Glossary
Attribute (sources)
To properly credit the original creator or source of information, ideas, or data used in your research.
Example:
It is essential to attribute all sources, whether paraphrased or quoted, to maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism.
Citation Styles
Standardized formats for acknowledging sources used in academic writing, such as MLA, APA, or Chicago.
Example:
For a research paper in English literature, you would typically use MLA citation style for your in-text citations and bibliography.
Communication Styles
The distinct ways in which information and arguments are presented and shared within a particular academic discipline.
Example:
The formal, objective communication style of a scientific paper differs significantly from the more interpretive and narrative style found in literary analysis.
Discipline
A specific branch of knowledge studied in higher education, characterized by its own established frameworks, methods, and conventions.
Example:
When researching the impact of social media on political discourse, you would likely align your work with the Political Science or Sociology discipline.
Foundational Texts
Seminal works or publications that establish the core principles, theories, and practices of a particular academic discipline.
Example:
Reading Adam Smith's 'The Wealth of Nations' would be engaging with a foundational text in economics.
Integrate (evidence)
The process of seamlessly weaving external evidence into your own writing, providing context, explanation, and relevance to your argument.
Example:
After quoting a source, you must integrate the evidence by explaining how it supports your thesis, rather than just dropping it in.
Introduce (evidence)
The act of providing context and a lead-in phrase or sentence before presenting external evidence, such as a quote or paraphrase.
Example:
Before presenting data on climate change, you should introduce the evidence by stating, 'According to recent meteorological reports...'
Paraphrasing
Restating someone else's ideas or information in your own words, while still giving credit to the original source.
Example:
Instead of directly quoting a long passage, you can paraphrase the author's main argument about the benefits of renewable energy.
Plagiarism
Presenting someone else's words, ideas, or work as your own without proper attribution, which is a serious academic offense.
Example:
Submitting a paper found online as your own work, even if you change a few words, constitutes plagiarism and can lead to severe consequences.
Quoting
Using the exact words from an original source, enclosed in quotation marks, and properly attributed.
Example:
When analyzing a specific phrase from a poem, it's best to quote the line directly to preserve its original wording.
Research Methods
Systematic approaches and techniques used to collect and analyze data within a specific field of study.
Example:
A psychology research method might involve conducting controlled experiments, while a history method would focus on archival research.
Terminology
Specialized vocabulary and jargon used within a specific field of study to convey precise meanings.
Example:
Understanding the terminology like 'p-value' and 'null hypothesis' is crucial when reading research in statistics.