AP English Language and Composition Flashcards: Adjusting to new or opposing evidence
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
How does confirmation bias hinder the process of adjusting to new or opposing evidence?
It causes individuals to uncritically accept evidence that supports their views while being overly critical of or ignoring evidence that contradicts them, thereby preventing objective evaluation and adaptation of their position.
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How does confirmation bias hinder the process of adjusting to new or opposing evidence?
It causes individuals to uncritically accept evidence that supports their views while being overly critical of or ignoring evidence that contradicts them, thereby preventing objective evaluation and adaptation of their position.
A student's research argues that a specific historical treaty was a 'total failure'. They then find new evidence showing the treaty successfully prevented a larger war for a decade. What is the most academically sound next step?
The student should modify their thesis to be more nuanced, acknowledging the treaty's long-term failures while also incorporating the new evidence of its short-term success in preventing a wider conflict.
What is cognitive dissonance in the context of encountering opposing evidence?
Cognitive dissonance is the mental discomfort experienced when holding contradictory beliefs or when confronted with new information that conflicts with existing beliefs, often motivating a person to either reject the new evidence or change their original belief.
Define 'modifying a thesis.'
Modifying a thesis is the process of revising or refining an essay's central argument in response to new evidence, counterarguments, or a deeper understanding of the topic.
An AP Biology student hypothesizes that a certain enzyme functions best at 30°C. Their experiment yields data showing peak activity at 37°C. How should they adjust their conclusion based on this evidence?
They must reject their initial hypothesis and conclude, based on the new evidence, that the enzyme's optimal temperature is 37°C, not 30°C. This demonstrates the core scientific principle of letting data shape conclusions.
In academic writing, what is the purpose of qualifying a claim when faced with new evidence?
Qualifying a claim involves using words like 'often,' 'partially,' or 'in some cases' to limit the scope of the argument. This allows a writer to incorporate contradictory evidence without completely abandoning their original position, making the argument more precise and defensible.
In the scientific method, what is the relationship between a hypothesis and opposing evidence?
If credible and repeatable opposing evidence emerges, a scientific hypothesis must be either revised to account for the new data or rejected entirely in favor of a new hypothesis that better explains the observations.
Explain the difference between accommodating new evidence by refining a claim versus abandoning it.
Refining a claim involves adjusting its scope or adding nuance to account for new evidence, while abandoning a claim means completely discarding the original argument because the opposing evidence is overwhelmingly contradictory.
What is confirmation bias?
Confirmation bias is the tendency to search for, interpret, favor, and recall information in a way that confirms or supports one's preexisting beliefs or hypotheses.
Why is it crucial for a strong argument to acknowledge and address counterarguments?
Acknowledging counterarguments demonstrates credibility and a thorough understanding of the topic. Refuting or accommodating them strengthens the original argument by showing it can withstand scrutiny from opposing evidence.