| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| aesthetic rationale | A reasoned explanation of formal and stylistic choices made in creating an artistic work. |
| argument | A reasoned position supported by evidence and logic to convey a perspective, point of view, or version of the truth. |
| causal reasoning | A method of organizing arguments that establishes cause-and-effect relationships. |
| causality | The relationship between a cause and its effect, used as a purpose for organizing arguments. |
| claim | Statements or assertions that form the foundation of an argument and require support. |
| comparative reasoning | A method of organizing arguments that examines similarities and differences between ideas or subjects. |
| concession | An acknowledgment of the validity or strength of an opposing argument or point. |
| conclusion | Final judgments or determinations reached through analysis of evidence in research. |
| convention | Established practices, standards, and expectations for how scholars in a discipline conduct research, analyze information, and communicate findings. |
| correlational reasoning | A method of organizing arguments that shows relationships or connections between variables or ideas. |
| counterargument | Arguments that oppose or challenge the main argument's position. |
| deductive reasoning | A logical approach where a general claim is followed by specific evidence to support it. |
| disciplinary approach | A method of inquiry and analysis specific to a particular field of study, using that discipline's conventions, terminology, and ways of knowing. |
| discipline-specific terminology | Specialized vocabulary and language conventions used within a particular field of study to communicate concepts and ideas precisely. |
| evidence | Information, data, or examples used to support or prove claims in an argument, including facts, observations, predictions, analogies, and explanations. |
| foundational texts | Seminal works and key scholarly sources that establish the core concepts, methods, and perspectives of a discipline. |
| inductive reasoning | A logical approach where specific evidence leads to a general conclusion. |
| interdisciplinary approach | A method of inquiry that combines perspectives, methods, and knowledge from multiple disciplines to address a research question or topic. |
| line of reasoning | A clear, logical path that guides the audience through reasons and evidence to reach a conclusion. |
| qualifiers | Words or phrases that limit or modify the scope of a claim to avoid overgeneralization. |
| reason | Logical explanations that connect evidence to claims and support the argument's position. |
| rebuttal | A direct response or counter-response to an opposing argument or criticism. |
| refutation | A response that disproves or argues against an opposing claim or counterargument. |
| scholarly argument | A reasoned position or claim supported by evidence and analysis using discipline-specific conventions and terminology. |
| thesis | The main idea or central claim of an argument that the writer seeks to prove or support. |
| ways of knowing | The methods, epistemologies, and approaches that a discipline uses to investigate questions and establish knowledge. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| argument | A reasoned position supported by evidence and logic to convey a perspective, point of view, or version of the truth. |
| causal relationships | Connections that show how one element causes or directly influences another. |
| claim | Statements or assertions that form the foundation of an argument and require support. |
| commentary | Explanation or analysis that connects evidence to the thesis and clarifies its significance. |
| comparative relationships | Connections that show similarities and differences between elements of evidence. |
| correlational relationships | Connections that show how two elements vary together without necessarily implying causation. |
| credibility | The quality of being trustworthy and believable, which is enhanced through accurate and ethical attribution of sources. |
| evidence | Information, data, or examples used to support or prove claims in an argument, including facts, observations, predictions, analogies, and explanations. |
| inference | A conclusion drawn from evidence or reasoning rather than explicitly stated. |
| interpretation | The process of explaining the meaning or significance of evidence in relation to a claim. |
| pattern | Recurring sequences, structures, or relationships identified in evidence. |
| primary sources | Original documents or materials created at the time of an event, such as letters, photographs, or firsthand accounts. |
| qualitative data | Non-numerical information collected through observations, interviews, or textual analysis that describes qualities or characteristics. |
| quantitative data | Numerical information that can be measured, counted, or analyzed using statistical methods. |
| reasoning | The logical connection between evidence and claims that explains why the evidence supports the argument. |
| relationships | Connections or associations between different elements, such as comparative, causal, or correlational links. |
| secondary sources | Sources that interpret, analyze, or discuss primary sources, such as books, articles, or scholarly analyses written after an event. |
| trend | General directions or tendencies shown by data or evidence over time. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| appropriation | The use of existing works, materials, or ideas in new creative works, which carries legal and ethical implications requiring proper credit and attribution. |
| attribution | The act of crediting and acknowledging the source of ideas, words, or works used in one's own writing or research. |
| citation style | A standardized format for crediting and referencing sources in academic work (e.g., MLA, APA, Chicago). |
| credibility | The quality of being trustworthy and believable, which is enhanced through accurate and ethical attribution of sources. |
| paraphrasing | Restating an idea or passage from a source in one's own words while still crediting the original source. |
| plagiarism | The serious offense of presenting another person's ideas or words as one's own without proper acknowledgment or attribution. |
| quoting | Using the exact words of another person or source and enclosing them in quotation marks with proper attribution. |
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| advantages | Positive aspects or benefits of a proposed option or solution. |
| assumption | Underlying beliefs or premises that are taken for granted without proof or verification. |
| conclusion | Final judgments or determinations reached through analysis of evidence in research. |
| disadvantages | Negative aspects, drawbacks, or limitations of a proposed option or solution. |
| evidence | Information, data, or examples used to support or prove claims in an argument, including facts, observations, predictions, analogies, and explanations. |
| implication | The potential consequences, applications, or broader significance of research findings. |
| innovative solutions | New or creative approaches to problems that challenge existing assumptions and explore alternative possibilities. |
| limitation | Constraints, boundaries, or weaknesses in research methodology, data, or scope that affect the validity or applicability of conclusions. |
| reflective skepticism | A critical thinking approach that involves questioning and examining ideas thoughtfully while remaining open to evidence and alternative perspectives. |
| resolutions | Proposed answers or settlements to research questions or problems based on evidence and analysis. |
| solution | Proposed answers or methods to address problems or research questions identified in an investigation. |