IB Diploma: Extended Essay EE Research Question Formulation Developing a focused arguable research question

What This Is and Why It Matters for IB

Developing a focused, arguable research question is a crucial skill in the IB Diploma Programme. It appears in the TOK and Extended Essay assessment components. Students often get it wrong by formulating vague or unarguable questions, which can lead to losing marks or failing to meet criteria. This skill is essential for critical thinking, research, and effective communication.

Where It Appears in the IB Syllabus

This topic is relevant to: - Theory of Knowledge (TOK): Knowledge Question and Area of Knowledge exploration - Extended Essay (EE): Research question formulation and essay development - Group 1-6 subjects: Research question formulation and data collection

Key Command Terms

• Analyse: Break down complex information into smaller parts to understand relationships and patterns.
• Evaluate: Assess the value or worth of an idea, method, or argument.
• Compare and Contrast: Identify similarities and differences between two or more concepts, theories, or ideas.

Step-by-Step Understanding

1. Recall the research question criteria: A good research question should be focused, arguable, relevant, and manageable.
2. Brainstorm ideas: Use your Knowledge Questions, Areas of Knowledge, and Subject knowledge to generate potential research questions.
3. ⚠️ Avoid vague or unarguable questions: Verify that your question is specific, clear, and open to debate.
4. Refine your question: Use Analyse, Evaluate, and Compare and Contrast to develop a well-crafted research question.
5. Apply to an exam question: Use the research question to guide your response to a TOK or EE question.

Assessment Criteria Connection

Real Student Mistakes

Student 1

Question: "What is the impact of social media on society?" Why it lost marks: The question is too broad and vague.
Correct approach: Formulate a more specific question, such as "How does social media affect mental health in adolescents?"

Student 2

Question: "Is climate change real?" Why it lost marks: The question is too simplistic and unarguable.
Correct approach: Formulate a more nuanced question, such as "To what extent does human activity contribute to climate change?"

Exam Technique (Paper-specific)

• TOK: Allocate 10-15 minutes to formulate a research question before starting the essay.
• EE: Use the research question to guide your essay development and ensure you stay focused throughout.
• Group 1-6 subjects: Use the research question to inform your data collection and analysis.

Internal Assessment / Extended Essay Relevance

Apply this skill to: - EE: Use the research question to guide your essay development and ensure you stay focused throughout.
- CAS: Use the research question to inform your project or activity and ensure it meets the Creativity, Activity, Service criteria.

TOK Connections (if applicable)

This topic links to: - Ways of Knowing: Empirical, rational, and intuitive ways of knowing can inform research question formulation.
- Areas of Knowledge: Natural sciences, human sciences, and the arts can provide context for research questions.

Quick Check (Self-Assessment Questions)

1. What are the key criteria for a good research question?
   • Focused, arguable, relevant, and manageable
2. How do you avoid vague or unarguable research questions?
   • Verify that your question is specific, clear, and open to debate
3. What is the purpose of a research question in the EE?
   • To guide essay development and ensure focus throughout

Revision Card (60-Second Summary)

• Focused: A clear and specific research question
• Arguable: A question open to debate and discussion
• Relevant: A question connected to the subject or topic
• Manageable: A question that can be explored within the given time and resources
• Knowledge Questions: Questions that guide TOK exploration
• Areas of Knowledge: Context for research questions
• EE: Research question guides essay development

If You Get Stuck

• Review the research question criteria and key command terms.
• Ask your teacher or study group for guidance.
• Approach the exam question by allocating time to formulate a research question before starting the essay.

Related IB Topics

• Knowledge Questions: Guide TOK exploration and research question formulation
• Areas of Knowledge: Provide context for research questions
• Essay Development: Effective use of the research question to guide the essay