The Research Process

While researching for the extended essay, students should do the following:
1. Choose an approved Diploma Programme subject for the extended essay.
Select a subject that interests you. Consider investigating a subject that you are studying.
Read the assessment criteria and the relevant guidance for your selected subject. Pay attention to the:
o Overview which provides a general outline of the subject.
o Choice of topic which defines requirements and other specific criteria that must be
considered when writing an essay in a particular subject.
o Treatment of topic which discusses the suitability of topics within a subject and how they
should be handled.
2. Make a list of possible topics in the subject. If necessary, do background reading to help you choose a topic.
Keep in mind the essay guidelines.
3. Choose a topic that is of interest to you.
Undertake sufficient preparatory reading on your chosen topic. Read scholarly articles and books
that will help you determine the significance of your topic and formulate an arguable research
question.
As you read, underline key words, phrases and ideas that can be used to further your search for
information and narrow your topic.
4. Formulate a well-focused, arguable research question under the direction of your supervisor.
If you discover that it will not be possible to obtain the evidence needed in the time available, the
research question should be changed. This should be done sooner rather than later. You should not
lose time waiting and hoping that something will turn up. Rather, start the research process over and
develop a new research question that can be answered.
5. Plan your investigation and writing process.
Identify how and from which sources you will gather material.
Identify which system of academic referencing you will use.
Set deadlines that will allow you to meet the schools requirements.
6. Plan a structure (outline headings) for the essay that is based on your research and logically supports your
research question. The structure of your essay may change as you read more scholarly research, but it is
useful to have a sense of direction.
7. Carry out the investigation.
Access and read information from a wide variety of academic sources: scholarly journals, books,
databases, and primary source documents when appropriate. You should not rely on Internet search
engines as your sole access point for locating information.
The material gathered should be assembled in a logical order, linked to the structure of the essay.
Only then will you know whether you have enough evidence for each stage of the argument so that
you can proceed to the next.
Be prepared to handle counterarguments. Your thoughtful analysis and commentary on an opposing
viewpoint can actually serve to strengthen your own argument.