AP Seminar: Research Questions & Lenses

Perspective - A point of view conveyed through an argument. This is the HUMAN ELEMENT behind the lens, influencing what we see and how we interpret it.

Lenses - Filters through which an issue or topic is explored or examined. These can be cultural, social, political, economic, etc., shaping our understanding.

Theme - The topic or research question being viewed. This is the central focus of the research, providing a specific area to investigate.

At least eight ways exist to read and interpret texts. Below is a list of eight critical lenses with definitions, questions, and strategies used for each. As you read, consider shifting your perspective or viewpoint, or the LENSES THROUGH WHICH YOU READ. What lenses might offer you more insight into the text?

Cultural and social

• How is this problem represented or discussed in popular culture? This explores how societal norms and trends influence the issue.

• What social implications does this problem have? Examines the impact on society's structure and dynamics.

• How does it affect how society is organized or structured? Looks at the problem's influence on social hierarchies and institutions.

• Does this problem disproportionately affect a particular social or cultural group? Identifies if specific communities are more vulnerable.

• What social or cultural changes could help solve this problem? Considers solutions rooted in societal or cultural shifts.

Artistic and philosophical

• How is this problem represented artistically? Explores depictions in various art forms.

• Could art (in all forms: fine art, music, literature, film, television) be part of a solution to this problem? Considers art's potential role in raising awareness or inspiring change.

• What philosophical stances or beliefs does this problem involve? Examines underlying ideologies and ethical considerations.

• How are artists engaging with this problem? Highlights artists' contributions and perspectives.

• Are there design-based solutions to this problem (architecture, etc.)? Explores creative and practical solutions.

Political and historical

• What are the different political perspectives on this problem? Analyzes varied viewpoints from different political parties.

• If divided by party lines, what is the reasoning behind each party’s stance? Understands the motivations behind political positions.

• What is the history of this problem? Traces the problem’s origins and evolution over time.

• How have people attempted to address it in the past? Reviews previous efforts and strategies.

• What has prevented this problem from being solved already? Identifies obstacles and challenges.

Environmental

• What environmental consequences does this problem have? Examines the ecological impact.

• What environments will be affected by this problem? Identifies specific ecosystems at risk.

• What environmental actions might solve this problem? Proposes potential ecological solutions.

• Are there unintended consequences of possible environmental solutions? Considers potential drawbacks of environmental actions.

• What environmental ripple effect exist due to this problem? Analyzes indirect environmental consequences.

• What might happen to humans because of environmental changes resulting from this problem? Explores the impact on human populations.

Economic

• Are there economic reasons this problem exists? Investigates the underlying financial factors.

• Who profits because of this problem? Identifies beneficiaries of the problem's perpetuation.

• Who loses money because of this problem? Examines those who suffer financially.

• What economic solutions exist for this problem? Proposes potential financial remedies.

• What will a suggested solution cost? Estimates the financial investment required.

• Who will pay for a solution to the problem? Determines funding sources.

• Will solving this problem be beneficial or detrimental to the economy? Analyzes the broader economic impact.

Scientific and/or medical

• What is the science behind this problem? Explores the scientific principles at play.

• Are there scientific solutions to this problem? What innovations could address this problem? Highlights potential technological remedies.

• How effective are the scientific solutions? What limitations do they have? Assesses the strengths and weaknesses of these solutions.

• What medical effects could this problem have? Examines potential health consequences.

• Are there medical solutions to this problem? How effective are they? Evaluates the available medical treatments.

Futuristic

• If this problem is not solved, what will be the consequences in the future? Examines the long-term implications of inaction.

• What are the possible future consequences of solving this problem? Considers potential outcomes of finding a resolution.

• How will the future be changed by solving or not solving the problem? Analyzes the impact on future society.

• What precedents for the future might be set by solving or not solving this problem? Explores the potential for setting future standards.

Ethical and/or religious

• What ethical issues exist around this problem? Examines moral dilemmas and considerations.

• How do we know what the right or wrong thing to do in this case is? Explores the challenges of ethical decision-making.

• What ethical precedents might be set by solving or not solving this problem? Considers the potential for establishing moral guidelines.

• What are the perspectives of different religions on this problem? Why does each religion hold this perspective? Explores diverse religious viewpoints.

• How might different religious perspectives affect work towards a solution? Analyzes the influence of religious beliefs on problem-solving.

Legal

• What laws or regulations exist around this problem? Investigates relevant legal frameworks.

• Are there court decisions related to this problem? Explores legal precedents and rulings.

• How might legal precedent affect different solutions to the problem? Analyzes the impact on potential remedies.

• Are there legislative solutions to this problem? Proposes legislative interventions.

• What issues might exist in getting these legislative solutions passed? Identifies potential obstacles to legal solutions.

What are background building questions

• Background Building Questions help a researcher learn basic, accurate information about a subject.

• They are likely to begin with WHO, WHAT, or WHEN question stems and have a “right” answer.

What are research questions

• A research question guides you as you make your way through the piles of information the internet can offer.

• A research question is a clear, focused, concise, complex, and arguable question around which you center your research.

• You should be genuinely curious about it.

• They are open-ended and more focused on HOW and WHY and will force you to read sources deeply to analyze and synthesize.

Good questions

1. Require a judgment or evaluation to be made (not just a description)

2. Are researchable

3. Involve genuine points of ongoing debate

4. Invite engagement with alternative perspectives

5. Are relatively simple and precise

Asking questions

1. Avoid simple questions that are too narrow in nature:

   1. Soliciting yes/no, one-word, or one phrase responses

   2. Example: How much money does a school receive for attendance?

2. Ask open-ended, sophisticated, thought-provoking questions

   1. Catalyzing rich, thoughtful, thorough responses

      1. Example: To what extent does student attendance impact school funding, and should students be penalized for missing many days of school?