Glossary
Assumptions/Worldview
The unspoken beliefs or fundamental principles that underpin an argument or perspective. These are often inferred rather than directly stated.
Example:
A researcher's assumptions/worldview that human nature is inherently good might lead them to propose rehabilitation programs over punitive measures for offenders.
Authorial Bias
A tendency or inclination, often unconscious, that influences an author's perspective, interpretation of evidence, or presentation of an argument. Recognizing bias is key to critical analysis.
Example:
A news report written by a journalist with strong political affiliations might exhibit authorial bias in its coverage of an election.
Background
Factors such as culture, gender, education, or region that shape an individual's viewpoint. It provides context for understanding why someone holds a particular perspective.
Example:
An author's background as a former diplomat might influence their perspective on international relations, leading them to emphasize negotiation over conflict.
Comparing Perspectives
The act of analyzing how different viewpoints relate to each other, highlighting their similarities, differences, and the reasons behind those divergences. This goes beyond just listing differences to understanding their significance.
Example:
When writing a literature review, you'll spend significant time comparing perspectives of different scholars on the same novel, noting where their interpretations align or diverge.
Competing (Perspective Relationship)
A relationship where perspectives are mutually exclusive or vie for acceptance, often presenting alternative explanations or solutions to the same problem. Only one may be 'correct' or most applicable.
Example:
Two theories proposing different fundamental particles as the building blocks of the universe would be competing perspectives in physics.
Complementary (Perspective Relationship)
A relationship where perspectives, while not necessarily agreeing on everything, work together to support a larger point or provide a more complete understanding. They fill in gaps for each other.
Example:
An economic analysis of poverty and a sociological study of its social impacts are complementary perspectives, each offering a piece of the larger puzzle.
Conclusion
The final outcome or judgment reached by an author based on their reasoning and evidence. Different perspectives can lead to different conclusions.
Example:
Despite analyzing the same economic data, two analysts might arrive at different conclusions regarding future market trends.
Concurring (Perspective Relationship)
A relationship where perspectives largely agree with each other, supporting similar ideas or conclusions. They reinforce a common viewpoint.
Example:
Two studies finding similar positive effects of exercise on mental health would be considered concurring perspectives.
Context
The historical, social, political, or cultural circumstances surrounding the creation of an argument or perspective. It helps explain why certain viewpoints emerged.
Example:
Understanding the Cold War context is crucial for interpreting political speeches from that era, as it shaped the rhetoric and policy proposals.
External Sources
The different fields of study, research focuses, or types of evidence that influence a perspective. These can lead to varied approaches and conclusions.
Example:
A medical study relying on clinical trials uses different external sources and methodologies than a historical analysis based on archival documents.
Identifying Perspectives
The process of recognizing and understanding the unique viewpoints present in different sources or arguments. This involves looking for clues in background, assumptions, and external sources.
Example:
To effectively analyze a debate on renewable energy, you must begin by identifying perspectives from environmentalists, economists, and policymakers.
Implications
The potential consequences, effects, or future applications of an argument or perspective. These can be stated directly or inferred.
Example:
The implications of a new scientific discovery could range from advancements in medicine to ethical dilemmas requiring societal debate.
Interpreting Perspectives
The process of understanding how different perspectives relate to and interact with each other, moving beyond simple comparison to analyze their combined meaning or significance. This involves identifying relationships like oppositional or complementary.
Example:
After identifying and comparing various viewpoints on artificial intelligence, the next step is interpreting perspectives to understand the broader societal impact.
Limitations
The boundaries or shortcomings of a particular perspective, often revealing what it overlooks or cannot fully explain. Identifying these helps assess the completeness of an argument.
Example:
A study focused solely on urban populations might have limitations when trying to generalize its findings to rural communities.
Line of Reasoning
The sequence of claims and evidence an author uses to support their main idea. Analyzing this helps understand how conclusions are reached.
Example:
Even if two scientists agree on a phenomenon, their line of reasoning might differ, with one emphasizing experimental data and the other theoretical models.
Main Idea
The core argument or thesis statement of a source or perspective. It represents the central point the author is trying to convey.
Example:
Despite using similar data, two economists might have different main ideas about the best approach to stimulate economic growth.
Methodology
The systematic approach or research methods used to gather and analyze data. Differences in methodology often lead to different perspectives or findings.
Example:
A study using qualitative interviews will have a different methodology and likely different insights than one relying on quantitative surveys.
Oppositional (Perspective Relationship)
A relationship where perspectives directly disagree with or contradict each other. They present conflicting viewpoints on the same topic.
Example:
In a debate about climate policy, a perspective advocating for immediate, drastic carbon cuts is oppositional to one arguing for gradual, market-based solutions.
Perspectives
A particular attitude toward or way of regarding something; a point of view. In research, it refers to the unique lens through which an individual or source views a topic.
Example:
When studying the impact of social media, a psychologist might focus on individual behavior, offering a different perspective than a sociologist who examines societal trends.