Introduction
The AP Research course and exam focus on students developing the skills to effectively conduct academic research in order to produce an original piece of scholarly work. As with any research project, careful selection and analysis of sources is key. The AP Research exam score is based on two through-course performance assessments: a research paper on a topic of the student’s choice and a presentation and oral defense of research. Scores range from 1 to 5 and a medium score paper would show clear progress but still have areas for further development.
Thesis and Central Question
A medium scoring research paper will have a clear thesis statement responding to a well-developed research question. The question or thesis may not be entirely original or explore the topic with the level of depth seen in higher-scoring papers. Examples of researchable thesis statements that could earn a medium score include:
“The development and refinement of social media platforms has negatively impacted youth mental health and well-being.”
“A shift towards renewable energy sources would help mitigate the effects of climate change while stimulating economic growth in developed nations.”
“Changes in public education policies are needed to address continued racial inequities in student achievement and outcomes.”
These thesis statements present reasonable arguments or positions but may not push the boundaries of knowledge on their topic as much as a high-scoring paper. The research question is clear and focused enough to guide an investigation without being too broad.
Literature Review
A literature review section of medium length (5-7 pages) will examine prior research from multiple credible scholarly sources that are relevant to addressing the thesis. Most major perspectives and key existing works on the topic will be represented, but coverage may not be entirely comprehensive. Some higher-level synthesis of patterns and disagreements across sources will be attempted, but analysis and evaluation of evidence will show more room to develop sophisticated critical thinking.
Source Integration
In-text citations and footnotes will be consistently included to attribute all incorporated information to original sources, meeting the basic standards for academic integrity. Source material may not always be seamlessly integrated into the student’s own analysis and prose. Direct quotes are usually introduced and contextualized, but narrative flow between incorporated ideas and the student’s voice could be improved. The relationship between cited evidence and the argument of the paper is sometimes unclear or not fully developed. Source types used (e.g. studies, reports, interviews) provide legitimate evidence but may skew more toward easier-to-access online sources than use of scholarly journal articles or books.
Visual Presentation
The medium paper will be consistently formatted with readable font and spacing that meets basic paper guidelines. Headings, titled sections, and pagination create a clear organizational structure. While free of glaring stylistic issues, the writing may show some occasional lapses in formality of style, clarity of expression, grammatical correctness, or consistency of tense and voice that slightly distract the reader at times but do not impede understanding. In-text citations, footnotes, and the bibliography are correctly formatted per style guidelines with only minor errors.
Conclusion
An effectively argued conclusion caps off a medium research paper. It will summarize the key evidence and analysis presented to restate the thesis. The conclusion may not completely integrate all aspects of the literature review or identify implications, limitations, need for future research, or potential objections as clearly as a top-scoring paper. The student demonstrates a functional grasp of research methods and scholarly writing conventions but still has room to develop more sophistication. Continued practice and instructor feedback on revision would help elevate a medium paper.
Areas for Improvement
While the quality of research, analysis and argument presented in a mid-range AP Research paper meets basic standards, there are further refinements needed to achieve the highest levels:
Developing a more novel research question that pushes disciplinary boundaries
Conducting a more comprehensive literature review that canvasses a wider range of scholarly sources
Integrating cited evidence more seamlessly within the student’s own critical analysis and insightful synthesis
Applying a more analytical approach when evaluating perspectives and addressing counterarguments
Achieving more polished clarity, formality and flow in written composition and style
Identifying implications, limitations of the research methodology, avenues for future work, and remaining questions or objections in the conclusion
Consulting additional resources like research librarians, writing center tutors or subject experts for feedback on refining the project
Overall, more practice developing different types of academic work through multiple revisions with instructor guidance could help a student scoring in the medium range take their research, analysis and communication to a higher level on future projects. Continual skill-building is an important part of progressing as an independent scholar.