Intrinsic Investigations: Exploring the Impact of Original Student Research

Intrinsic Investigations: Exploring the Impact of Original Student Research

by Bergen County Techincal School Students and Mr. Olivo

Education Society & Culture

Season 2

So Many Meta-Analyses

This year we had three students—Tanvi, Jamila, and Rachael—who all completed meta-analyses. The focus of their work varied widely from cancer research to lab mice pup mortality to parental well-being. What is a meta-analysis? You'll just have to listen to find out. (Scrub to 1:05 to skip the introduction)

Headline Framing of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

Wesley examines how headlines regarding the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict are framed in the top three most visited U.S. online news sources. We discuss how we see ourselves and others engaging with news, the power of headlines, and the implications of language for public perception. (Scrub to 1:05 to skip the introduction)

Institutional Review Boards and Survey Design

Stephanie and Emily join the program to discuss their experiences with seeking approval for their work with human subjects. Yes, surveys are a form of human experimentation and require the approval of an institutional review board (IRB) before going out to potential respondents. This process is unfamiliar to most high school students, so Emily and Stephanie offer tips on how to navigate the requirements for students who may be interested. (Scrub to 1:05 to skip the introduction)

Assumptions About Video Games and Violence

Jacob sits down to discuss the misconceptions surrounding video games and violence. We acknowledge the ongoing debate around the topic and how research on causal relationships between gaming and violent behavior has yielded mixed results. Rather than seeking a causal link, Jacob analyzed YouTube engagement patterns in comments on popular videos discussing this controversial topic. We close by examining how powerful perceptions can impact policy, even when those perceptions are not supported by hard evidence. (Scrub to 1:05 to skip the introduction)

Medical School Burnout and Plastic Surgery Promotion

Chloe and Tessa discuss their content analysis projects focusing on very different aspects of the medical field. Chloe examines how medical student video content portrays burnout from a constant 'grindset.' Tessa looks at how educational and promotional content created by plastic surgeons presents the breast augmentation process on Instagram. We also discuss their future plans to take part in their respective fields of interest. This is the first episode to feature students from completely different sections of our Research course. (To skip the introduction, scrub to 1:05)

Trump Rhetoric in Presidential Debates and Rallies

Jenna and Sarah both examined President Trump's rhetoric for this project, but in very different ways. Jenna focused her analysis on violent rhetoric in all of Trump's presidential debates, while Sarah examined the use of misogynistic language at rallies during the 2024 campaign. We lead off with a game of 'Who Said It: Biden or Trump' and then dig into the patterns they identified in their examined political language. (To skip the introduction, drag to 1:05)

Weight Loss Commentary on TikTok

Vena explores weight loss culture on TikTok, analyzing how comments either reinforce or challenge potentially toxic content. We also examine the growing prevalence of online food and diet culture, and discuss the value of journaling as a tool for self-awareness and habit formation. (To skip the introduction, scrub to 1:05)

Reviews of Kids' TV & AAPI Children's Books

In Season 2's second episode, Lily and Hailey examine reviews of children's TV shows and books featuring AAPI representation. They discuss emerging patterns in these reviews and how their reviewers of interest evaluate children's media across various platforms. We close with a discussion of the growth Lily and Hailey are most proud of over their two years in the AP Capstone program. (To skip the introduction, scrub to 1:05)

Comparing Black Student Perceptions of Higher Education (HBCUs & PWIs) on X

In the first episode of Season 2, Kameron discusses how he utilized the AP Capstone program to explore the experiences of marginalized communities in the United States. His research project analyzed the tweets of Black students discussing their experiences at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and Predominantly White Institution (PWIs). He compares the substance of those tweets to draw conclusions about the major themes being discussed on X and how those themes relate to notions of identity and the larger social factors at play in higher education. (To skip the introduction, scrub to 1:05.)

Season 1

The Political Rhetoric of Senators on X

In the final episode of Season 1, Jinu, a senior 14 days away from graduation, provides the findings of his work involving the rhetoric of senators on X (the platform formerly known as Twitter). The conversation closes with an important dialogue around patience and well-being for high-achieving students. During that conversation, Jinu makes the important point that "It's better to wait until you can achieve excellence, than to just settle for mediocrity in the moment." (To skip the introduction, scrub to 1:05.)

3 of 5