Inquiry and Research Skills Flashcards

Which component is NOT typically found in a formal research thesis statement?

Answer: A list of all sources used

A thesis statement presents the writer's argument and preview of support; a list of sources belongs in a Works Cited or bibliography.

A student is researching the health effects of caffeine and finds two studies with conflicting conclusions. The best next step is to:

Answer: Seek additional sources to determine which finding has broader support

When sources conflict, seeking additional evidence helps determine which conclusion has greater scholarly support.

What is the difference between a primary and a secondary source?

Answer: Primary sources are original records; secondary sources interpret primary sources

Primary sources are original materials (diaries, data, speeches), while secondary sources analyze or interpret primary sources.

When paraphrasing a source, a student must:

Answer: Restate the idea entirely in their own words and cite the source

A true paraphrase uses entirely new wording and sentence structure, and still requires a citation for the original idea.

Which type of source would be MOST reliable for historical facts about the American Civil War?

Answer: A peer-reviewed article in a history journal

Peer-reviewed history journals are vetted by experts and are the most reliable sources for historical facts.

What is the function of a research question in the inquiry process?

Answer: To guide the direction and focus of the research

A research question provides focus and direction, helping the researcher determine what information to seek.

A student uses information from a source but puts the ideas in their own words without citing the source. This is:

Answer: Plagiarism, because the idea still belongs to the original author

Paraphrasing or summarizing someone else's ideas without citation is still plagiarism because the original idea is not your own.