AP Research
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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.
Recommended Prerequisites
Students must have successfully completed the AP Seminar course.
Assessment Date
Wed, Apr 30, 2025
11:59 PM ET
AP Research Performance Task Due Date
Submit your AP Research performance task as final in the AP Digital Portfolio by this 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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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Course Resources
Ap research course and exam description.
This is the core document for the course. It clearly lays out the course content and describes the assessment and the AP Program in general.
AP Daily Videos
Once you join your AP class section online, you’ll be able to access AP Daily videos in AP Classroom. AP Daily videos cover every proficiency and skill outlined in the AP Research Course and Exam Description. Sign in to access them.
What Are Project Based AP Courses?
Learn how project based AP courses take you beyond the textbook and into a world of learning through hands-on exploration.
- Go to College Board Blog
More About Your Course
Participate in the ap capstone diploma program.
Learn more about the AP Capstone Diploma Program, and how you can participate. Taking AP Seminar and AP Research lets you study topics you love, learn key academic skills, and stand out to colleges.
AP Capstone Diploma Program Policies
Understand policies on plagiarism, participation, extended absence, and more for AP Seminar and AP Research students.
See Where AP Can Take You
AP Research can lead to a wide range of careers and college majors
Additional Information
IMAGES
VIDEO
COMMENTS
Download sample Academic Papers along with scoring guidelines and scoring distributions. If you are using assistive technology and need help accessing these PDFs in another format, contact Services for Students with Disabilities at 212-713-8333 or by email at [email protected].
Academic Paper. Overview. This performance task was intended to assess students’ ability to conduct scholarly and responsible research and articulate an evidence- based argument that clearly communicates the conclusion, solution, or answer to their stated research question.
Academic Paper. Overview. This performance task was intended to assess students’ ability to conduct scholarly and responsible research and articulate an evidence-based argument that clearly communicates the conclusion, solution, or answer to their stated research question.
• Generate a focused research question that is situated within or connected to a larger scholarly context or community; • Explore relationships between and among multiple works representing multiple perspectives within the
AP® RESEARCH 2017 SCORING COMMENTARY Academic Paper Overview This performance task was intended to assess students’ ability to conduct scholarly and responsible research and articulate an evidence-based argument that clearly communicates the conclusion, solution, or answer to their stated research question.
AP® Research Academic Paper. Scoring Guidelines. 2019 The College Board. College Board, Advanced Placement, AP, AP Central, and the acorn logo are registered trademarks of the College Board. AP Capstone is a trademark owned by the College Board. Visit the College Board on the web: collegeboard.org.
AP Research Performance Task Rubric: Academic Paper. Content Area. Performance Levels. 1 Understand and Analyze Context. The paper identifies the topic of inquiry. The paper identifies the topic, purpose, and focus The paper articulates the significance of the topic of the inquiry and explains why further of inquiry by connecting it to the ...
Academic Paper. 75% of Score. The academic paper should be 4,000–5,000 words long. You’ll be evaluated on the content, structure, format, and conclusions of the paper as well as your ability to properly and accurately cite sources.
AP Research Performance Task Rubric: Academic Paper (v. 1.0) Content Area Performance Levels 1 Understand and Analyze Context The paper identifies the topic of inquiry.
Deeply explore an academic topic, problem, or issue of individual interest. You will design, plan, and conduct a year-long research based investigation.