Written as a required reading for the AP Research class at the High School Affiliated to Renmin University of China International Curriculum Center (RDFZ ICC). To report discrepancies email [email protected]

<aside> ☝ Welcome to AP Research! This purpose of this course is to transform you into an independent and critical thinker, a skilled researcher, and an effective communicator. It will offer you the opportunity to deeply explore a topic that intrigues you and present your findings in a formal academic paper. However, navigating this course successfully will require focus, diligence, and the ability to adapt and learn. To assist you in this course, I have compiled a set of expectations and tips that should guide you through the AP Research process. This advice is based on my experience teaching this course in the past as well reading for doctoral degree myself. It aims to prepare you for the challenges you might face, all while helping you maximize your learning experience.

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The main goal of the AP Research course is to complete a research paper that demonstrates your ability to design, execute, and present an effective and ethical research study. This paper will be graded by the College Board, so it's crucial to understand that all aspects of the course work towards that goal.

Here are some practical pieces of advice with that in mind:

1. Origins of Good Research Ideas: Remember that good research ideas can come from anywhere. They may be sparked by something you read in a book, an article you come across, a discussion in class, a personal experience, a societal issue that intrigues you, or even a random moment of curiosity. The key is to be open and receptive to these moments of inspiration. Even seemingly trivial questions or observations can blossom into meaningful research projects if they are approached with curiosity and rigor. So, keep an open mind, stay curious, and don't disregard an idea just because it seems too simple or too "out there". All it needs to be a good research topic is your interest, its potential for inquiry, and the availability of resources for investigation. I’ll use an example to get my point across. In 2021, I taught a class on public speaking. One of my students told told me that she’s struggling with selecting a topic for her finals. When I casually asked her what does she like to do most in her free time, she mentioned that she likes to sleep. I told her that if she enjoys sleeping, it makes natural sense for her to explore this incredibly important physiological process as a topic of interest. This year, she wrote an AP Research paper on sleep deprivation as a continuation of the same inquiry into sleep she began in 2021. She scored a 5. See, good research ideas can come from anywhere.

As a corollary, something that I’d like you to avoid: 1. Avoid referring to your dissertation topic as ‘your passion’ rather than your area of research interest – Once you have a topic of interest, I’d prefer that you not to relate your research topic as ‘your passion’ because that denotes something that you might not be willing to move from if the we make a determination that it may not be doable—a topic of interest indicates a flexibility on your part. Remember, your primary goal is to complete the paper.

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2. Setting Realistic Expectations: As we begin this class, it's important to set realistic expectations for your project. Since AP Research is a high school-level course, it's not expected or required that your research paper “changes the world”. The focus of this course is not necessarily on making groundbreaking discoveries but on learning the process and skills involved in conducting sound, ethical, and effective research. It's about growing as a scholar, learning to think critically, developing skills in data collection and analysis [See Point 5], and effectively communicating your findings. Ultimately, the goal is to meet the learning outcomes set by the course and to perform well on the College Board’s assessment of your paper which in-turn is based on a clear rubric provided by College Board. So, keep your attention grounded on these tangible goals and celebrate the progress you make along the way. Remember, every piece of research, no matter how small, contributes to the collective body of knowledge.
3. Building Knowledge and Clarity of Thought: It's essential to understand that there's no such thing as spontaneous thought in the context of research. The clarity of thought and depth of insight you bring to your research question stem from a comprehensive background knowledge and familiarity with the topic at hand. The more you read, study, and engage with your chosen field, the clearer and more nuanced your understanding becomes. This immersion in your topic allows you to see connections, gaps, and potential avenues of investigation that might not be immediately apparent to others. Therefore, a considerable part of this class will involve building this foundational knowledge. Please remember that it's this extensive engagement that eventually makes it seem as if ideas or insights occur spontaneously when, in fact, they are the result of accumulated understanding and perspective.
4. Navigating the Literature Review: When conducting your literature review, keep in mind that it's not necessary or feasible to read and understand every word of every research paper you come across. Research papers often contain highly specialized language and detailed methodology sections that can be overwhelming. The purpose of the literature review is to gain a broad understanding of the existing research related to your topic, identify gaps, and understand how your research question fits within this context. There are likely a few foundational papers that inform the bulk of your research, and these should be read more thoroughly. The remaining papers often provide incremental contributions, and it is more important to understand their key findings and implications. Learn to effectively skim academic papers, focusing on the abstract, introduction, and conclusion for the main arguments and findings. This approach will help you to construct an understanding of the "big picture" without getting lost in the minutiae of each individual paper.
5. Understanding Data in a Broader Context: When we discuss data in the context of research, it's crucial to understand that we're not just referring to numbers or statistical information. Data, in research vocabulary, encompasses a wide range of information types. Qualitative data, such as interview transcripts, observational notes, artifacts, images, or even a philosophical reflection, are all considered data. This kind of data can provide rich, detailed insights that quantitative data might not capture. It's often used to explore complex phenomena in depth, understand context, capture experiences and perceptions, or generate new theories. So, when you're planning your research, consider what kind of data will best answer your research question. It could be purely quantitative, purely qualitative, or a mix of both - also known as mixed methods research.
6. The Universality of Research Process and Discipline-Specific Conventions: The Research Process, often referred to as the Scientific Method, is a systematic approach to inquiry that can be applied across all disciplines, from natural sciences to humanities and social sciences. This process involves formulating a clear research question, conducting a literature review, selecting appropriate research methods, collecting and analyzing data, interpreting the findings, and reporting the results. However, it's also important to understand that while these broad research skills are universal, each discipline has its own specific conventions for conducting research and writing about findings. These conventions can include preferred research methodologies, citation styles, ways of structuring research papers, and even the language used to discuss findings. As part of AP Research, you will learn not only the general research skills but also the discipline-specific conventions relevant to your research topic. This dual focus will allow you to conduct and present your research in a manner that aligns with the professional standards of your chosen field. It's important to be aware of these conventions and incorporate them appropriately in your research project.
7. Understanding vs. Mastery in Statistical Tools: In AP Research, you will come across various statistical tools and research methods. It's important to understand that you don't need to comprehend the full mathematical rigor and background behind a statistical test to effectively use it in your research. The key is to understand the conditions and assumptions for using the particular tools and methods, how to interpret the results, and how it fits into the broader context of your research question. The goal is not to master all the intricacies of these tools but to learn how to use them effectively and ethically to answer your research questions. After all, research is a tool-driven endeavor, and AP Research aims to equip you with a toolbox you can use effectively, even if you're not the one who designed the tools. Remember, there are always resources available, including your teacher [moi] and online platforms, to assist you when dealing with these tools.
8. Prioritization and Volume Management: Effective time management is critical in research, but it's equally important to understand that you can't time manage your way out of everything. Research, by its nature, can be expansive and sometimes overwhelming. There may be periods when you are stretched thin with multiple tasks or deadlines. In these moments, it's crucial to learn to prioritize your work based on its importance and deadlines. This might mean focusing on one aspect of your project over another or even letting go of certain tasks that aren't essential to your overall research goal. Learning to reduce the volume of work, and focusing on what's critical, is as valuable a skill as any in the research process. This skill will serve you well not just in this course but in your future academic and professional life.
9. The Value of Robust Methodologies in Existing Topics: It's important to note that using a more robust methodology to explore a topic that's already been researched is also considered valid and valuable research. Sometimes, research is not about finding a completely new topic but about investigating an existing topic in a new, more thorough, or more sophisticated way. This could mean using a new methodology, employing a different theoretical framework, or applying a different analysis technique. Replicating previous studies with improved methods can also strengthen the validity of previous findings or provide new insights. In fact, this kind of research can often contribute significantly to the field by either reinforcing or challenging existing knowledge. So, don't be discouraged if your research topic isn't entirely "new"; what matters more is how you approach it.
10. Writing is not the byproduct of research, Writing IS Research: Writing is not merely the end product or byproduct of research; it is, in fact, an integral part of the research process itself. The act of writing your ideas, hypotheses, observations, and findings helps solidify your understanding and often leads to the generation of new ideas. As you write and rewrite, you are continually refining your thoughts, clarifying your arguments, and deepening your analysis. Writing allows you to critically engage with your research, to see it from different perspectives, and to identify any gaps or inconsistencies in your arguments or evidence. Moreover, it's through writing that you effectively communicate your research to others. So, embrace writing as a powerful tool for thinking, understanding, and communicating throughout your research journey. Expect to write multiple drafts, and understand that each revision is an opportunity to improve and clarify your work. Remember, good writing is the result of rethinking and rewriting, so be patient and persistent.
11. Inconclusive Findings Are Valuable Too: One of the misconceptions that some students have about research is that it must always lead to conclusive results or statistically significant findings. However, at least in the context of AP Research, this is not the case. In fact, some of the top-scoring papers every year are those with inconclusive findings. Research is about inquiry and discovery, and sometimes what we discover is that we don't have a clear answer, that our hypothesis was incorrect, or that further investigation is needed. This is not a failure; it's a valid and important contribution to knowledge. When you begin your research, focus on conducting it as effectively and ethically as possible. Do not chase results or statistical significance. It's good to have conclusive results, but it's equally important to report inconclusive findings. They can indicate limitations, suggest modifications to your methodology, or point towards new areas of inquiry. Remember, the goal of AP Research is to learn and engage with the research process, and inconclusive findings are a very real part of that process.
12. Seek Help When Needed - Your Teacher and Peers Are Resources: Research is a challenging endeavor, and it's completely normal to encounter hurdles along the way. If you're struggling with any part of your research or writing process, don't hesitate to ask for help. We are there to guide and support you through this journey, so make sure to utilize the expertise and experience available to you. Discuss your challenges, ask for advice, and seek feedback on your work. Your peers can be an invaluable resource too. Peer feedback can offer fresh perspectives, insightful suggestions, and constructive criticism, which can significantly enhance your research project. Engage in peer review sessions, discuss your work with your classmates, and don't be afraid to ask for their opinions. Remember, AP Research is not just about independent study; it's also about collaborative learning. By fostering an environment of mutual support and shared learning, we can navigate the complexities of the research process together.
13. Keep Your Eyes on the Prize: Remember, everything you do in this course is building towards the completion of your research paper. Every assignment, every piece of feedback, every revision is a step in the process of creating this paper. Use each of these steps as a learning opportunity.

<aside> ☝ As I conclude this document, I would like to emphasize that while AP Research requires independence, you are not alone in this journey. I am there to guide you, to clarify doubts, and to provide feedback and support. I understand that the process might feel overwhelming at times, but remember but that’s a feature, not a bug in AP Research. Please remember to take care of yourself. Research is a demanding endeavor, and it can sometimes feel all-consuming. Balance is key. Ensure that you maintain a healthy routine, get regular exercise, sleep well, and take breaks when needed. Balance your commitment to your research with other school responsibilities, extracurricular activities, and time with friends and family.

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See you in August

Sunny