AP Seminar Unit 1 Cheatsheet: Question and Explore

Inquiry begins when:

• You encounter information that sparks curiosity
• You narrow your scope of interest to a specific problem or issue
• You identify the origins of that problem
• You situate it within a larger context

Key move: Examining others' perspectives and ideas generates questions for further investigation. Don't start with answers—start by understanding what makes the issue complex.

Key tools & databases:

• EBSCO, ProQuest, JSTOR, Google Scholar
• Library catalogs (both print and digital)

Advanced search techniques:

• Boolean logic (AND, OR, NOT) — combine or exclude terms
• Keywords — choose precise terms related to your question
• Filters: date, peer-review status, publication type

Strategy: Start broad, then narrow. Refine based on what you find.

1. Identify complexity
Recognize the problem or issue and its context.

2. Ask questions
Pose questions that invite multiple perspectives.

3. Activate prior knowledge
Organize what you already know; identify assumptions.

4. Gather information
Search primary and secondary sources strategically.

5. Evaluate & revise
Let new information confirm or challenge your thinking.