Identifying a Problem or Issue and Developing a Question About It Chapter Notes | AP Research – AP Students - Grade 11 PDF Download

Introduction

This chapter is guides students through the initial steps of selecting a topic for their AP Research project. It emphasizes the importance of choosing a topic based on personal interest to sustain motivation over the 8- to 9-month research period. The chapter outlines how to identify a broad field, ensure diverse perspectives, define the research purpose, and formulate a clear, testable research question that addresses a gap in existing knowledge. It also highlights the need for feasibility and scientific rigor in the research process.

Choosing a Research Topic

• Select a topic you are genuinely interested in, as you will research it for 8 to 9 months.
• Topics can vary widely, such as Norse mythology or artificial intelligence, depending on your passion.
• Ensure the topic has a diverse range of perspectives to allow for meaningful exploration.
• Example: Instead of studying the nutritional value of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, consider researching the declining nutritional value of school lunches if it aligns with your interests.
• Brainstorm fields of interest, which can be broad or specific, as there will be time to refine them later.
• Asking questions about your topic can uncover connections, spark curiosity, and lead to further questions.

Contributing to the Body of Knowledge

• Your research must address a gap in the existing body of literature to be meaningful.
• Conduct independent research, and if collecting your own data, ensure the methods are feasible and scientifically sound.
• Avoid impractical projects, such as those requiring expensive equipment like a particle accelerator.

Defining the Purpose of Your Research

• Determine the purpose of your research, which could be to:
  • Explain a phenomenon.
  • Explore a new area.
  • Create something new.
  • Offer a practical solution.
  • Offer a theoretical solution.
  • Challenge existing ideas.
  • Interpret existing data in a new way.
• Clearly define how your research contributes to the scholarly community’s body of knowledge.

Formulating a Research Question

• Once the purpose is clear, develop a research question to guide the direction of your study.
• The research question should be succinct, clear, and testable within your time and resource constraints.
• Expect to revise the research question multiple times to ensure clarity and feasibility.
• Examples of good research questions:
  • To what extent does parental involvement impact a child's academic success?
  • How does the use of technology in the classroom affect student learning outcomes?
  • What are the effects of different teaching methods on student engagement in math classes?
  • How does parental socioeconomic status affect a child's access to extracurricular activities?
• These questions contribute to educational knowledge and have potential to benefit a large group of people.

Key Terms

Research Question: A research question is a clearly defined query that guides the focus of a study, serving as the foundation for inquiry and investigation. It directs the research process by establishing the context, purpose, and scope, helping to formulate arguments and evaluate evidence throughout the research.