How to formulate a focused EE topic and question? How to narrow down your topic? Question starters. Things to consider while formulating a research topic and question.

1. Formulate a Research Topic & Question
DP Extended Essay
25th of Sept., 2017
Zakir Hossain
Teacher-Librarian
EE Coordinator
Grade 12

2. What is Research Question?
A Research Question is a statement that identifies the event/incident
to be studied.
To develop a strong research question from your ideas, you should ask yourself these
things:
Is the research question one that is of interest to you and potentially to others?
Is it a new issue or problem that needs to be solved or is it attempting to shed light on
previously researched topic?
Is the research question researchable? e.g. time frame and the required resources.
Is the research question measureable and will the process produce data that can be
supported or contradicted?
Is the research question too broad or too narrow?
https://cirt.gcu.edu/research/developmentresources/tutorials/question

3. One formulated by the student out of his/her own curiosity
or interest;
Non-trivial (i.e., substantial, not speculative or too limited in
scope, not self-evident);
Sharply enough focused so that the student can answer it
in 4,000 words e.g. IBDP.
A GOOD RESEARCH QUESTION for EE!

4. How to do Research for EE?
1. What do I need to know? (topic)
2. a. What questions do I answer? (hypothesis)
2. b. Where will I get the information? (source)
2. c. Did I put it in my own words? (research)
3. How do I cite my sources? (documentation)
4. How will I use the information? (presentation)
5. Did I do it correctly and completely? (rubric / directions)

5. Narrowing Down your Research Focus…
Subject
History
Theme
U.S. Foreign Policy
Context
Counterterrorism under Bush 2000-2005
Topic
The use of lethal force against Iraqi Militia
Research questions
Hypothesis (Title)
What lethal force does Bush Administration use against Iraqi Militia and how effective it
was at countering the thread they posed?
What was the U.S. policy using lethal force
against terrorism before Bush ?
Did Bush order to use Lethal force? If
so when and at what method?
How effective was this use of lethal force? How
did international community react against this?
What logic did Bush have using lethal
force in Iraq?

6. Another way …!

7. Subject and Topic
The theme of love and relationships in 19th century novels
Thetheme of love and relationships in the novels of Jane Austen

10. A topic should not be too broad.
Too Broad
King Faisal school is a magnificent place to study.
Better
Good teachers make King Faisal School a
magnificent place to study.

11. A research topic should not be too wordy
Wordy
Some problems with King Faisal School is that it
needs a larger playground, an air conditioned gym,
an auditorium, restrooms connected to each
classroom, running water in the classrooms, and a
number of other physical changes to the buildings.
Better
King Faisal School needs several changes to its
facility to make it a better school.

12. A research topic should not be too general
Too general
King Faisal is a good school in KSA.
Better
Excellent leadership practice has made King
Faisal a best school in KSA.

13. Topic vs Question

14. Question starters….

16. Thank You
Q & A

17. Lekanides, Kosta. Extended Essay Course Book: Oxford IB Diploma Programme. OUP, 2016.
Hossain, Zakir. “EE DIRECTIONS:2016-18 Cohort: Click Here to Download the Pdf EE Information Booklet .” EIS
Learning Resource Centre, Aug. 2016, eishcmclrc.wordpress.com/ee-directions/.
Thompson, Emma and Richard Penny. “DEVELOPING YOUR RESEARCH PROJECT.” [week 2: Exercise:
developing your research question]. MOOC offered by the University of Southampton. Retrieved on Sept. 24,
2017 from https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/research-project/9/steps/158525
References