Glossary
Acknowledging Other Perspectives
The practice of recognizing and addressing viewpoints or arguments that differ from the author's own, demonstrating a comprehensive understanding of the topic.
Example:
A well-rounded research paper will demonstrate acknowledging other perspectives by discussing counterarguments or alternative interpretations of data.
Active Reading
A strategy where readers engage deeply with a text, not just passively scanning, to fully comprehend its content and purpose.
Example:
When preparing for a debate, an AP Research student uses active reading by annotating, questioning, and summarizing key points in their sources.
Argument Validity
The extent to which an argument's conclusion logically follows from its premises, regardless of whether the premises themselves are true.
Example:
Even if a premise is false, an argument's validity can still be strong if the conclusion is the only logical outcome given the stated premises.
Bias
A predisposition or inclination, often unconscious, that can influence an author's perspective, interpretation of evidence, or presentation of an argument.
Example:
A research paper funded by a specific industry might exhibit bias towards findings that benefit that industry, even if unintentional.
Context of an Argument
The surrounding circumstances, background, or environment that influence the creation, interpretation, and understanding of an argument.
Example:
Understanding the historical context of an argument about civil rights helps a researcher interpret the speaker's motivations and the audience's likely reception.
Critiquing Others' Work
The act of analyzing and judging the strengths and weaknesses of research, products, or artistic works based on established criteria and critical thinking.
Example:
In a peer review session, students engage in critiquing others' work by providing constructive feedback on methodology, evidence, and argument structure.
Evaluating Quality of Sources
The process of critically assessing the reliability, relevance, and appropriateness of information sources for a specific research purpose.
Example:
Before using a website for research, an AP Research student performs evaluating quality of sources by checking the author's credentials and the site's publication date.
Evidence Credibility
The trustworthiness and reliability of the information or data used to support a claim, often assessed by considering the source's expertise, objectivity, and methodology.
Example:
When evaluating a study, an AP Research student assesses the evidence credibility by checking if the researchers used peer-reviewed sources and sound statistical methods.
Faulty Generalizations
Conclusions drawn from insufficient or unrepresentative evidence, leading to an inaccurate or oversimplified statement about a broader group or phenomenon.
Example:
Concluding that all teenagers dislike classical music based on interviewing only three friends would be a faulty generalization.
Implications of a Claim
The potential consequences, effects, or broader significance of an author's claim or findings.
Example:
The implications of a claim about climate change could include changes in global policy or the development of new technologies.
Limitations of an Argument
The boundaries, weaknesses, or constraints of an argument, study, or research design that may affect its generalizability or applicability.
Example:
A study conducted only on a small, specific population might have limitations of an argument in generalizing its findings to a broader demographic.
Line of Reasoning
The logical progression of an argument, showing how an author connects claims, evidence, and ideas to support their main idea.
Example:
A strong line of reasoning in a historical essay might trace the cause-and-effect relationships leading to a major event, building a coherent narrative.
Main Idea
The central point or primary message an author conveys in an argument or artistic work.
Example:
Identifying the main idea of a scientific paper helps a researcher quickly grasp the author's primary finding or hypothesis.
Oversimplification
The act of reducing a complex issue, argument, or concept to a simpler form, often distorting its true nature or omitting crucial details.
Example:
Describing the causes of World War II as simply 'one country invading another' would be an oversimplification of a multifaceted historical event.
Scholarly Papers
Academic articles or research studies published in peer-reviewed journals, typically presenting original research, theories, or critical analyses.
Example:
For her literature review, an AP Research student primarily relied on scholarly papers found through university databases to ensure academic rigor.