Is there a range of perspectives on this topic?ĭoes the research question allow for analysis, evaluation and the development of a reasoned argument? Will you be able to argue a specific position? What are some possible issues or arguments? Include a command term from your subject area to help form the research question. I am studying _ because I want to find out (who, what, when, where, whether, why or how) _.Įxample: 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.ĭirect question: To what extent are the arts accessible to people who belong to the class of the working poor? Try to describe your research by developing a question that specifies something about your topic. I want to learn about _.Įxample: I want to learn about public funding for the arts. Which subject area is of most personal interest to you? Is there something you are especially curious about in one of your IB courses? Did one of your ERP's from an earlier grade spark an idea that can be researched?

A research question will provide a path to guide you through your research and writing. considering options if the research available is not sufficient to support a sustained argumentĭeveloping a narrow, focused research question is an integral part of your extended essay process.outlining the kind of argument you might make and how your research might support this.suggesting possible outcomes of your research.Once you have decided on a provisional research question you should start thinking about the direction your research might take. Arguable - Does the research question allow for analysis, evaluation and the development of a reasoned argument?Ĭonsider research outcomes.Focused - Will the research question be specific enough to allow for exploration within the scope of the task (that is, the number of words and time available)?.Clear - Will the reader understand the nature of my research? Will it direct the research being undertaken?.This evaluation should be based on whether the question is clear, focused, and arguable. Once you have posed possible research questions you should evaluate them. These questions will usually be framed 'how', 'why', or 'to what extent.'Įvaluate the question. You should now begin posing open-ended questions about your topic. What are the next steps ?Ĭonsider the emerging questions. You've chosen a subject and topic that interests you, and carried out some preliminary reading.

Decide on a Citation Style Toggle Dropdown

Search Engines, Repositories, & Directories.

Conduct Research in a Specific Discipline.

Researcher's Reflection Space (RRS) Toggle Dropdown Opinions and conclusions should be presented clearly and supported with appropriate evidence and sound argument. Propose a solution, hypothesis or other possible answer.Ĭonsider the merits or otherwise of an argument or concept. The sketch should give a general idea of the required shape or relationship, and should include relevant features. Represent by means of a diagram or graph (labelled as appropriate). Provide evidence to support or defend a choice, decision, strategy or course of action. Give a detailed account, including reasons or causes.Ĭonsider an argument or concept in a way that uncovers the assumptions and interrelationships of the issue. Make an appraisal by weighing up the strengths and limitations. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence. Offer a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Manipulate a mathematical relationship to give a new equation or relationship. Make clear by reasoning or evidence, illustrating with examples or practical application. Reach a conclusion from the information given. Give an account of similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.ĭisplay information in a diagrammatic or logical form. Give a judgment based on a given statement or result of a calculation. Break down in order to bring out the essential elements or structure.

Ib command terms