IB Diploma: Extended Essay EE Reflection Process Criterion-based reflections on research journey

What This Is and Why It Matters for IB

Reflection Process is a critical skill in IB research, connecting research journey to the research question. It appears in the Research Paper (Paper 2) of the Business Management, Economics, and History syllabi, and in the Extended Essay (EE). Students often get it wrong by failing to connect their research to the question, losing marks on Criterion A (Research Question). ⚠️ This can lead to misunderstanding the research question, failing to meet criteria, and losing up to 10 marks.

Where It Appears in the IB Syllabus

• Business Management (Paper 2): Criterion A (Research Question)
• Economics (Paper 2): Criterion A (Research Question)
• History (Paper 2): Criterion A (Research Question)
• Extended Essay (EE): Criterion A (Research Question)

Key Command Terms

• Analyse: Break down a concept or process into smaller parts to understand its components and relationships.
• Evaluate: Assess the value or quality of something, considering its strengths and weaknesses.
• Discuss: Explore a topic, presenting different perspectives and ideas.
• Compare and contrast: Identify similarities and differences between two or more things.

Step-by-Step Understanding

1. Identify the research question: Clearly understand the question and its requirements. ⚠️ Don't assume you know what the question wants.
2. Connect research to the question: Show how your research answers the question, using evidence and analysis.
3. Use a logical progression: Organize your ideas in a clear and logical order, linking each point to the question.
4. Avoid common misconceptions: Don't confuse the research question with the topic or the research methodology.
5. Apply to an exam question: Use the research question to guide your response, answering the question directly.

Assessment Criteria Connection

Real Student Mistakes

Mistake 1

A student wrote a research paper that answered a different question than the one asked. They lost marks on Criterion A (Research Question) because their research didn't address the question.

Mistake 2

A student failed to connect their research to the research question, making it seem like a generic report. They lost marks on Criterion A (Research Question) because their research didn't answer the question.

Exam Technique (Paper-specific)

• Timing allocation: Allocate 20-30 minutes to the research question, depending on the paper.
• Structuring a response: Use an essay outline to organize your ideas, linking each point to the research question.
• Linking to command terms: Use analyse, evaluate, and discuss to break down the research question and answer it.

Internal Assessment / Extended Essay Relevance

Apply the research question to your Extended Essay by: - Formulating a clear research question that guides your essay.
- Using evidence and analysis to answer the research question.
- Organizing your ideas in a clear and logical order, linking each point to the research question.

TOK Connections (if applicable)

This topic connects to Ways of Knowing (Reason, Imagination, Faith) and Areas of Knowledge (Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences). Sample TOK discussion question: "How do different ways of knowing influence our understanding of a research question?"

Quick Check (Self-Assessment Questions)

1. What is the purpose of a research question in IB research?
   • Model answer: To guide the research and ensure it addresses the topic.
2. How do you connect your research to the research question?
   • Model answer: By using evidence and analysis to answer the question.
3. What is the importance of a clear and logical progression in IB research?
   • Model answer: To ensure the research is well-organized and answers the question.

Revision Card (60-Second Summary)

• Research question: Clearly defined and connected to the research.
• Logical progression: Organized ideas in a clear and logical order.
• Evidence and analysis: Used to answer the research question.
• Command terms: Analyse, evaluate, and discuss to break down the research question.
• Assessment criteria: Criterion A (Research Question) in Research Paper (Paper 2) and Extended Essay (EE).

If You Get Stuck

• Review: Go back to the research question and ensure it's clearly defined.
• Ask: Ask your teacher or study group for help with connecting your research to the question.
• Approach an exam question: Use the research question to guide your response, answering the question directly.

Related IB Topics

• Research methodology: Understand the research methodology used to answer the research question.
• Evidence and analysis: Learn to use evidence and analysis to answer the research question.
• Critical thinking: Develop critical thinking skills to evaluate the research question and answer it effectively.