AP Research Paper Components

Introduction Components Introduction/History of Topic Definitions Cornerstone Work on Topic in Field Arguments on Topic in the Field Gaps regarding Topic Hypothesis, Assumptions, or Research Statement

Components of Methods Presentations Overall Research Design with Justification Method of Research (Specific ways of collecting data) Description of Participants/Subjects Ethical Considerations (if needed) Description of Instruments (Detailed)... Validity Procedure (Others must be able to reproduce the experiment)...Step-by-step guide

BIG PICTURE: Introduction to 2nd Half of Paper Findings Analysis Limitations Implications/Conclusion Future Directions Abstract (Actually goes at start of paper but requires entire paper to be written)

Descriptive Statistics Frequency Distribution Visuals: Bar Graph Histogram Line Graph Scatterplot Contingency Table Mode, Median, Mean Range, Variance, Standard Deviation Correlation Coefficient Regression Analysis Inferential Statistics T-Testing Estimation Hypothesis Testing Sampling Distributions Change over Time?  

Findings Element Major Concerns: Clarity of Findings for audience No repetition between graphs/charts/tables and information provided within the text (Engagement of Audience issue) Wrapping visuals cleaning within the text Moving any participant data to Methods section (BIG ISSUE)

Analysis Element Major Concerns: Begin connecting research back to the major body of knowledge Integrate sources within Analysis Line of Reasoning Pattern that is clear to audience and that encourages synthesis of findings with interpretation and significance Trend Frequency (Most to least) Thematic Instrument Based