Glossary
Ability to Investigate
The capacity of the author or organization to gather and analyze data effectively. This includes access to resources, participants, and relevant affiliations.
Example:
A medical research team affiliated with a major hospital likely has the ability to investigate complex health conditions due to their access to patients and equipment.
Accurate
Free from errors, mistakes, or distortions. Information that is factually correct and precise.
Example:
An accurate measurement of reaction time is crucial for a psychology experiment to yield valid results.
Bias
A disproportionate weight in favor of or against an idea or thing, usually in a way that is closed-minded, prejudicial, or unfair. It can compromise the objectivity of research.
Example:
A news report that only interviews people who support one political party might show bias in its coverage.
Credibility
The quality of being believable or trustworthy. In research, it refers to the extent to which sources and findings are considered reliable and accurate.
Example:
Ensuring your sources are credible is vital for your AP Research project to be taken seriously by your evaluators.
Expertise
Specialized skill or knowledge in a particular field. In RAVEN, it refers to the author's qualifications, degrees, and experience relevant to the topic.
Example:
A climate scientist with a PhD in atmospheric physics and decades of research experience demonstrates clear expertise on global warming.
Methodology
The systematic approach used to collect and analyze data in research. It describes the specific procedures, techniques, and tools employed to conduct a study.
Example:
The detailed methodology section of a research paper explains exactly how the experiment was conducted, allowing others to replicate it.
Neutrality
The state of being impartial or unbiased. In RAVEN, it assesses whether the source presents information objectively without favoring a particular viewpoint.
Example:
An article that presents arguments from both sides of a controversial issue without taking a stance exhibits strong neutrality.
Peer-reviewed studies
Research articles that have been evaluated by other experts in the same field before publication. This process ensures quality, validity, and rigor.
Example:
Peer-reviewed studies are highly valued in academic research because they have undergone scrutiny by qualified professionals.
Publication Date
The specific date when a source was published or released. It is important for assessing the recency and relevance of information, especially in rapidly evolving fields.
Example:
Always check the publication date of scientific articles to ensure you are using the most current research available.
RAVEN Framework
A systematic framework used to evaluate the credibility of sources. It stands for Reputation, Ability to Investigate, Vested Interest, Expertise, and Neutrality.
Example:
Applying the RAVEN Framework helped me quickly determine if the online article was a suitable source for my literature review.
Reliable
Consistent and dependable in performance or outcome. A reliable source provides consistent information across different instances or checks.
Example:
A reliable survey instrument will produce similar results if administered multiple times under the same conditions.
Reputation
The beliefs or opinions that are generally held about someone or something. In RAVEN, it refers to the standing or renown of the author or publication.
Example:
A researcher from a prestigious university with a history of groundbreaking studies has a strong reputation in their field.
Trustworthy
Able to be relied on as honest or truthful. A trustworthy source is unbiased and presents information fairly.
Example:
Students often seek out trustworthy academic journals for their research, knowing the information has been vetted.
Vested Interest
A personal stake or involvement in an undertaking or state of affairs, especially one with an expectation of financial or other gain. It indicates potential bias.
Example:
A company funding a study on the effectiveness of its own product might have a vested interest in positive results, potentially influencing the research.