Academic Research Methods

noun a general survey or summary of a subject

• The conspectus provided a comprehensive overview of the research findings.
• I glanced at the conspectus to get a quick summary of the report.
• I skimmed through the conspectus to see if there was anything important.
• His conspectus of the situation was like a bird's eye view of the entire landscape.

noun a line, boundary, or point that marks a limit or boundary

• The demarcation between the two properties was clearly defined by a stone wall.
• We need to figure out where the demarcation is between our responsibilities.
• I'm not crossing that demarcation line, no way.
• The demarcation between success and failure can sometimes be very thin.

noun a connection or link between two or more things

verb to link or connect two or more things together

• The two concepts interlink in a complex way that requires further analysis.
• The different parts of the project interlink to create a cohesive final product.
• I didn't realize how much our lives interlink until we started hanging out more.
• The branches of the tree interlink to create a beautiful canopy overhead.

noun a systematic investigation into and study of materials and sources in order to establish facts and reach new conclusions

• The scientist conducted extensive research on the effects of climate change.
• I spent hours researching the best vacation spots for this summer.
• I'm gonna do some quick research before we make a decision.
• Exploring different perspectives is like conducting research on life itself.

noun the action or process of transcribing something

• The transcription of the meeting minutes was completed by the secretary.
• I need to finish transcribing the notes from the meeting.
• I'm gonna type up the transcription real quick.
• The transcription of emotions can be difficult to interpret.

adjective describing something that has not been proven or supported by evidence

• The claim made by the witness was deemed unsubstantiated by the court.
• I heard an unsubstantiated rumor about the new project at work.
• Don't believe everything you hear, it's probably just unsubstantiated gossip.
• Her dreams of becoming a famous singer were ultimately unsubstantiated.

adjective able to be contested or disputed

• The validity of the evidence presented in court is highly contestable.
• It's up for debate whether or not he actually won the contestable.
• Some people think the whole thing is totally contestable.
• Her position as team captain is contestable, as others believe they could do a better job.