Course Overview

AP Research is a year-long course where students design, plan, and implement an independent research project on a topic of their choice, building on the skills developed in AP Seminar. Through this process, students learn to employ various research methodologies, analyze data, and produce a scholarly paper of 4,000–5,000 words, culminating in a presentation and oral defense of their findings. The course emphasizes critical thinking, ethical research practices, and effective communication of ideas.

What You'll Learn From This Course

• Develop and refine research questions: Students will be able to formulate clear, focused, and researchable questions that guide their independent research projects.
• Employ ethical research practices: Students will understand and apply ethical standards in research, including proper citation, respecting intellectual property, and following guidelines for working with human subjects when applicable.
• Analyze and synthesize multiple sources: Students will critically evaluate and synthesize information from a variety of sources to support their research and develop informed, evidence-based arguments.
• Design and conduct independent research: Students will apply appropriate research methodologies to collect, analyze, and interpret data, ensuring that their methods are aligned with the goals of their inquiry.
• Communicate research findings effectively: Students will produce a well-organized academic paper and deliver an engaging presentation, demonstrating their ability to convey complex ideas and defend their research findings through oral defense.

Requirements

• Completing AP Seminar course is advised.
• Basic understanding of critical thinking and analytical skills.
• Enthusiasm for research and being a truth-seeker.