesses in research methodology, data, or scope that affect the validity or applicability of conclusions.
methodologyThe specific methods, techniques, and procedures used to collect and analyze data in a research study.
oral defenseA spoken presentation in which a student explains and defends their research process, methodology, and findings in response to questions.
reflectionThe process of thinking back on experiences and considering how actions, assumptions, and decisions affected both individual and group outcomes.
reflective scholarsResearchers who critically examine their own thinking, methods, and findings to understand the significance and implications of their work.
research processThe systematic steps and procedures a student followed to conduct their research investigation.
scholarly workA completed academic or research project that demonstrates rigorous investigation, critical thinking, and contribution to knowledge.
transformationalProducing significant change or development in understanding, perspective, or identity as a result of engaging in inquiry and scholarship.

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