Category Archives: explanation

writing argument – it’s not (always) a contest

Posted on January 11, 2021 by pat thomson

We all know the word argument. By argument, we usually mean that people have some kind of quarrel. People take opposing positions about something and then each proceeds to try to convince the other(s) that they are right. When arguments … Continue reading →

Posted in argument, conversation, explanation | Tagged academic conversation, Academic writing Pat Thomson, argument, explanatory argument, Pat Thomson | 1 Comment

theory fright – part two

Posted on November 19, 2018 by pat thomson

Theory is explanation. Last post I suggested that this understanding might help to reduce fear of theory. This week, another piece in the fright reduction puzzle. Something else that might help reduce fear of theory is the understanding that not every … Continue reading →

Posted in academic writing, aims, explanation, research decisions, research question, theory | Tagged Jon Nixon, Pat Thomson, research aims, research purposes, researcher choice, theory, theory fright | 3 Comments

theory fright – part one

Posted on November 12, 2018 by pat thomson

Lots of doctoral researchers worry about the Th word, Theory. When said aloud, you can often hear the capital T. It must be important. Theory. And perhaps because of the capital T, the question “What’s your theoretical framework?” can reduce … Continue reading →