how to find a topic for ap research

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How to Choose a Project for Your AP Research Course

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The AP Research course guides you through the design, planning, and implementation of a year-long, research-based investigation to address a research question of interest to you. The second of two classes required for the AP Capstone™ Diploma , AP Research takes the skills you developed during the previous year in AP Seminar and applies them to a larger platform. In the AP Research course, you can expect to learn and apply research methods and practices to address a real-world topic of your choosing, culminating in the production and defense of a scholarly academic paper.

Because your score for this course relies entirely on your paper and oral defense, choosing a strong research project is extremely important. If you are enrolled in the AP Research course, you already know the ins and outs of inquiry-based learning and how to conduct a simple research project. Now you will stretch your abilities and put your knowledge to use.

The careful selection of a project is arguably the single most important choice you will make during this course. The process is complex and can seem overwhelming at first, since the possibilities may seem endless. By breaking down your choices and carefully considering your specific AP Research course format, your own interests, and the unique resources available to you, you will be able to choose an AP Research Project that is academically relevant, personally engaging, and feasible for you to complete in the given time frame.

When Should I Begin the Process of Choosing My AP Research Project?

It is important to keep in mind the time frame for selecting a project. Many students assume that the selection process begins with the start of the new school year, as most likely every other AP course has in your academic career. However, if you wait until the beginning of a new school year, you may be starting the course off at a disadvantage.

When the AP Research course description specifies a yearlong research project, that most often means an entire 12-month year, and not simply a nine-month school year. Since you will complete the AP Seminar course in the spring, your teacher will likely set the expectations for what you need to accomplish over the summer break, before your AP Research course officially begins in the fall. If you are expected to begin your work over the summer, your course instructor will provide you with additional instruction, assignments, and avenues for continued communication to guide you through the research planning process during the summer months.

Although some schools may opt to delay this process until the fall, the College Board’s sample timeline for the AP Research course, available on page 36 of the course description , begins not in September with the start of the new school year, but in May with the completion of the AP Seminar course, which you must take as a prerequisite before enrolling in AP Research. That’s when you should begin to consider research topics, problems, or ideas. By September of the following school year, it is recommended that you have already finalized a research question, completed an annotated bibliography, and prepared to begin a preliminary inquiry proposal for peer review.

This might seem like a lot to do on your own over the summer break, potentially without the face-to-face support of your teacher, but using the steps outlined below will help you get started.

How Should I Start to Narrow Down My AP Research Project Ideas?

Initially, your method for narrowing down a potential AP Research project idea will rely on the structure of your specific AP Research course. Although the core content and skills remain standardized for every AP Research course, the implementation of this instruction varies depending on how your high school chooses to format it. Some AP Research courses have a specific disciplinary focus wherein the course content is rooted in a specific subject, such as AP Research: STEM Inquiries or AP Research: Performing and Visual Arts. Other AP Research courses are offered in conjunction with a separate and specific AP class, such as AP Research and AP Biology, wherein students are concurrently enrolled in both AP courses and content is presented in a cross-curricular approach.

Alternatively, AP Research may be presented in the form of an internship wherein students who are already working with a discipline-specific expert adviser conduct independent studies and research of the student’s choosing while taking the AP Research class. Finally, some AP Research courses are delivered independently as a research methods class. In this style of class, students develop inquiry methods for the purpose of determining which method best fits their chosen topic of inquiry/research question, and each student then uses a selected method to complete his or her investigation.

As you begin to narrow down your project idea, you’ll need to consider the greater context of your AP Research course. If your course is rooted in a specific discipline, you should focus on that subject area. If your AP Research course is presented as more of an internship, you’ll need to consider what feasible options are available to you. Use the course format as the first step towards shaping your AP Research project proposal. If you aren’t sure of the method in which your course will be delivered, make sure to ask your teacher before you leave for summer break.

Once you know your course format, you can move on to the next essential question in narrowing down your project proposal. Ask yourself what you want to know, learn, or understand. Do not skip this crucial step. The AP Research class provides a unique opportunity for you to guide your own learning in a direction that is genuinely interesting to you. You will find your work more engaging, exciting, and worthwhile if you choose a topic that you want to learn more about. It is not often that you will have such an opportunity to take ownership of the direction of your learning during high school. Do not waste such an amazing opportunity.

What Can I Do If I Can’t Come Up with Any Ideas?

If you are stumped for project ideas, try exploring previous ideas with classmates. Ask previous AP Research students what they did, or what other students in their class did. If nothing strikes your interest, do some reading online about possible AP Research topics. One list of potential research questions can be found here and another can be found here . Keep in mind that these lists make great starting points and do a good job of getting you thinking about important subjects, but your research topic should ultimately be something that you develop independently as the result of careful introspection, discussions with your teacher and peers, and your own preliminary research.

Are There Any Subjects That Are Off Limits?

The AP Capstone program states that “facilitating students’ entrance into academic or real-world conversations about complex issues is a key goal of both the AP Seminar and AP Research courses.” As such, there are not any specific topics that College Board prohibits when they are researched academically. In fact, College Board specifies that it “aims to build independent, critical thinkers by empowering students,” so you should not shy away from a certain topic simply because it might be considered controversial. If you’re worried that your project idea could be offensive or inappropriate, speak with your teacher about your specific concerns.

Also remember that there are general guidelines that must be followed by all researchers in order to maintain ethical research practices. If you pursue a research project that involves human subjects, your proposal will need to be reviewed and approved by an institutional review board (IRB) before experimentation begins. Specific instructions about this process are found on page 44 of the course description , and you may find more information here . Talk with your teacher to decide if this is the right path for you before you get too involved in a project that may not be feasible.

What Other Things Should I Consider When Selecting My AP Research Project?

Most AP Research courses will expect you to work with an expert adviser while conducting your research. Some schools will compile a pool of potential expert advisers at your disposal, while other schools will rely on you to find your own. One way to further narrow down your project idea is to consider the expert advisers to whom you might have access. If a list has been provided, familiarize yourself with this distinguished group of professionals and try to identify overlaps in your areas of interest with their areas of expertise. If your school does not provide a list of potential expert advisers, try to brainstorm some ideas of who may be able to mentor you as you work. You can find more advice on finding a mentor in CollegeVine’s “ How to Choose a Winning Science Fair Project Idea .”

Another angle to consider is the availability of resources and special equipment. If you have had access to a specialty lab or other technical equipment through a summer internship or job, you may find ways to use this to your advantage if you can think of a project that interests you. Keep in mind what unique tools and equipment are at your disposal to help shape your project proposal.

What Happens Once I Have Chosen an AP Research Project?

After you’ve identified a research project that interests you, that is feasible given your time frame, and capitalizes on your access to expert advisers and equipment, you will begin to work on a preliminary inquiry proposal for peer review. Once you have fine-tuned your proposal with classmates, you will also identify and communicate with your expert adviser while working on your formal Inquiry Proposal Form. This will be distributed by your teacher but can also be previewed on page 55 of the course description . Your teacher may ask you to revise certain parts of your proposal. Make sure to allow enough time for these revisions. A final, approved Inquiry Proposal Form is due by November 30.

For more information about the AP Research course, read CollegeVine’s Ultimate Guide to the AP Research Course and Assessment or CollegeVine’s Introduction to the AP Capstone Diploma .

For more about information about APs, check out these CollegeVine posts:

• Can AP Tests Actually Save You Thousands of Dollars?

• Should I Take AP/IB/Honors Classes?

• How to Choose Which AP Courses and Exams to Take

• What If My School Doesn’t Offer AP or IB Courses?

• Are All APs Created Equal in Admissions?

Want access to expert college guidance — for free? When you create your free CollegeVine account, you will find out your real admissions chances, build a best-fit school list, learn how to improve your profile, and get your questions answered by experts and peers—all for free. Sign up for your CollegeVine account today to get a boost on your college journey.

171+ Good AP Research Topics & Ideas For Students

Welcome to our blog, which is focused on helping students get through the often tough job of picking AP research topics. As you start your AP Research journey, one of the most essential choices you’ll make is finding the right topic to explore.

This choice not only shapes the direction of your research but also affects your overall experience and success in the course. This blog will give helpful ideas, tips, and resources to guide you through the topic-picking process.

We’ve got you covered whether you’re passionate about STEM subjects, humanities, or social sciences. By the end of this blog, you will feel more sure and ready to choose an exciting and research-worthy topic that fits your interests and goals. Let’s dive in and explore the exciting world of AP Research topics together!

What Are AP Research Topics?

Table of Contents

AP Research topics are subjects or issues students study and look into for their AP Research projects. This is a college-level class where students plan, design, and do a year-long research project on a topic they pick.

Some key things about AP Research topics:

They should be something the student cares about and wants to research. This helps motivate them through the lengthy research process.
Topics can be related to any subject like STEM (science, tech, engineering, math), social sciences, humanities, arts, etc.
Students must select a topic they can investigate and analyze using resources and data.
The topic should be complex enough for a full year of deep study. Narrower-focused topics are best.
Students should select a topic that fits their skills, interests, and future goals.
The research topic guides the whole AP Research project and class experience.

Guidelines for Selecting AP Research Topics

Here are some simple guidelines for selecting AP Research topics:

Pick a topic you find interesting and are excited to research. This will help you stay motivated.
Select a topic that is narrow and focused enough to research in-depth in a year. Don’t pick topics that are too broad.
Ensure sources and data are available on the topic so you can analyze and investigate it.
Consider if the topic aligns with your skills, knowledge, and future goals. Pick something relevant.
Choose a topic complex enough to be considered an academic research study. Don’t pick something too simple.
Talk to your teacher and get their input about your topic idea and if it will work for the research project.
Don’t stress too much. There are many potential topics, and you can adjust your focus along the way.
Consider exploring a topic related to your primary academic interests like STEM, social sciences, humanities, arts, etc.

AP Research Topics

The AP Research course permits students to study an academic topic, problem, or issue of particular interest in depth. Through this investigation, students design, plan, and conduct a year-long research-based analysis to address a research question.

Selecting an appropriate, focused, and manageable topic is a critical step in the AP Research process. Here are 170+ potential AP Research topics organized by popular subject categories:

Science and Technology Topics

Developing more efficient solar cells
The ethics of genetic engineering and modification
Methods for earlier detection of pancreatic cancer
How to improve safety features in self-driving cars
Green technology innovations to reduce carbon footprints
The public health impact of e-cigarettes and vaping
Hacking: methods, prevention, and ethics
Using CRISPR technology for disease prevention and treatment
The benefits and risks of nanoparticles in consumer products
Developing sustainable battery technologies for electric vehicles

Environmental Topics

The effects of fracking on groundwater contamination
Reducing food waste through sustainable packaging solutions
Urban development and sustainable city planning
The economics and environmental impact of recycling
The health effects of air pollution in major cities
Ocean acidification and its impact on maritime ecosystems
The effect of prescription drug disposal on water systems
Reducing the use of plastics and microplastics in the ocean
Strategies to reduce water consumption in agriculture
The environmental impact of textile manufacturing and fast fashion

Business and Economics Topics

Strategy for Sustainable Manufacturing Practices
Developing effective mentorship programs in the workplace
The gig economy and the future of work
How automation is transforming jobs and employment
Cryptocurrency and the future of money and banking
Media representation of weight and its economic implications
The economic impact of legalizing marijuana
Corporate social responsibility trends and economic impacts
The effect of student debt on the US economy
Globalization and cross-cultural business communication

Psychology and Sociology Topics

The correlation between mental health and usage of social media
Media representation of disability and its societal effects
The psychology of Conspiracy theories and belief systems
Cultural trends in young adult literature and their societal influences
How architecture can promote mental health in urban areas
The impact of music training on cognitive development
Gender bias and discrimination in STEM education and careers
The social factors influencing vaccination rates
How immigration policy affects migrant families and communities
The relationship between income inequality and crime

Anthropology

Cultural relativism: Understanding diverse cultural practices
Archaeological methods: Techniques for studying past civilizations
Biological anthropology: Human evolution and diversity
Indigenous cultures: Preserving traditions in a changing world
Linguistic anthropology: Language as a cultural phenomenon
Medical anthropology: Cultural perspectives on health and healing
Anthropology of food: Cultural significance and dietary practices
Urban anthropology: Studying cities as cultural ecosystems
Ethnographic research: Methods and applications in anthropology
Anthropology of tourism: Impacts on local communities and identities

Healthcare and Public Health Topics

The effectiveness of school nutrition programs on health outcomes
How access to healthcare impacts chronic disease management
The effects of continuous remote patient monitoring systems
Wearable devices and their ability to encourage healthy habits
Implementing effective health education programs in developing nations
The short and long-term health impacts of natural disasters
The role of mobile clinics in providing care to rural communities
The effects of medicinal cannabis policies on opioid usage
Factors contributing to the rising motherly mortality rate in the US
The public health impact of the gun violence in America

Government, Politics, and Policy Topics

Media framing of political rhetoric and its influence on voters
The effects of voter ID laws on election turnout and results
How congressional term limits could transform US politics
Diplomacy strategies between competing nations and alliances
The impact of partisan gerrymandering on democratic representation
Grassroots activism and passing state or local legislation
How Election Financing Regulations Shape Campaign Spending
Causes and solutions for political polarization in America
The influence of special interest groups on public policy
Balancing the privacy rights and the national security in the digital age

Education Topics

The influence of school start times on student health and achievement
How grade inflation impacts student motivation and learning
The effects of culturally responsive teaching on diverse students
Flipped classrooms: benefits and drawbacks for student learning
The role of emotional intelligence in teacher effectiveness
Factors influencing teacher shortage in America
The effects of music and arts education on childhood development
The school-to-prison pipeline: causes, consequences, solutions
The benefits and challenges of single-gender classrooms
Standardized testing: analyzing effectiveness and equity

Language, Literature, and Culture Topics

Representations of gender in classic and contemporary literature
The evolution of the antihero in television and film
The effects of celebrity and social media culture on body image
Descriptions of mental illness in young adult literature
The influence of rap and hip-hop on youth culture and activism
How social and political issues influence contemporary art
Cultural appropriation in music and fashion: impacts and ethics
Analyzing diversity and inclusion in children’s media
The digitization of literature: evaluating effects on reading habits
How memes spread cultural ideas and shape online communities

Law and Criminal Justice Topics

Proposals for reforming the juvenile justice system
The effects of police body cams on law enforcement accountability
Causes and solutions for wrongful convictions in the US
Evaluating evidence and forensic science in criminal investigations
The impact of three-strikes laws on incarceration rates
Do castle doctrine laws promote or hinder public safety?
Restorative justice programs: evaluating effectiveness
Racial disparities in drug-related criminal sentencing
Lowering recidivism: education and rehabilitation strategies
First Amendment issues surrounding online hate speech

History Topics

The role of women in the American civil rights movement
An analysis of propaganda during wartime or political movements
The influence of Roman philosophy and Greek on modern democracy
Tracing LGBTQ+ rights and identities through history
Evaluating historical accuracy in popular films and media
How trade and exchange spread ideas in ancient societies
The influence of European colonization on indigenous cultures
Analyzing diverse voices and perspectives in recorded history
The evolution of political revolutions through history
Preserving endangered historical sites and artifacts

Social Sciences

Impacts of foster care policies on childhood development
Social influences on the pursuit of STEM careers across genders
Effects of media portrayal of body image on youth self-esteem
Influence of celebrity culture on teen mental health and risky behaviors
Strategies for reducing implicit bias in classroom settings
Impact of access to nutrition programs on community health outcomes
Relationship between income inequality and criminal activity
How the architecture of urban spaces affects resident mental health
Changing gender norms in young adult literature over time
Social effects of partisanship and political polarization

Health and Medicine

The role of mobile health clinics in rural communities
Wearable devices’ potential to encourage healthy habits
Effects of medicinal marijuana policies on opioid usage
Public health effects of widespread gun violence
Factors driving rising maternal mortality in America
Access to healthcare effects on chronic disease management
Short and long-term health impacts of natural disasters
Implementing effective health education in developing nations
The promise and ethics of genetic engineering
How nutrition programs affect health outcomes in schools

Civics and Governance

Media framing of political rhetoric and its voter influence
Grassroots activism strategies for passing legislation
Diplomacy strategies between competing nations
Balancing privacy and national security in digital age
Effects of voter ID laws on election turnout and results
Understanding causes and solutions for political polarization
Evaluating election financing regulations and reform
Influence of special interest groups on public policies
Pros/cons of congressional term limit proposals
Impact of gerrymandering on democratic representation

Arts and Humanities

Portrayals of mental illness in contemporary young adult fiction
The evolution of antiheroes in television and film
Cultural trends in modern memes and online communities
Digitization of literature and impacts on reading habits
Diversity and inclusion issues in children’s entertainment media
Cultural appropriation in fashion, music, and the arts
Spreading ideas through hip-hop, rap, and youth activism
Tracing LGBTQ+ rights through different eras of history
Analyzing propaganda use in historical political movements

Philosophy and Ethics

Ethical considerations in artificial intelligence development
Utilitarianism vs. deontological ethics: Approaches to moral decision-making
Bioethics: Balancing medical advancements with ethical concerns
Environmental ethics: Responsibilities towards future generations
Virtue ethics: Cultivating character for ethical living
Animal rights and welfare: Ethical considerations in human-animal relationships
Ethical implications of emerging biotechnologies
The ethics of war: Just war theory and international conflicts
Cultural relativism vs. universal human rights: Debates in ethical philosophy
Ethical implications of big data analytics: Privacy and autonomy concerns

Engineering and Design

Sustainable architecture: Designing for environmental efficiency
Human-centered design: Creating products and systems for user needs
Transportation infrastructure: Innovations for efficiency and safety
Biomechanics: Understanding human movement for design applications
Design thinking in business: Applying creative problem-solving methodologies
Aerospace engineering: Advances in aircraft and spacecraft design
Materials science: Innovations in materials for engineering applications
Ergonomics: Designing for human comfort and efficiency
Urban planning: Creating livable and sustainable cities
Robotics: Applications in industry, healthcare, and beyond

Media and Communication

Media literacy education: Empowering critical thinking skills
Digital journalism: Challenges and opportunities in the digital age
Social media influencers: Impact on consumer behavior and trends
Advertising ethics: Balancing persuasive communication with truthfulness
Film and television representations of marginalized communities
Public relations strategies: Managing organizational reputation
Online communities: Building connections in a digital world
Gaming culture : Community dynamics and identity formation
Podcasting: Trends and influences in the podcasting industry
Crisis communication: Strategies for effective communication during emergencies

Resources for Finding AP Research Topics

Here are some helpful resources for finding AP Research topic ideas:

Your interests – Consider what subjects fascinate you or issues you care deeply about. Those make great topics.
AP Research topic lists – There are lists online of ideas organized by subject that can spark ideas.
Academic journals – Skim through journals in your field of interest for the latest research trends and ideas.
Newspapers/magazines – Reading current events can inspire socially relevant topics to explore.
Your teachers – Talk to teachers about their areas of expertise and ideas that intrigue them.
Family/friends – People you know may have fresh perspectives on what to study.
Databases – Library and academic databases have millions of studies to browse for ideas.
Google Scholar – Search here for academic articles on potential research topics.
Google News – Get updated on the latest discoveries and news that could lead to ideas.
Your future major/career – Consider aligning your research with your future academic and career goals.

Is AP Research Harder Than AP Seminar?

Here is a simple overview of how AP Research compares to AP Seminar in terms of difficulty:

AP Seminar:

Focuses on research skills like analyzing sources, developing arguments, and presenting findings.
Involves shorter research assignments, essays, and presentations.
Allows collaboration with classmates on projects.
Teachers provide more structure and guidance.

AP Research:

Focuses on conducting independent, in-depth academic Research.
Requires a year-long research project done individually.
Less scaffolding – students work more independently.
Involves deeper statistical analysis and methodology.
Culminates in a 5000-word academic paper.

Overall, AP Research is considered more difficult and demanding than AP Seminar. The projects are more complex, completed individually, and require advanced research skills. However, AP Seminar helps build critical foundations needed for AP Research. Students can successfully step up to the greater rigor of Research with hard work.

Final Remarks

To wrap up, choosing an AP Research topic is essential to doing well on your research project. We discussed important things like understanding the guidelines, looking into different categories, and avoiding common mistakes.

Remember, your topic should match your interests, be possible to research, and have a unique point of view. Use the resources, ask teachers for help, and don’t be afraid to ask questions. Starting early and doing thorough research will set you up for success.

So, take your time, explore different options, and pick a topic you feel excited about. With hard work and a good topic pick, you’ll start a rewarding journey of exploring, learning, and discovering in AP Research. Good luck with your research!