Developing A research question
Each WSEE must be registered under one of the six global themes. Students should first decide which of these they are interested in.
Considering the global themes will also enable students to:
Preliminary reading
Students will find reading around the topic before they decide on their research question helpful. It will:
Criterion B requires students to:
Questions to consider
Some of the following questions might be considered:
Considering the global themes will also enable students to:
- check that the interdisciplinary WSEE is a better way to explore their topic than the single subject essay
- decide which disciplines they will use (two Diploma Programme subjects, one of which they must be studying).
Preliminary reading
Students will find reading around the topic before they decide on their research question helpful. It will:
- make them aware of what sources of information are available to them
- form the basis of demonstrating their knowledge and understanding in context--criterion B.
Criterion B requires students to:
- demonstrate how their own research fits into the wider subject areas/global theme under which they are submitting it
- justify why their particular topic is worthy of investigation.
Questions to consider
Some of the following questions might be considered:
- What has already been written about this topic?
- Is it easy to find sources of information?
- Is there a range of different sources available?
- If I want to collect my own data, is this feasible?
- Is there a range of views and perspectives on the topic?
- What interesting questions have started to emerge from my reading so far?
Formulating well- focused research questions
Developing a narrow, focused research question is an integral part of your extended essay process. A research question will provide a path to guide you through your research and writing.
STEPS |
ACTION |
Step 1: Choose your subject area |
Which subject area is of most personal interest to you? Is there something you are especially curious about in one of your IB courses? |
Step 2: Choose a topic that interests you |
Describe your work in one sentence. I want to learn about __________________________. Example: I want to learn about public funding for the arts. |
Step 3: Suggest a question |
Try to describe your research by developing a question that specifies something about your topic. I am studying ______________________ because I want to find out (who, what, when, where, whether, why or how) ___________________________. Example: I am studying public funding for the arts because I want to find out how accessible the arts are to those people who are on low incomes. |
Step 4: Evaluate your question |
Answer the questions: Is there a range of perspectives on this topic? Does the research question allow for analysis, evaluation and the development of a reasoned argument? I am studying __________________ because I want to find out ____________________________ in order to understand (how, why or whether) ________________________________________________. Example: I am studying public funding for the arts because I want to find out how accessible the arts are to the working poor so I can determine whether tax dollars support cultural enrichment for all citizens regardless of their socio-economic status. |
Step 5: Restate your question using a different command term |
Asking the question in a different way might help you view your topic in a different way. How does analysing … To what extent … |
Step 6: Review with your supervisor |
Is your supervisor able to understand the nature of your research? Is it clear to your supervisor how and why your topic is relevant in your subject area? |
Step 7: Reflection |
If you can adequately respond to the “so what?” question, you may be on your way to a clear and focused research question using your initial topic idea. |
You must now start some preliminary reading around the issue or topic. Remember that you will most likely need to revise your research question once you start to undertake your research. In this sense your research question should always be considered provisional until you have enough research data to make a reasoned argument.