Glossary
Audience Appropriate Language
Using vocabulary and explanations that are understandable to a diverse audience, avoiding overly technical terms without definition.
Example:
When discussing complex scientific concepts, using audience appropriate language means explaining 'photosynthesis' simply rather than assuming everyone knows the biochemical pathways.
Delivery
The manner in which a presentation is given, encompassing vocal qualities, body language, and overall stage presence.
Example:
A confident delivery with varied vocal tone and purposeful gestures can significantly enhance audience engagement during a presentation.
Energy
The enthusiasm and passion conveyed by the presenter, which can significantly impact audience engagement and perception of the research.
Example:
A high level of energy can make even a complex topic exciting, showing your genuine interest in your research.
Expert Adviser
A mentor or specialist in your field of study who provides guidance and feedback throughout your research process.
Example:
The expert adviser helped the student refine their experimental design and interpret complex statistical analyses.
Eye Contact
Direct visual engagement with individual audience members, used to establish connection, convey sincerity, and assess comprehension.
Example:
Making consistent eye contact with different parts of the audience helps create a personal connection and shows confidence in your research.
Findings & Conclusions
The results discovered through your research (findings) and the interpretations or judgments drawn from those results (conclusions).
Example:
The findings showed a statistically significant increase in engagement, leading to the conclusion that gamification positively impacts student motivation.
Future Research
Suggestions for subsequent studies or investigations that could build upon your findings, address limitations, or explore new related questions.
Example:
Based on the current findings, future research could explore the impact of different types of educational technology on student motivation across various age groups.
Implications
The real-world consequences, significance, or broader relevance of your research findings, explaining why your study matters.
Example:
The implications of a study on sustainable energy might include policy recommendations for urban planning or new directions for renewable technology development.
Implications Questions
Oral defense questions that focus on the real-world significance, consequences, or future directions stemming from the research findings.
Example:
A common implications question is: 'What are the real-world implications or consequences related to your findings?'
Jargon
Specialized terms or expressions used by a particular profession or group that are difficult for others to understand.
Example:
Avoiding jargon means saying 'brain scan' instead of 'functional magnetic resonance imaging' unless you plan to define the latter.
Limitations
Factors or constraints in your research method or data that might restrict the generalizability, validity, or scope of your findings.
Example:
A limitation of a study might be a small sample size, meaning the results may not be fully representative of the broader population.
Methodology Questions
Oral defense questions that probe the choices made in designing and implementing the research method and their impact on the study.
Example:
An example of a methodology question is: 'How did your review of methods used by scholars inform your selection of a research method?'
Movement
The physical shifts or gestures made by the presenter, used purposefully to convey confidence, emphasize points, and engage the audience.
Example:
Strategic movement, such as stepping to one side of the stage when discussing a specific data set, can help guide the audience's attention.
Oral Defense
A question-and-answer session following the presentation, where the student responds to inquiries about their research process, findings, and implications.
Example:
In the oral defense, a student might be asked to elaborate on how their initial research question evolved throughout their inquiry.
Presentation
A structured, visual, and auditory summary of your research paper, designed to highlight key findings and arguments for an audience.
Example:
During the AP Research presentation, a student might use a compelling infographic to illustrate the demographic breakdown of their study participants.
Process Explanation
A clear articulation of the steps taken during the research journey and how these steps logically led to the final conclusions.
Example:
The process explanation detailed how the initial literature review informed the survey design, which then led to the data analysis and subsequent findings.
Reflection
The process of critically thinking about your research journey, including challenges, learning experiences, and personal growth.
Example:
Through reflection, a student might realize that managing unexpected data anomalies was the most significant skill they developed during their project.
Reflection Questions
Oral defense questions that prompt the student to consider their learning, challenges, and growth throughout the research inquiry process.
Example:
An example of a reflection question is: 'What was the most important research skill you developed as a result of this process, and how might you apply it to your future endeavors?'
Research Method
The systematic approach or procedure used to collect and analyze data to answer the research question or achieve the project goal.
Example:
For a study on student engagement, a student might choose a mixed-methods research method, combining surveys for quantitative data and focus groups for qualitative insights.
Research Question/Project Goal
The central inquiry or objective that guides your entire research study, defining what you aim to investigate or achieve.
Example:
A student's research question might be: 'How does the use of gamification in online learning platforms affect student engagement in high school biology courses?'
Scholarly Conversation
The ongoing dialogue and body of work among researchers in a particular field, which your research aims to contribute to or address a gap within.
Example:
Understanding the existing scholarly conversation helped the student identify a specific gap in the literature regarding the long-term effects of screen time on adolescent sleep patterns.
Tempo
The pace or speed at which you speak during a presentation, which should be varied to maintain audience interest and allow for comprehension.
Example:
Varying your tempo by slowing down for key points and speeding up slightly for less critical information keeps the audience engaged.
Visuals
Graphical elements such as slides, charts, images, or diagrams used in a presentation to enhance understanding and engagement.
Example:
Effective visuals in a presentation might include a bar chart comparing pre- and post-intervention scores, making the data immediately clear.
Vocal Variety
Changes in pitch, tone, and inflection of your voice to add emphasis, express emotion, and prevent a monotone delivery.
Example:
Using vocal variety to emphasize the surprising nature of a finding can make your presentation more dynamic and memorable.
Volume
The loudness or softness of your voice during a presentation, which should be adjusted to ensure all audience members can hear clearly.
Example:
Maintaining an appropriate volume ensures that even those in the back of the room can comfortably hear your explanation of the research findings.