Extended Essay Support Site

Once you have a clear picture of what you know and what you want to know (see KWL diagram), it's time to think about how you will conduct your research. Methodology is the term used to describe the ways in which you gather data and acquire knowledge. Before you finalise your research question, you will need to know which methods are most appropriate for exploring it. Here is an overview, by group, of common data-gathering methods. Consult this overview before filling out an EE proposal form. Note that the IB's website on the Programme Resource Centre (PRC) offers much more detailed guidance on methodology per subject.

• study (and comparison of) primary sources
• reading of primary source(s) in light of secondary source(s)
• analysis of stylistic devices / literary features in primary source(s)
• study of translation

• Appropriateness of source texts
• Focus on intent, technique and reception of text(s)/primary source(s)
• IB requirements
  • Cat 1 - Studies of works in target language
  • Cat 2 - Compare a target-language work to a work in translation
  • Cat 3 - Studies in language (non-literary texts)
  • study of a primary source (literary or non-literary)
  • reading of primary source(s) in light of secondary source(s)
  • reading, viewing and listening of secondary sources
  • Appropriateness of source texts
  • Focus on intent, technique and reception of text(s)/primary source(s)
  • IB requirements
    • Cat 1 - Language (linguistics)
    • Cat 2 - Culture and society: a) impact of culture on language or b) cultural artifact (non-literary text)
    • Cat 3 - Literature
    • study of primary and secondary sources
    • questionnaires / surveys
    • interviews
    • fieldwork / observation
    • experiment
    • comparison
    • statistical analysis
    • access to (scientific) articles and sources
    • time to collect surveys
    • time and nature of experiment
    • ethical constraints
    • confidentiality and permission
    • health and safety
    • reading of primary and secondary sources
    • lab work / experimentation
    • observation
    • comparison
    • analysis
    • time and nature of experiment
    • ethical constraints
    • animal rights
    • health and safety
    • reading of primary and secondary sources
    • gathering of data from other fields and disciplines
    • mathematical focus
    • application of formulas
    • reading / viewing of primary and secondary sources
    • comparison of primary sources
    • focus on medium: film, drama, oil on canvas, architecture, etc.
    • focus on intent, technique and reception of art work(s)/primary source(s)

    TOK

    How is knowledge traditionally gatthered in your field of research? Under which Area of Knowledge (AOK) does your subject fall and learn more about its knowledge framework to learn ore about traditional methods of doing research in this subject.

    ATLs

    One of the Approaches to Learning refers to self-management skills. When thinking about your methods of research, consider how long they will take. How much time do you need to read a novel, organise a survey or run an experiment? What if this takes longer then usual? Consider methodology when planning.

    Assessment

    Are you assessed on your methods? Yes! Criterion A: Focus and methods clearly states this. Criteria B and C also refer to the quality of research. For example: You may write an excellent essay about your lab results. But if your experiement was pedestrian, you will not score well on Criteria A-C. Ask your supervisor about the appropriateness of your methodology to get a sense of what it expected. Note that some methods are allowed but not recommended, such as data analysis in the sciences. Talk to your supervisor for more advice.