#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 foundation...