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About the Course
In AP Research, you decide what to study. Curious about the impact of AI on society? You can make a project out of that. Are you passionate about social causes? Interested in climate change or mental health? You can research these, as well. In this course, you’ll learn about different research methods and will develop advanced research skills while researching a topic of your choice.
Skills You'll Learn
Conducting independent research
Analyzing sources and evidence
Applying context and perspective
Writing a college-level academic paper
Presenting research findings to an audience
Equivalency and Prerequisites
College Course Equivalent
AP Research is an interdisciplinary course that encourages students to demonstrate critical thinking and academic research skills on a topic of the student’s choosing. To accommodate the wide range of student topics, typical college course equivalents include introductory research or general elective courses.
Prerequisites
Students must have successfully completed the AP Seminar course.
Assessment Date
Course Content
Big Idea 1: Question and Explore
You’ll learn about the first step of doing research: inquiry and investigation.
You’ll practice:
- Identifying a problem or issue and developing a question about it
- Finding and organizing the information you need to answer the question
- Evaluating the sources of information you use
- Looking at the problem or issue from different perspectives
Big Idea 2: Understand and Analyze
You’ll learn to read, comprehend, and explain a perspective or argument.
You’ll practice:
- Reading critically for a purpose
- Explaining and analyzing the line of reasoning of an argument
- Evaluating the evidence an author uses to support their argument
- Assessing potential resolutions, conclusions, or solutions raised by an argument
Big Idea 3: Evaluate Multiple Perspectives
You’ll learn to compare and contrast different perspectives on an issue, idea, or problem so you can understand its complexity.
You’ll practice:
- Identifying, comparing, and interpreting different perspectives on, or arguments about, an issue
- Evaluating objections, implications, and limitations of different perspectives or arguments
Big Idea 4: Synthesize Ideas
You’ll learn to take information you’ve gathered, analyzed, and evaluated and use it to form your own conclusions and build your own argument.
You’ll practice:
- Formulating a well-reasoned argument
- Using data and information from various sources to develop and support an argument
- Linking evidence to claims
- Offering resolutions, conclusions, or solutions based on evidence
Big Idea 5: Team, Transform, and Transmit
You’ll learn peer review practices and how to communicate your ideas to an audience.
You’ll practice:
- Planning, producing, and presenting an argument while considering audience, context, and purpose
- Communicating information through appropriate media
- Using effective techniques to engage an audience
Credit and Placement
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AP Research can lead to a wide range of careers and college majors