1. AP Research Paper Components

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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)

5. 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?

6. 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)

7. 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