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3.2 Sustained Investigations

4 min readโ€ขoctober 27, 2020

S

Sherry Ross

S

Sherry Ross

What is a Sustained Investigation (SI)?

A Sustained Investigation (SI) makes up the majority of your AP portfolio. It should be a cohesive body of work that significantly explores anย inquiry.

The Inquiry is the work created through the of developing, creating, revising, and exploring the idea of yourย .

What is a Guiding Question?

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-A5Ya5JkwZawM.gif?alt=media&token=bdf90b43-52c1-48bd-be78-59c3be1aa0ba

Your is an idea that you are interested in EXPLORING, EXPANDING, and REVISING over a year-long investigation (hence the name Sustained Investigation)ย ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿฝ. While it does not have to be written as a question, that might help you to think of the resulting work as being a direct answer to a question being posed.ย 

What Should I Have in My SI?

If you use the analogy that the is the thesis of your SI, then the work is the body of the paper. The work will be all of the information generated by your exploration: , , unfinished work, work that changes your direction, ideas you explore that don't quite work out, and any finished pieces you create.

How Many Pieces Make Up a SI?

The simple and, oddly, not so simple answer to this is you have fifteen IMAGE SPACES to show your work. What you put in them is up to you. I hear you asking "What can I put in these spaces?". Well, here's your answer!

  • These spaces can be used to show sketchbook work, early drafts, and materials trialsโ€”these would be consideredย documentation. It will show how you thought, planned, and revised the idea or resulting work as your SI progressed.
  • If you want to showย progressย shots. To show the work as it progresses in a linear fashion, try aย compositeย image. With the , you could show multiple stages of the work or different views. Be wise with progress shots, as they might not be the best way to show inquiry and may, instead, just show time passing.
  • If you want to show a of a finished piece, you can use one. ๐Ÿ” The rule for detail shots is to show SUBSTANTIALLY more evidence about an important section of a work. They are not just filler pieces. The shot needs to include vital information to support your investigation.
  • You will show finished pieces. ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ

You don't have to have 15 FINISHED PIECES, just 15 images. Those 15 images are the visual evidence that you used practice, , and revision throughout the extended period of your SI. You can use whatever combination of the list above in order to best demonstrate your investigation. Choose them wisely.

Are There Any "Rules" About My SI?

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-7eiL2SgISIim.gif?alt=media&token=b6a0105d-70a2-4c4f-93ab-a005fc2c3391

Yes. There are several "rules" that you need to know so that you can plan your work and time accordingly.

  • You have 15 image spaces.
  • Your work should have a that directs an Inquiry over a sustained period of time, typically a semester or a year.
  • You will need to SHOW the physical evidence that DIRECTLY TIES and supports your Inquiry.
  • Make sure you showย , ,ย andย REVISIONย as defined by the .

Can I change my SI?

YES! ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฝ It is expected that your original idea will change and grow over time. Your SI should not be a direct line from point A to point B. Think of it as a journey, an artistic road trip ..... sometimes you stop along the way, try different routes, etc.

A great visual example of this is to think of your SI as a tree branch. While there's the main part that grows out, there are smaller branches that spring off of it and grow in different directions. Remember, sometimes those smaller branches, have even smaller branches growing off of them, too. ๐ŸŒฑ

How Much Does My SI Count?

Your SI counts for 60% of your overall score. We will go over HOW the score breaks down in another post, but keep in mind 30% of the overall score comes from the inquiry identified and explored in your SI.

Key Terms to Review (9)

AP Art and Design Rubric

: The AP Art and Design Rubric is a set of criteria used to evaluate the quality of artwork created by students for the AP Art and Design exam. It assesses various aspects such as skill, concept development, and understanding of artistic principles.

Composite Image

: A composite image is created by combining multiple individual images into one cohesive picture using photo editing software or techniques.

Detail shot

: A detail shot is a close-up photograph or artwork that focuses on a specific part or element of the subject, highlighting its intricate details and textures.

Experimentation

: Experimentation refers to exploring new techniques, materials, styles, or approaches in art-making without being bound by traditional rules or expectations. It involves taking risks and embracing uncertainty as part of creative exploration.

Guiding Question

: A guiding question is a thought-provoking query that helps artists explore their ideas and guide their creative process. It serves as a starting point for research or artistic inquiry.

Media trials

: Media trials refer to the process of testing different art materials or mediums to determine their effects, characteristics, and suitability for a particular artwork.

Process

: Process refers to the series of steps or actions taken by an artist during the creation of their artwork. It involves planning, experimenting, and making decisions along the way.

Sketchbook pages

: Sketchbook pages are the blank sheets within an artist's sketchbook that serve as a space for brainstorming, experimenting, and practicing artistic techniques.

Sustained Investigation (SI)

: Sustained Investigation refers to a focused and in-depth exploration of an artistic concept or theme over an extended period of time. It involves the development and refinement of ideas through experimentation, research, and reflection.

3.2 Sustained Investigations

4 min readโ€ขoctober 27, 2020

S

Sherry Ross

S

Sherry Ross

What is a Sustained Investigation (SI)?

A Sustained Investigation (SI) makes up the majority of your AP portfolio. It should be a cohesive body of work that significantly explores anย inquiry.

The Inquiry is the work created through the of developing, creating, revising, and exploring the idea of yourย .

What is a Guiding Question?

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-A5Ya5JkwZawM.gif?alt=media&token=bdf90b43-52c1-48bd-be78-59c3be1aa0ba

Your is an idea that you are interested in EXPLORING, EXPANDING, and REVISING over a year-long investigation (hence the name Sustained Investigation)ย ๐Ÿ™Œ๐Ÿฝ. While it does not have to be written as a question, that might help you to think of the resulting work as being a direct answer to a question being posed.ย 

What Should I Have in My SI?

If you use the analogy that the is the thesis of your SI, then the work is the body of the paper. The work will be all of the information generated by your exploration: , , unfinished work, work that changes your direction, ideas you explore that don't quite work out, and any finished pieces you create.

How Many Pieces Make Up a SI?

The simple and, oddly, not so simple answer to this is you have fifteen IMAGE SPACES to show your work. What you put in them is up to you. I hear you asking "What can I put in these spaces?". Well, here's your answer!

  • These spaces can be used to show sketchbook work, early drafts, and materials trialsโ€”these would be consideredย documentation. It will show how you thought, planned, and revised the idea or resulting work as your SI progressed.
  • If you want to showย progressย shots. To show the work as it progresses in a linear fashion, try aย compositeย image. With the , you could show multiple stages of the work or different views. Be wise with progress shots, as they might not be the best way to show inquiry and may, instead, just show time passing.
  • If you want to show a of a finished piece, you can use one. ๐Ÿ” The rule for detail shots is to show SUBSTANTIALLY more evidence about an important section of a work. They are not just filler pieces. The shot needs to include vital information to support your investigation.
  • You will show finished pieces. ๐Ÿ–ผ๏ธ

You don't have to have 15 FINISHED PIECES, just 15 images. Those 15 images are the visual evidence that you used practice, , and revision throughout the extended period of your SI. You can use whatever combination of the list above in order to best demonstrate your investigation. Choose them wisely.

Are There Any "Rules" About My SI?

https://firebasestorage.googleapis.com/v0/b/fiveable-92889.appspot.com/o/images%2F-7eiL2SgISIim.gif?alt=media&token=b6a0105d-70a2-4c4f-93ab-a005fc2c3391

Yes. There are several "rules" that you need to know so that you can plan your work and time accordingly.

  • You have 15 image spaces.
  • Your work should have a that directs an Inquiry over a sustained period of time, typically a semester or a year.
  • You will need to SHOW the physical evidence that DIRECTLY TIES and supports your Inquiry.
  • Make sure you showย , ,ย andย REVISIONย as defined by the .

Can I change my SI?

YES! ๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฝ It is expected that your original idea will change and grow over time. Your SI should not be a direct line from point A to point B. Think of it as a journey, an artistic road trip ..... sometimes you stop along the way, try different routes, etc.

A great visual example of this is to think of your SI as a tree branch. While there's the main part that grows out, there are smaller branches that spring off of it and grow in different directions. Remember, sometimes those smaller branches, have even smaller branches growing off of them, too. ๐ŸŒฑ

How Much Does My SI Count?

Your SI counts for 60% of your overall score. We will go over HOW the score breaks down in another post, but keep in mind 30% of the overall score comes from the inquiry identified and explored in your SI.

Key Terms to Review (9)

AP Art and Design Rubric

: The AP Art and Design Rubric is a set of criteria used to evaluate the quality of artwork created by students for the AP Art and Design exam. It assesses various aspects such as skill, concept development, and understanding of artistic principles.

Composite Image

: A composite image is created by combining multiple individual images into one cohesive picture using photo editing software or techniques.

Detail shot

: A detail shot is a close-up photograph or artwork that focuses on a specific part or element of the subject, highlighting its intricate details and textures.

Experimentation

: Experimentation refers to exploring new techniques, materials, styles, or approaches in art-making without being bound by traditional rules or expectations. It involves taking risks and embracing uncertainty as part of creative exploration.

Guiding Question

: A guiding question is a thought-provoking query that helps artists explore their ideas and guide their creative process. It serves as a starting point for research or artistic inquiry.

Media trials

: Media trials refer to the process of testing different art materials or mediums to determine their effects, characteristics, and suitability for a particular artwork.

Process

: Process refers to the series of steps or actions taken by an artist during the creation of their artwork. It involves planning, experimenting, and making decisions along the way.

Sketchbook pages

: Sketchbook pages are the blank sheets within an artist's sketchbook that serve as a space for brainstorming, experimenting, and practicing artistic techniques.

Sustained Investigation (SI)

: Sustained Investigation refers to a focused and in-depth exploration of an artistic concept or theme over an extended period of time. It involves the development and refinement of ideas through experimentation, research, and reflection.


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APยฎ and SATยฎ are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


ยฉ 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

APยฎ and SATยฎ are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.