AP Research is the 2nd year of the AP Capstone program. During this year, students choose ONE topic, one area of focus, conduct research and then propose their own Research question and proposal. The big difference between the two courses is that in AP Seminar, students are relying on the research of others to create their argument; in AP Research, students must propose and conduct their OWN research project. They must then put their own findings in conversation with what other researchers in the field have found, and determine the significance of their research. With this shift, students go from being mere observers, to being participants in the Research process.
Their research and findings are presented in two ways:
Over the course of the year, students write a 4,000 - 5,000 word Research Paper that includes all of the following:
This paper is due to the Digital Portfolio by April 30, 2021
The Research paper comprises 75% of the students' AP Exam Score
Students create a 15 minute presentation of their research and their findings. This presentation is given to a panel of teachers/adults. The presentation must orient the audience to the problem or issue and discuss their research question and methods along with their reasons for their chosen approach. In both the research paper and the presentation, students must show how their research fits in with research conducted by other experts in the field. Students must also answer Oral Defense questions asked by the panel.
The presentation and oral defense comprises 25% of the students' AP Exam score.
There is NO End of Course exam for AP Research. Students are evaluated solely on the research paper and presentation.
For more information, visit: apstudents.collegeboard.org/courses/ap-research