Glossary
Academic Integrity
Adherence to ethical principles in all academic pursuits, including honesty, trustworthiness, fairness, and respect for others' intellectual property.
Example:
Submitting original work and properly citing sources are fundamental aspects of maintaining Academic Integrity.
Argument Formation
The process of developing a well-reasoned claim or position supported by evidence and logical reasoning, considering the complexities of the topic.
Example:
When writing your paper, focus on strong Argument Formation by ensuring every piece of evidence directly supports your central thesis.
Biases and Assumptions
Personal inclinations, preconceptions, or beliefs that can influence the research process, data interpretation, or conclusions, requiring acknowledgment for academic credibility.
Example:
It's important to acknowledge your own Biases and Assumptions about a topic, such as a strong personal opinion, to maintain objectivity in your research.
Citation Style
A standardized method for formatting references and citations in academic writing, ensuring proper attribution of sources (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago).
Example:
For your psychology research paper, you will likely use the APA Citation Style to format your in-text citations and reference list.
Critical Analysis of One's Own Work
The reflective process of evaluating one's own research, including its strengths, limitations, implications, and the influence of personal perspectives and choices.
Example:
A key part of AP Research is the Critical Analysis of One's Own Work, where you reflect on how your initial assumptions might have shaped your methodology.
Disciplinary Approach
Analyzing a research topic through the lens of a single academic discipline, applying its specific theories, methods, and perspectives.
Example:
A study on economic inequality using only economic models and theories would be an example of a Disciplinary Approach.
Interdisciplinary Approach
Analyzing a research topic by integrating insights, methods, and theories from two or more academic disciplines to gain a more comprehensive understanding.
Example:
Examining the impact of climate change on human migration by combining environmental science, sociology, and political science perspectives demonstrates an Interdisciplinary Approach.
Limitations and Implications
Limitations are the boundaries or constraints of a study (e.g., sample size, methodology), while implications are the potential consequences or significance of the findings.
Example:
The small sample size was a Limitation of the study, but its findings had significant Implications for future policy changes.
Mixed-Methods Approach
A research design that combines both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods within a single study to provide a more comprehensive understanding.
Example:
A study that uses both surveys (quantitative) and focus groups (qualitative) to understand student satisfaction is employing a Mixed-Methods Approach.
Plagiarism Prevention
Practices and strategies used to avoid presenting someone else's ideas or work as one's own, ensuring academic integrity.
Example:
Using a consistent citation style and taking meticulous notes are crucial for effective Plagiarism Prevention.
Qualitative Data
Non-numerical information collected through methods like interviews, observations, or open-ended surveys, providing rich, descriptive insights into experiences or phenomena.
Example:
Interview transcripts and field notes from observing classroom interactions are examples of Qualitative Data.
Quantitative Data
Numerical information collected through methods like surveys with rating scales, experiments, or statistical records, allowing for statistical analysis and generalization.
Example:
Survey responses on a Likert scale or test scores are examples of Quantitative Data that can be statistically analyzed.
Research Process
The systematic approach to conducting scholarly inquiry, involving steps from formulating questions to drawing conclusions and reflecting on one's work.
Example:
In AP Research, students engage in the full Research Process, from initial inquiry to final presentation, transforming from consumers to producers of knowledge.
Synthesizing Data
The process of combining information from various sources and perspectives (e.g., primary, secondary, qualitative, quantitative) to form a coherent understanding or support an argument.
Example:
After collecting survey results and interview transcripts, the researcher began Synthesizing Data to identify overarching themes and statistical trends.