Mastering Inquiry: The Art of Questioning and Exploration

Inquiry

The process of asking questions and seeking answers.

Scope

The extent of the area or subject matter that something deals with.

Primary Source

Original materials such as diaries, raw data, and interviews.

Secondary Source

Interpretation of primary sources, including textbooks and analyses.

Recursive

Characterized by recurrence or repetition; the research process loops back on itself.

QUEST Framework

A framework in AP Seminar involving Questioning, Understanding, Exploring, Synthesizing, and Teamwork.

Research Question (RQ)

A precise, open-ended question that guides the investigation.

Funnel Method

A method of narrowing down from a broad topic to a specific research question.

Characteristics of a Strong RQ

Researchable, complex, and open-ended questions that require judgment.

Google Search Question

A question that can be easily answered through a fact check or simple search.

Lens

A way of looking at a problem that filters the information.

Perspective

A specific point of view, position, or argument within a lens.

Context

The circumstances that form the setting for an event, statement, or idea.

Historical Context

Understanding how an issue has developed over time.

Geographic Context

How an issue affects different regions or populations.

Social Context

How society views an issue at a given time.

Boolean Operators

Logical operators used in search engines to refine search results.

AND (Operator)

Narrows search results to include both terms.

OR (Operator)

Broadens search results to include either term.

NOT (Operator)

Excludes a term from search results.

RAVEN

A tool for evaluating the credibility of sources: Reputation, Ability to See, Vested Interest, Expertise, Neutrality.

Fact-Based Question

A question asking for definitions or basic facts and usually serves as a starting point.

Value-Based Question

A question focusing on ethics or morals regarding how strongly something should be regulated.

Policy-Based Question

A question focused on solutions or laws concerning a particular issue.

Problem-Based Question

A question that focuses on understanding the causes and effects of an issue.

The Goldilocks Rule

A guideline for ensuring a research question is neither too broad nor too narrow.

Confirmation Bias

The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information that confirms one’s preconceptions.

IRR (Individual Research Report)

A major assignment in AP Seminar where students conduct and present research.

TMP (Team Multimedia Presentation)

A collaborative presentation format in AP Seminar requiring multimedia integration.

Types of Research Questions

Different categories of questions including fact-based, value-based, problem-based, and policy-based.

Perspectives vs. Lenses

A conceptual distinction in inquiry; lenses filter information, while perspectives are the specific viewpoints.

Cultural and Social Lens

A viewpoint that focuses on cultural or societal factors affecting an issue.

Ethical Lens

A viewpoint that emphasizes moral considerations and ethical implications.

Economic Lens

A viewpoint that examines issues through financial and economic impacts.

Environmental Lens

A viewpoint focusing on ecological and environmental factors.

Scientific Lens

A viewpoint that applies scientific principles and data analysis.

Political and Historical Lens

A viewpoint that considers the political and historical context of an issue.

Futuristic Lens

A viewpoint that explores potential future implications and outcomes.

Assessment of Context

Evaluating the historical, geographical, and social background of an issue.

Iterative Research Process

An approach to research that allows for revising questions as new information emerges.

Narrowing Your Research Scope

The practice of refining your research question to focus on specific aspects.

Addressing Blind Spots

The process of ensuring diverse voices and viewpoints are considered in research.

Avoiding Broad Concept Overload

The practice of focusing research on specific time frames, demographics, or regions.

Do not ignore 'So What?'

Always ensure that your research inquiry has real-world relevance.

Academic Database

A resource that provides high-quality, peer-reviewed articles and research for academic use.

General Web

A publicly accessible platform that may contain variable quality and credibility.

Citation Stability

The permanence of citation in academic databases compared to links in the general web.

Search Strategy Importance

The necessity to apply effective search methods to retrieve relevant academic literature.