1 Feb 18
Based on the theories of professional Campus Cafeterias, how can I solve crowding problems using high school equipment and technology?
Analyzing. Finished data collection
Method
Math modeling
Mainly queueing theory
December
congestion problem
To provide a set of templates for the layout of cafeteria constructions for newly constructed schools
Psychology of crowd
2 Feb 20
Why this topic?
In a narrow way, to solve the crowding problem in our school. In general, to provide a set of templates for the layout/timing of cafeteria constructions.
In the mathematical modeling process, we draw on the research of adan_queueing2002 regarding queuing theory, specifically focusing on student arrival distribution between the third and fourth class sessions, the service time distribution at service windows, and the observed number of windows, for 10 Days/2 weeks.
The collected data were entered into a computer and analyzed for summary statistics and visual representations across different variables using a statistical system. The frequency distribution of the survey results
3 Feb 25
What are the variables in my research?
Element
Number of service windows, serving time, and population volume
Group of people
The basic/Fundamental subject in my research is high school students (mostly international students in China)
4 Feb 27
How do your findings provide directions for future research in the field?
Implication of conclusion
This study aims to investigate the root causes of cafeteria crowding by analyzing queuing dynamics, conducting simulations, and exploring potential improvements. We hope to reduce queue times, increase student satisfaction, and improve operational efficiency by identifying and addressing these issues.
5 Mar 4
What is discourse analysis and film analysis, and how can you use them to write a good research paper?
Discourse analysis studies how language is used in context to create meaning, revealing insights into communication patterns, power dynamics, and social structures. Film analysis, meanwhile, examines a film’s visual and auditory elements—like camera angles, sound, and editing—to uncover how they shape its narrative and impact.
To write a strong research paper, you can use discourse analysis to explore how dialogue or character interactions in a film reflect themes or cultural issues, and film analysis to break down technical aspects like cinematography that support those ideas.
By combining both, focusing on a specific angle, and supporting your points with evidence from the film and scholarly sources, you can craft a critical, original argument that ties into your topic—even something like using mathematical models to address school cafeteria congestion—by analyzing relevant media representations or discussions.
6 Mar 6
Reflect on your answer to one of the ODQ Section 1 questions–in your journal, be sure to explain how you think the best way to respond to the question is. EX. “I think that if I am asked question #1, the best way to respond would be with confidence, self-reflection, humbleness, etc.
Below is a revised journal reflection in English based on your request. It focuses on the defense question “How did you determine which results generated by your research method were most important in informing your new understanding?”. It reflects on how to best respond to it, incorporating confidence, self-reflection, and humbleness as guiding principles, per the prompt’s example.
When I answered the question “How did you determine which results generated by your research method were most important in informing your new understanding?” during my defense, I aimed to provide a clear and reasoned response. Now, reflecting on that moment for this journal entry, I want to evaluate how I think the best way to respond to this question is. I believe the most effective approach combines confidence, self-reflection, and humility. These qualities ensure my answer is both authoritative and thoughtful, while remaining open to scrutiny—key traits for a successful defense. Below, I outline my ideal response strategy.
To respond with confidence, I should articulate a structured and logical method for identifying the most important results. During my research, I evaluated findings based on specific, defensible criteria that aligned with my study’s goals. For example:
In my response, I’d say something like: “I determined the most important results by systematically assessing their alignment with my research objectives and the strength of the evidence supporting them. For instance, the statistics stood out because it not only confirmed my hypothesis but also opened up a new angle I hadn’t considered.” This shows confidence in my process and its outcomes, giving the panel a clear sense of my decision-making.
7 Mar 11
How confident are you about your research paper’s Introduction? If you were to use the Introduction in your presentation, do you believe it would be engaging and persuasive? How can you improve your introduction?
If I am confident in your research paper’s introduction, I should be able to explain its purpose clearly, engage the audience, and demonstrate the significance of the work. A strong introduction sets the stage for the rest of the paper, giving readers a reason to care about the topic. If I were to use it in a presentation, consider whether it has an engaging opening that captures attention. Does it start with a compelling fact, a thought-provoking question, or a relatable scenario? A well-crafted introduction should not only inform but also persuade the audience that your research is important and relevant.
To improve the introduction section, I might focus on making it more engaging by refining the opening sentence. If it feels too dry or technical, consider rewriting it in a way that draws the reader in immediately. Ensure the introduction smoothly transitions from general background information to the research question. It should be clear why the study matters and what contribution it makes. If presenting, simplify complex ideas so they are accessible to a wider audience and avoid overly dense language that might lose their attention. A strong introduction should leave the audience eager to learn more about the research.
(Personal 4-6)
8 Mar 13
Continue to reflect on your introduction and the HOOK that you will use to engage your audience. Which of the above types of hooks do you think would be the most appropriate for your research paper and why?
To craft an engaging introduction for the research paper on using queueing theory to address the school cafeteria crowding problem.
A surprising statistic could be highly effective. For example, it might start with something like: “During peak lunch hours, students at an average school cafeteria spend 25 minutes waiting in line—time that could be halved with smarter systems.” This type of hook immediately highlights the scale of the problem and hints at the solution (queueing theory), piquing the reader’s curiosity. It’s particularly suitable because the topic is analytical and solution-driven, and a statistic grounds it in real-world impact, appealing to an academic audience that values evidence.
Alternatively, a thought-provoking question like “What if your lunch break was spent eating rather than waiting?” could draw readers in by making them reflect on their own experiences. This hook is relatable, especially for students or educators, and sets up the research as a practical fix to a common frustration. However, it might feel less formal or precise compared to a statistic, depending on your journal’s tone.
A vivid anecdote—say, describing a chaotic cafeteria scene with students jostling in line—could paint a picture and emotionally engage readers. But it risks being too narrative-heavy for a technical paper on queueing theory, potentially clashing with the analytical focus.
9 Mar 18
- Discourse
- Power/Knowledge - Foucault’s concept that knowledge is always intertwined with power and that knowledge production is influenced by those who hold power
- Intertextuality - The relationship between texts and how they influence each other acknowledging that no text exists in isolation but is connected to and shaped by others
- Hegemony - The dominance of certain ideologies over others, often reinforced through discourse, which establishes societal norms and expectations
- Regimes of Truth - Foucault’s concept that each society has its own set of truths that are accepted and institutionalized, often by those in positions of power
- Author Function - Foucault’s idea that the identity of the author plays a role in how a text is interpreted, not simply as a person but as a construct within societal discourse
- Speech Act - A theory that focuses on how language functions not just to convey information but to perform actions, such as asserting, promising, or questioning.
- Foucauldian Discourse - A type of discourse analysis that emphasizes how power operates through language to shape identities, social structures, and institutions
- Subjectivity - The way in which individuals are constructed as subjects within discourse, and how these constructions shape personal identity and social roles.
- Disciplinary Power - Foucault’s concept of power that operates subtly, through norms and surveillance, rather than through overt coercion, influencing behavior on an individual and societal level.
How does the discourse within your research subject reflect or challenge existing power dynamics and social inequalities? Using principles from Discourse Analysis (DA) and Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA), identify key language choices, rhetorical strategies, or patterns in your data that either reinforce or question social structures, ideologies, or power relations. How can these insights contribute to a deeper understanding of the broader social, cultural, or political context of your research?
I must consider how the discourse defines “overcrowding”, is it an administrative problem or a student behavior problem?
Whose idea dominates the solution, the student’s or the teacher’s? For example, is the technology we use seen as a neutral tool or a management tool to regulate student behavior? We need to determine and discuss whether the focus is more on increasing management efficiency or improving the student dining experience.
Reinforcing administrator control over the cafeteria and student autonomy are opposites. At the same time, some solutions will challenge the inequity of existing resource allocation, such as specific groups (e.g., upperclassmen) getting priority dining.
My research not only optimizes campus management but also has the potential to influence broader educational equity and student well-being policies. Through data analysis and technological optimization, schools may be prompted to rethink the way they manage their cafeterias to make them more inclusive.
My goal for today is to answer one question
The fundamental problem of the research question is whether the solution is more about macro administration or individual students’ behavior. For the goal of the research, I first considered satisfying students’ need for more time to study. In contrast, the modification must follow the school’s regulations. My task then is to find an optimal solution for adjusting the variables of the cafeteria as allowed by the school probably to ensure that individual needs are met.
10 Mar 20
If you met a genie who could grant you up to three wishes, what data or statistics would you wish for to create the perfect AP Research Paper? What gap in the research field will this fill?
First, the sample size is quite limited due to the time-consuming observation. I need to observe all the data regarding individual persons on my own. For example, if I want to get the net population within one hour, I need to watch a video recording for one hour.
I would want to get at least 30 business days worth of dining data. It is unlikely that I would be able to get that much data due to the time-consuming nature of the current method of obtaining the data. Also, the data currently collected is based on entrances and exits. The data that works best for queuing theory is collected based on windows. It would be better to get real-time data from windows