#AP Research: Aligning with Disciplines & Citing Sources

Hey there, future scholar! Let's make sure you're totally prepped for the AP Research exam. This guide will help you nail those tricky questions about aligning your research with a specific discipline and properly using sources. Think of this as your go-to resource for a confident test day! 🚀

#1. Understanding Disciplines and Their Impact

#1.1 What is a Discipline?

• A discipline is a specific branch of knowledge studied in higher education. Think of it as a field of study with its own rules and ways of doing things. 🧐
• Examples include History, English, Art, Computer Science, and Economics. They can overlap, like when historians use anthropology or sociology methods.

#1.2 Why Does It Matter?

• Each discipline has its own research methods, communication styles, and terminology. For example, citation styles differ: MLA for English, Chicago for History.
• Aligning your paper with its discipline shows you understand the field's conventions. It's like speaking the right language to your audience. 🗣️

#1.3 How to Identify Your Discipline

• Ask yourself: "What subject is my research under?" Is it scientific or humanities-based?
• Look at your background research papers. What journals are they published in? (e.g., "Journal of Psychology" or "Journal of Social Sciences")
• If your work fits multiple disciplines, choose the most prevalent one or the one that covers the broadest area.

#1.4 Diving Deeper: Foundational Texts

• Reading or summarizing foundational texts in your discipline can be super helpful. These texts reveal the core principles, practices, and assumptions of your field.
• Look for texts that your background research papers frequently cite. Are there any recurring names or works? These are your foundational texts!

#

• You don’t need to be an expert, but a general understanding of your discipline's conventions is crucial. You'll pick up a lot just by doing your background research! 📚

Practice Question

Multiple Choice

1. Which of the following best describes a 'discipline' in the context of academic research? a) A set of personal opinions on a topic. b) A branch of knowledge with established frameworks and methods. c) A random collection of research papers. d) A way to avoid citing sources.

2. Why is it important to align your research with a specific discipline? a) To make your paper longer. b) To follow arbitrary rules. c) To match the conventions of the field, including research methods and citation styles. d) To confuse the reader.

Free Response Question

Explain the importance of identifying the discipline of your research project. How does understanding the foundational texts of your discipline contribute to the quality of your research? Provide an example of how a research project might span multiple disciplines and how to approach this situation. (4 points)

Scoring Rubric:

• 1 point: Explanation of why identifying a discipline is important (e.g., aligning with conventions).
• 1 point: Explanation of how foundational texts contribute to research quality (e.g., understanding principles).
• 1 point: Example of a research project spanning multiple disciplines.
• 1 point: Explanation of how to approach a multi-disciplinary research project (e.g., choosing the most prevalent discipline).

#2. Properly Quoting and Citing Sources

#2.1 Why Proper Citation Matters

• In academic writing, you must introduce, integrate, and attribute all outside evidence. This isn't just a formality; it's crucial for academic integrity. 💯
• There are two main ways to use outside evidence: paraphrasing (restating in your own words) and quoting (using the exact words).

#2.2 Introducing Evidence

• Introduce quotes with a phrase or sentence. Don't just drop them in! For example, "According to...".
• It's best to provide context and reasoning before the quote. Explain why you're using the evidence. 💡

#2.3 Integrating Evidence

• Integrate evidence by giving it context and explaining its relevance to your argument.
• Use transition words or phrases to connect multiple pieces of evidence, such as "However," "Despite this," "Furthermore," or "In concurrence."
• Your transitions can be as long as needed to make the connection clear. Don't rush it! ⏱️

#2.4 Attribution

• Attribute all sources properly using a citation format. (e.g., MLA, Chicago)
• MLA format requires in-text citations with the author's last name and page number. (Doe 17).
• Remember to include a corresponding entry in your bibliography. It's like completing the puzzle! 🧩

#

• Citation styles vary greatly. Chicago uses footnotes, for instance. Always double-check the most recent handbook or a resource like Purdue Owl.

#2.6 The Importance of Avoiding Plagiarism

• Rigorous citation is essential to prevent plagiarism, which can happen accidentally. Acknowledging sources properly makes you a trustworthy academic. ✅
• Plagiarism is a serious offense with severe consequences. Take it seriously! 🚨
• These rules also apply to artistic and visual works (music, pictures, videos, etc.). Check out copyright law and IP for more info. 🖼️

Practice Question

Multiple Choice

1. What is the primary purpose of introducing a quote in an academic paper? a) To make the paper longer. b) To show off your research skills. c) To provide context and reasoning for the evidence. d) To confuse the reader.

2. Which of the following is NOT a way to integrate evidence into your writing? a) Using transition words. b) Providing context. c) Explaining the relevance of the evidence. d) Leaving the reader to interpret the evidence on their own.

Free Response Question

Explain the difference between paraphrasing and quoting, and discuss the importance of attribution in academic writing. Provide an example of how you would integrate a quote into your research paper, including a transition between two pieces of evidence. (4 points)

Scoring Rubric:

• 1 point: Explanation of the difference between paraphrasing and quoting.
• 1 point: Discussion of the importance of attribution (e.g., avoiding plagiarism).
• 1 point: Example of a quote integrated into a research paper.
• 1 point: Example of a transition between two pieces of evidence.

#Final Exam Focus

#High-Priority Topics

• Disciplines: Know how to identify your research discipline and its conventions. This is a recurring theme.
• Citation: Master the art of introducing, integrating, and attributing sources. It's a must for academic integrity.
• Plagiarism: Understand why it's a serious issue and how to avoid it through proper citation.

#

• Time Management: Don't spend too long on any one question. Move on and come back if needed.
• Common Pitfalls: Avoid plagiarism at all costs. Always double-check your citations.
• Challenging Questions: Break down complex questions into smaller parts. Look for keywords and focus on what you know.

#

• I.I.A: Remember to Introduce, Integrate, and Attribute your sources.
• Purdue Owl: Your go-to resource for citation styles.

You've got this! Stay calm, stay focused, and trust your preparation. You're ready to ace this exam! 💪