AP RESEARCH COURSE OVERVIEW
(P. 8, AP RESEARCH COURSE AND EXAM DESCRIPTION)
AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. Students explore their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of the development of their scholarly work in a portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of approximately 4000–5000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.
(P. 8, AP RESEARCH COURSE AND EXAM DESCRIPTION)
AP Research allows students to deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. Through this exploration, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research based investigation to address a research question. In the AP Research course, students further their skills acquired in the AP Seminar course by understanding research methodology; employing ethical research practices; and accessing, analyzing, and synthesizing information as they address a research question. Students explore their skill development, document their processes, and curate the artifacts of the development of their scholarly work in a portfolio. The course culminates in an academic paper of approximately 4000–5000 words (accompanied by a performance or exhibition of product where applicable) and a presentation with an oral defense.
Why is this class recommended?
AP Capstone Reasoning Processes
The AP Capstone program allows students to develop and practice reasoning processes that help them to make intentional, strategic decisions. It is important for teachers to understand these reasoning processes, which are embedded within the learning objectives:
- Situating — being aware of the context of one’s own as well as others’ perspectives, realizing that individual bias can lead to assumptions;
- Choosing — making intentional and purposeful choices, realizing that choices have both intended and unintended consequences;
- Defending — being able to explain and justify personal choices, logic, line of reasoning, and conclusions; and
- Connecting — seeing intersections within and/or across concepts, disciplines, and cultures.
The AP Capstone Diploma and AP Seminar and Research Certificate
Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research and on four additional AP Exams of their choosing will receive the AP Capstone Diploma™.
Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research but not on four additional AP Exams will receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.
Students who earn scores of 3 or higher in AP Seminar and AP Research but not on four additional AP Exams will receive the AP Seminar and Research Certificate™.