Sociocultural theory for academic literacy research involving argumentation in institutions of higher learning

Researchers in the field of academic literacy, specifically those focused on first-year level universities, are often required to articulate theoretical framework that informs their critical orientation. In this process, an indication researcher’s ontological view nature literacy practices should also be declared. Ontologically, study questions whether constitutes a mechanistic technology or socially emergent mode arguing higher education. This article reviews concepts and theories warrant second stance sociocultural paradigm research. A explanatory incorporates human identities cultures into analyses ways humans employ language universities. accentuates influences social context power relationships designation acceptable modes argumentation university. The results indicate discussions research epistemic nature. Theoretical frameworks constructs as they reflect conceptual understanding literacy. Conceptual paradigms due exposure element existence. concludes by articulating seven-point ontology researchers can apply towards theoretically framing own studies argumentation.