How To Research
Before Starting
First and foremost, it is important that students students completing the Extended Essay (EE) focus on an idea that interests them. Once you have an idea, you cane pick between one of two pathways, interdisciplinary or subject-focused. Which pathways you use will depend upon your particular topic, personal interests, and how they relate to your studies. Please look at the PDF below for more information on which pathway you should use on your EE.
Subject-focused essays use knowledge, concepts, theories, perspectives or methods, or a combination of these, from one chosen DP subject to respond to a research question.
Please note that ESS and Literature and Performance essays are required to be subject-focused.
Think about your extended essay as being a different experience compared with your classroom learning. This is your change to engage in self-designed, independent research, challenging yourself, expanding your thinking and stretching boundaries. Use the knowledge, concepts, theories, perspectives and/or methods, from one chosen DP subject to respond to a research question.
Subject-Focused
Interdisciplinary
Interdisciplinary essays combine two subjects effectively help research your chosen topic. This can lead to fresh insights and create new and/or deeper understandings that would not be possible through research within one subject.
Please note that interdisciplinary essay's in ESS and Literature and Performance are not allowed.
Students completing an interdisciplinary essay should have a strong understanding of both subjects. This understanding will be important in an effective interdisciplinary research pathway. While this essay will combine two subjects, an equal balance is not necessarily required for success. Instead, an interdisciplinary extended essay should demonstrate clearly that integration of elements of the two subjects has specifically enabled an effective response to the research question.
Pick a Framework
Students completing an interdisciplinary essay will need to pick a framework for their research. These frameworks are designed to help you address your topic in an appropriate context. The images below explain the different frameworks you can chose.
