Workshop for Criterion A (#1) The Research Question – Where do I begin?

Aims of the Extended Essay Your research question should address these aims: Independent research Engage creative and critical thinking Systematic research process Intellectual discovery

What are the best types of questions to ask? Questions that begin with “why,” “how,” or “which” Questions which allow you to be analytical (break things into parts) Questions which allow you to be evaluative (draw conclusions) Questions about a topic which interests you and of which, you have background knowledge Questions that are sharply focused (will be altered based on research)

What are the worst types of questions to ask? Questions that begin with “what” Questions that are narrative in nature (you are summarizing the research, not drawing conclusions) Questions to which you already know the answer Questions that involve a background of knowledge which you do not possess (e.g. – Economics) Questions that are too broad or too narrow in scope (will be altered based on research)

What questions do you have?

Workshop for Criterion A (#2) The Research Question – Focus and Alignment with Subject Area

How do I focus my question? When you begin your research, you will: Notice trends or patterns in your research (content, researchers, historical happenings) Notice just how much or how little “stuff” exists on your question Need to be flexible with your question Alter your question to focus on a few of these trends or patterns

How do I align my question with the subject? Be aware of the variety of subjects and their descriptions! You must read them! Understand the essence of your question (cause and effect, comparative, theoretical, quantitative, point/counterpoint) Let’s look at a question to determine under what subject it fits…

The Question: Should the IOC be responsible for dictating how host countries control crime and violence before and during the Olympic games?

Conclusions… Human Rights – focuses on the theories of human rights Peace and Conflict – focuses on the process of change and viability of peace Politics – focuses on the political institutions or political issues

What subject fits this question? Why? Human Rights Peace and Conflict Politics