status quo

(noun)

The state of things; the way things are, as opposed to the way they could be; the existing state of affairs.

Related Terms

  • lit
  • literature review
  • critical thinking

(noun)

A Latin term meaning the current or existing state of affairs; literally, "the state in which."

Related Terms

  • lit
  • literature review
  • critical thinking

Examples of status quo in the following topics:

  • Understanding the Academic Context of Your Topic

    • "Status quo" refers to the existing and accepted body of academic research and discourse on a given topic.
    • Academic papers rely on the status quo to inform and support the writer's argument.
    • Identifying the status quo in the introduction serves several purposes.
    • Examining the status quo is a good way of figuring out where to situate your specific insight on a topic.
    • Explain the importance of including a discussion of the status quo in a paper
  • Destabilizing the Status Quo

    • Knowing the status quo will be very helpful when you are trying to explain your argument.
    • There are several common strategies for destabilizing the status quo.
    • When choosing how you want to destabilize the status quo, remember to be specific.
    • You will need to use the status quo to generate consequences for readers, and the way to do so is to convince them that there is a problem in the status quo.
    • Describe the value of destabilization in relation to writing about the status quo
  • Turning Your Question Into a Claim

    • A complete problem statement contains the following steps: a status quo, a moment when you point out a problem in the status quo, and the solution you have to that problem.
  • Presenting the Prevailing Theories

    • Think of it as the equivalent of the "status quo" in other disciplines – the purpose is to situate your work within the existing scholarly discussion.
  • Critical Thinking

    • In researching the status quo, you will probably come across work by other writers that you would like to use in your own writing.
  • Establishing Why Your Claims Matter

    • Do you need to find a moment that destabilizes the status quo in the current discussion of your topic?
  • Explaining the Stakes and the Consequences

    • Most changes to the status quo entail both costs and benefits.
  • When to Use APA Style

    • The guidelines for reducing bias in language have been updated over the years and provide practical guidance for writing about race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, and disability status.
  • Articulating Your Argument Up Front

Subjects
  • Accounting
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  • Psychology
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  • Statistics
  • U.S. History
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  • Writing

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