AP Seminar Performace Task 2: Developing a Research Question

Summary

In this educational video, Jerry Gonzalez guides viewers on crafting an effective research question for academic papers. He emphasizes the importance of transitioning from a general topic to a focused question while maintaining relevance to the initial stimulus materials. Gonzalez discusses the significance of context, the evolution of the research question through ongoing research, and the need for a clear, focused question that can be explored within the word limit constraints. He also outlines criteria for effective research questions, including genuine debate, engagement with alternative perspectives, and feasibility of research. The video offers strategies for identifying and refining a research question, and suggests resources for further guidance, aiming to help students develop a strong foundation for their academic arguments.

Takeaways

• 📚 The video focuses on developing an effective research question from a general research topic, emphasizing the importance of transitioning with a clear focus.
• 🔍 Jerry Gonzalez, the presenter, highlights the significance of keeping the language of the rubric in mind while formulating a research question.
• 🎯 The goal for rubric row 2 is to situate the research question within a larger context, explaining its significance or importance.
• 🤔 The process involves preliminary research on the problem or issue, which aids in formulating the actual research question.
• 🔑 The importance of context is underscored, as it helps establish credibility as an author and informs the controversial problem or issue being researched.
• 🧐 The original research question will evolve as more research is conducted, leading to a refined understanding of the problem or issue.
• 📈 To establish context, one should identify the specific problem, find evidence, consider the cause, explain the significance, and identify relevant stakeholders.
• 📝 Effective research questions should be designed to provide a foundation for researching an area of investigation effectively.
• 🔬 There are two types of research arguments: solutions-based and position-based, each leading to different types of research questions.
• ✅ The five criteria for an effective research question in AP Seminar include genuine points of debate, engagement with alternative perspectives, a requirement for judgment or evaluation, researchability, and simplicity.
• 📉 Before formulating a research question, ensure enough research has been done to identify a debate within the field and decide whether to take a position or solve a problem.

Q & A

What is the main focus of Jerry Gonzalez's video?

The main focus of Jerry Gonzalez's video is to guide viewers on developing an effective research question and the strategies needed to transition from a general research topic to a more focused research question.

What are the two main aspects of the rubric that the video emphasizes?

The video emphasizes the first two rows of the rubric, which involve keeping the stimulus materials in mind when generating a research topic and allowing oneself to establish the appropriate parameters to discuss context.

What is the overall goal for rubric row 2 according to the video?

The overall goal for rubric row 2 is to explain the significance or importance of your research question by situating it within the larger context.

What are the two types of research arguments discussed in the video?

The two types of research arguments discussed are solutions-based arguments, which attempt to solve a problem, and position-based arguments, which take a stance on an issue.

What are the five criteria for an effective research question according to AP Seminar?

The five criteria for an effective research question are: 1) It involves genuine points of ongoing debate, 2) It invites engagement with alternative perspectives, 3) It requires a judgment or evaluation to be made, 4) It is researchable, and 5) It is simple and not a combination of multiple questions.

What is the importance of context in developing a research question?

Context is important because it helps to establish the significance and relevance of the research question, situating it within a larger framework and providing a foundation for a focused argument.

Why is it recommended to review and revise the research question throughout the research process?

It is recommended to review and revise the research question throughout the research process because as one becomes more informed through research, the understanding of the problem or issue evolves, which may necessitate adjustments to the research question to maintain focus and relevance.

What is the significance of connecting the research question to the stimulus materials?

Connecting the research question to the stimulus materials is significant because it ensures that the research is grounded in the original sources that inspired the topic, and it helps to maintain the integrity and relevance of the research within the context of the assignment.

What is the role of academic peer-reviewed work in the research process described in the video?

Academic peer-reviewed work plays a crucial role in the research process as it provides credible and scholarly sources that support the research question, enrich the context, and contribute to the development of a well-informed argument.

What advice does Jerry Gonzalez give regarding the scope of the research question?

Jerry Gonzalez advises to localize the research question to a specific place, population, or event to help narrow the parameters of the research question, making it more manageable and focused without being too narrow to the point where there's no existing research.

How does the video suggest approaching the transition from a research topic to a research question?

The video suggests making a thematic connection between stimulus sources to generate a research idea and topic, conducting preliminary research on that topic, and then refining the understanding of the problem or issue to generate an appropriate research question.