Key terms & definitions

The consistency of findings when research is repeated using the same methods.

The consistency of findings when research is repeated.

The extent to which an enquiry’s evidence and methods allow its conclusions to be trusted.

Dependence on external rewards to maintain effort or participation; without those rewards, a performer may try less hard or stop taking part.

An object believed to have a sacred connection with a holy person or event. Many crusaders believed the Holy Lance was the spear which had pierced Christ’s side.

The remains of a holy person, or an object associated with a holy person or event.

A landscape whose main features were formed by processes operating in the past, such as glacial erosion, but which remains after those conditions have changed.

A payment an heir made to take possession of inherited land.

The height and shape of the land surface.

Sculpture in which figures project from a background surface rather than standing completely free of it.

An army sent to help a besieged town or fortress by attacking or driving away its besiegers.

A shaped block whose raised surface carries colour and stamps a design onto fabric.

A side-on view showing the shape of the land along a selected line.

Rainfall produced when moist air is forced to rise over high ground, cools and its water vapour condenses.

Sculpture carved so that figures project from a background to which they remain attached.

A triangular space above a lintel which reduces the weight of masonry pressing directly on the lintel.

To start burning with a flame again.

A system of beliefs and practices concerning the sacred or divine, often shared by a community.

The religion with which a person connects or identifies; it does not necessarily indicate belief or active religious practice.

The religion with which a person identifies; this does not necessarily indicate their beliefs or level of religious practice.

Recognised standing to guide others in religious beliefs, interpretation or practice.

The combination or identification of elements from different religious traditions, such as the worship of Sulis Minerva.

Obedience to the established Church’s required worship and rules.

Treating people unfairly because of their religious beliefs or identity.

Unfair treatment of a person because of their actual or perceived religion or beliefs.

The presence of different religious and non-religious beliefs within a society.

The belief that one religion possesses the truth and that conflicting religious claims are mistaken.

An event or awareness that a person interprets as an encounter with God or another divine reality.

Showing a religious belief through actions, such as prayer, wearing religious clothing or symbols, teaching others or taking part in public worship.

Believing in and supporting religious ideas far beyond what most people consider correct or reasonable, which may involve rejecting others’ rights or promoting hatred. Extremism is not always violent.