Planning and organising play a crucial role in formulating a good Extended Essay. Without it, your entire research may go astray. Methodology ascribes the methods and process of navigating through the journey of your IB Extended Essay. In this essay, we will provide you with a well-defined IB Extended Essay Methodology that you can use as a guide to streamline your Extended Essay. Let’s give it a closer look:
The introduction is the foundation stone!
The methodology begins with laying a foundation stone. It is like preparing your canvas to be painted with beautiful shades.
The introduction is the cornerstone of your Extended Essay. In order to make it impressive and delectable, students must write a good introduction. It must be a brief summary of your research project. Since this section will give the first impression of the essay, it has to project its essence in an impressive manner.
Formulation of a research question
This section is like deciding a theme for a poem.
In order to excel in this research project, students must brainstorm to formulate a specific research question. It is necessary to decide on a precise question, as it will help in mitigating the possibility of ambiguity.
- Your research question should be such that it can allow the research that is required.
- It will be a vantage point to relate your question to that of real life.
- It should be within the parameters of your IB syllabus.
Literature Review: Brooding over the Trodden Path
We are an accumulation of all the thoughts we have seen, heard, read, acknowledged, distorted, and improvised.
It is not wise to jump into one’s own research without understanding the existing literature related to a chosen topic. Understanding the intricacies of the available scholarship will help you understand various perspectives and perceptions. You are likely to develop your own in the process. This involves perusing books, academic journals, scholarly articles, relevant magazines, etc.
Research Methodology
Not every topic will require the same research methodology. Some will require you to perform experiments in the lab, and some will require you to collect data and formulate proper statistics in order to reach plausible explanations.
The approaches can be classified as qualitative as well as quantitative, and students should use a combination of both, as the topic requires, in order to do a comprehensive study.
Data Collection: Collecting the Pieces of the Puzzle
In order to craft plausible arguments supported by evidence, the methodology requires students to collect that evidence using data collection techniques.
With the methodology selected and established, students move on to the practical phase of data collection. This involves implementing the chosen methods, be they surveys, empirical studies, or analyses of existing data. The students should make sure to collect data and record the findings with precision and accuracy.
Data Analysis: Untangling the Tangled
It is imperative to untangle the intricacies covertly and overtly placed in your data. The analysis will demonstrate your mental mettle. Perusing and analysing beyond what is on the surface is the object and objective of data analysis.
Once data is collected and recorded accurately, students should employ their critical skills to analyse and interpret the things that lie on the surface and beyond. This will demonstrate your grit in employing your intellectual and analytical skills.
Structuring the interior
The next step is to form a skeletal structure that will encompass everything that you have to offer in your Extended Essay. It is important to formulate a proper structure so that your arrangements and organisation are not rigged. This involves designing the big headings and how they will flow in the essay. This will enhance the appearance of an essay and make it more clear and easy to understand. Consistency in the style of an essay is as important as arguments about the subject matter.
Discussion: Interpreting the Tapestry of Findings
In the discussion section, students should articulate their interpretations and analyses of the above points. This should be accompanied by visual representations to make your essay more delectable. This is the main body of the entire essay, which introduces arguments with proper evidence and refutes the counterarguments to be formulated to demonstrate the viability and reliability of your research study.
Conclusion: End of the inquiry
The conclusion is the finishing line in this 4000-word race.
Students should briefly summarise the entire process of their research. The thesis statement mentioned in the beginning should also be part of the conclusion. Here, students can also showcase the evolution of their growth from the moment they chose the topic to its completion.
References: Navigating the Sea of Citations
Plagiarism is a serious offence and should be avoided at all costs.
An important aspect of every research project is proper citation and referencing. This will demonstrate the integrity and authenticity of your arguments. The essay should include citations in a recommended academic style.
Writing an Extended Essay is, therefore, not an easy task. It takes a lot of effort and skills to craft an essay that will help not only in getting good scores but also in gaining reasonable independence to employ such skills in future endeavours.
In essence, this guide will help students demystify the challenging journey of crafting an IB Extended Essay methodology. Comprehensive outlines will empower students to navigate this river with an anchor that will help them reach the shore with pearls tucked in the bucket.
The methodology is a practical and logical way of crossing the seas. Safe travels!
