Dear 2017 IB Diploma Candidates

Dear 2017 IB Diploma Candidates:

All candidates for the International Baccalaureate (IB) diploma must complete a research paper known as the Extended Essay (EE). This requirement measures the ability of candidates to perform original research on a specified, limited topic in a subject area of their choice. It assesses the ability to think independently, employ the tools of the Information Age effectively, summarize and synthesize a strategically chosen array of complex materials, and present them in clear, coherent, and cogent argumentation within the limits of 4,000 words.

The following is a list of topics that qualify as areas of investigation designated by the International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO):

Literature
National literature, literary themes (Category 1)
Foreign literature (Category 2)
Biology
Business and Management
Chemistry
Classical Greek and Latin
Computer science
Dance
Design technology
Economics
Environmental systems and societies
Film
Geography
History
Human Rights
Information technology in a global society
Mathematics
Music
Peace and conflict studies
Philosophy
Physics
Politics
Psychology
Social and cultural anthropology
Sports, Exercise and Health Science (new)
Theatre
Visual arts
World Religions
World Studies (new)

Because of the wide array of topics from which a candidate may choose, it is very difficult to prescribe a standard research procedure. IB requires that candidates work with a supervisor who will assist them in determining feasible research questions and methods in relation to the chosen subject area.

Step 1: Choosing a subject area (Due date: ASAP)

The first step in completing the requirement is choosing a topic area from the list above. It is very important that the candidate have ample background and interest in the subject area chosen. A sensible approach to choosing a topic is to select from an area that one might anticipate as a college major. Those who are not yet decided on a major area of post-secondary study should relate their topic choice to areas of potential future focus or particular interest.

Step 2: Investigate the IBO Parameters for the subject area chosen. (Due date: ASAP)

You can find the IBO Diploma Programme Extended Essay Guide on my VHS webpage and on managebac.com. The guide is an Adobe PDF file that can easily be navigated to find the details for completing the Extended Essay in the topic area you have chosen. The Guide is a vital source of information for what is required and provides examples of common mistakes to avoid. Generally speaking, many students choose topics that are far too broad to effectively cover within the restrictions of a 4,000 word essay. The 4,000 words represent an absolute maximum and would cover approximately 16 pages of a double-spaced 12 point font presentation. There is no stated minimum word requirement, but for most subject areas it is assumed that at least 10 pages (approximately 2,500 words) would be necessary to provide adequate coverage of the topic.

Step 3: Frame a preliminary research question and plan of investigation. (Due date: ASAP)

The EE Guide will provide some assistance in helping to narrow the topic. At this point, however, it is vital that candidates begin to read scholarly literature and research in the topic area chosen. In these early stages, your research is taking shape in relation to questions that you are pursuing in conjunction with the reading you have chosen. ANY RESEARCH PAPER CAN ONLY BE AS GOOD AS THE QUESTION THAT IS BEING ASKED. ANY RESEARCH PAPER CAN ONLY BE AS GOOD AS THE QUALITY OF THE LITERATURE AND DATA YOU ENGAGE TO ANSWER THE RESEARCH QUESTION.

It is natural that at this preliminary level questions will be rather general. It is nevertheless important that the question be narrowed as quickly as possible. The candidate should engage reading in as specific an area as possible in the topic chosen. Depending on the subject area, this might include encyclopedia articles, textbook sources, and other reference materials. The candidate may find it best at this point to consult a teacher or potential supervisor who has expertise in the area of interest.

Step 4: Arrange a meeting with your potential EE advisor. (Due date: May 24)

Our staff has a great variety of individuals who are capable of assisting you in your research. Please be aware, however, that our teachers are very busy and that they will be helping as a matter of personal choice, not obligation. As a general rule, no staff member will be assigned more than three candidates as advisees for the EE. It is thus advisable for you to prepare as quickly as possible a Plan of Investigation [POI] to present to a prospective advisor. Your plan should include a clearly-stated research question, the parameters of your investigation (who, what, when, and where), its purpose (why), and the method of your investigation (how). You are very much encouraged to prepare this plan in writing. Your plan should not exceed 300 words. It should also include a preliminary bibliography. This bibliography will usually be a helpful point of reference for your advisor, who will likely have suggestions for expanding your bibliography.

Step 5: Submit your topic and research question to Mr. Myovich (Due date: May 31)

In one of the first days of June, we will take a walking field trip to the Pollack Library at Cal State Fullerton. There we will be guided in the nature of university research and introduced to the powerful research tools that are available at a modern research university. This is an opportunity to focus and expand the scholarly literature that you will engage in your research. By submitting your research question and topic area to me by May 31, I can convey them to the research librarian at CSUF who has helped us over the years. In many cases, she will have done some of the bibliography search for you!

Step 6: Plan a summer research regimen with your advisor and complete the first reflection section on the “Reflections on Planning and Progress Form” (Due date: June 16)

After the session at CSUF, you should revise the POI and bibliography that you had submitted to your EE advisor. Discuss with your advisor what might reasonably be accomplished in your research over the course of the summer. BECAUSE OF THE DEMANDS OF THE FALL SEMESTER OF YOUR SENIOR YEAR, IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT YOU COMPLETE A MAJOR PORTION OF YOUR RESEARCH AND WRITING OVER THE SUMMER! Experience has shown that those students who wait to the fall of their senior year to begin research and writing produce essays of limited academic merit. The IBO estimates that a total of approximately forty hours should be devoted to the process of research and writing the EE, once a clear POI has been determined. You should probably plan to complete at least twenty of those hours during the summer.

It is understood that this POI is preliminary and that the research question and method will develop as the candidate engages the materials. For this reason, it is vitally important that candidates have a regular writing regimen to accompany their research.

Step 7: Rough Draft and second reflection (Due date: September 20)

By Tuesday, September 20, all candidates should present a rough draft of at least 2,000 words to their advisors. The supervisor will read and discuss the rough draft with the candidate. The supervisor and candidate will then determine what further research needs to be done and how to improve the presentation of material.

Step 8: Full Draft and third reflection (Due date: November 15)

This draft will be the last opportunity for you to make revisions in response to feedback from your advisor.

Step 9: Final Draft submitted to advisor and turnitin.com (Due Date: February 1, 2017)

Step 10: Final Reflection (vive voce), cover sheets, and predicted grades (Due date: March 1, 2017)