Crafting Ideal IB Extended Essay Research Questions: Eight Tested Strategies to Follow
Writing a research question for the International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay (EE) is a crucial step in the research process. To ensure your question is well-focused and effective, consider the following key components and best practices.
Key Components of a Research Question
- Clarity and Specificity: Your research question should be clear, concise, and specific enough to explore within the 4,000-word limit of the essay. A well-defined question helps maintain focus throughout the investigation[1][3].
- Relevance and Depth: The question should invite analysis rather than simple description. It should be narrow enough to allow for in-depth exploration but broad enough to require a substantial investigation[3][5].
- Subject Alignment: Ensure the question aligns well with the subject’s methodology and terminology. This includes using appropriate subject-specific concepts and frameworks[1][3].
Best Practices for Writing a Research Question
- Start with Hypotheses or Questions of Interest: Begin by identifying areas of interest or hypotheses that can be explored. Brainstorming and refining these ideas can lead to a well-focused research question[2][4].
- Assess Feasibility: Ensure that the question is feasible given the resources and time available. Consider the availability of relevant data and sources[3][5].
- Avoid Broad or Too Narrow Questions: A question that is too broad risks being too general, while one that is too narrow may not require a substantial investigation. A good question should allow for exploration and analysis without being overly simplistic[5].
- Link to Relevant Theories: Connect your question to relevant theories or frameworks in the subject area. This helps in grounding your investigation and providing a clear direction for analysis[3].
- Consider Contemporary Relevance: Choosing a question that addresses a contemporary issue can enhance the relevance and appeal of your research[5].
Remember, a good Extended Essay research question is specific, analytical, manageable, and subject-appropriate. It asks "how" or "why," not just "what." Rarely, you can use a quote as part of your question, but your question should be original and clearly framed[1][2][3][4][5].
If you find yourself struggling to draft your question, don't hesitate to seek help from your EE supervisor, IB subject guides, or resources such as RevisionDojo.com, which offer topic examples and support.
Lastly, keep in mind that it's acceptable to change your question during the EE process as long as it remains aligned with your subject and purpose. Avoid using personal pronouns in your research question; use a formal, academic tone and avoid "I" or "we."
By following these guidelines, you can craft a research question that effectively guides your investigation and contributes to a strong Extended Essay.
[1] IB. (n.d.). Extended Essay Research Question. Retrieved from https://www.ibo.org/programmes/diploma-programme/subjects/theory-of-knowledge/curriculum-and-resources/extended-essay-research-question/
[2] IB. (n.d.). Extended Essay: A Guide for Students. Retrieved from https://www.ibo.org/resources/diploma-programme/extended-essay-a-guide-for-students/
[3] RevisionDojo. (n.d.). How to Write a Good Extended Essay Research Question. Retrieved from https://www.revisiondojo.com/extended-essay-research-question/
[4] Oxford Learning. (n.d.). Writing a Research Question for Your IB Extended Essay. Retrieved from https://www.oxfordlearning.com/blog/2018/01/writing-a-research-question-for-your-ib-extended-essay/
[5] The Student Room. (n.d.). Writing a Research Question for Your IB Extended Essay. Retrieved from https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=4710175
In the context of online education and self-development, a research question for an Extended Essay could be: "What impact does online learning platforms have on the depth and breadth of student engagement in the International Baccalaureate program?"
Building on the topic of education-and-self-development, a research question that explores the effectiveness of online education in promoting learning could be: "To what extent does the use of online educational resources facilitate student achievement in the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme compared to traditional learning methods?"
