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AP Research

Course Assessments

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Assessments

Students are assessed with two through-course performance tasks. Both assessments are summative and will be used to calculate a final AP score (using the 1–5 scale) for AP Research.

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▶ Academic Paper (AP) 4,000-5,000 words — 75%

▶ Presentation and Oral Defense (POD) 15-20 minutes — 25%

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Academic Paper (AP)

The body of the academic paper must contain the elements listed below:

Introduction and Literature Review Introduces research question/project goal and reviews previous work in the field. Synthesizes the varying perspectives in the scholarly literature to situate the research question/project goal within a gap in the current field of knowledge.

Method, Process, or Approach Explains and provides justification for the chosen method, process, or approach and its alignment with the research question.

Results, Product, or Findings Presents the findings, evidence, results, or performance/exhibit/product generated by the research method.

Discussion, Analysis, and/or Evaluation Interprets the significance of the results, performance/exhibit/product, or findings; explores connections to original research question/project goal.

Conclusion and Future Directions Articulates the new understanding generated through the research process and the limitations of the conclusion or creative work. Discusses the implications to the community of practice. Identifies areas for future research.

Bibliography Provides a complete list of sources cited and consulted in the appropriate disciplinary style.

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Presentation and Oral Defense (POD)

All students will develop a 15–20 minute presentation (using appropriate media) and deliver it to an oral defense panel of at least three evaluators. It is suggested that students’ oral presentation be no longer than 15 minutes to ensure at least 5 minutes for the oral defense. The presentation and oral defense should take no longer than 15–20 minutes total. Like the academic paper, the presentation provides an opportunity for students to showcase their research by communicating effectively and succinctly to an audience of educated, non-experts.