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Supervising an Extended Essay (EE) can be a source of stress for many teachers. 

As a compulsory component of the IB Diploma, the stakes are high for both students and supervisors, and navigating the process can feel daunting. 

A frequent concern raised in teacher forums, social media groups, and personal messages to me is how to guide students in choosing the right research question. 

With careful preparation and structured guidance, this process can become far more manageable—and even enjoyable.

Start with Reading: The Key to a Strong Research Question

The foundation of any good EE is thorough research. 

Before discussing potential research questions, students should conduct a detailed literature review. 

This means identifying 6 to 8 peer-reviewed studies that they can reference in their essay. 

These studies should include evidence that supports and challenges their proposed research question, ensuring it’s debatable rather than obvious. 

Without this groundwork, it’s impossible to judge whether a proposed question is viable.

Encourage students to take detailed notes on the research they’ve reviewed, paying attention to theories, methodologies, and results. 

Not only does this ensure that their question is rooted in evidence, but it also helps students become more confident and knowledgeable about their topic.

What Makes a Good Research Question?

A great research question has several important qualities:

Debatable and Balanced: The question must allow for arguments on both sides. 

For example, asking whether a well-established therapy reduces anxiety might lead to a one-sided discussion and fail to meet the critical thinking criteria of the EE.

Contemporary Relevance: Questions that address current societal issues are not only engaging but also show the student’s ability to connect psychology to the real world. 

However, students should avoid overdone topics like the effects of video games on aggression or the impact of social media on self-esteem.

Fresh and Personal: Students should aim to present a unique perspective or explore a niche area of psychology. 

This approach not only keeps the examiner engaged but also demonstrates personal interest and dedication.

Focused and Specific: Broad questions lead to shallow analysis. 

Encourage students to operationalise variables clearly, narrowing their scope to something achievable within 4,000 words.

Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Help students steer clear of topics that are either unsuitable or unoriginal. These include:

Double-Dipping: Topics already covered in the IB Psychology syllabus cannot be used.

Pop Psychology: Areas like the causes of psychopathy might lack robust scientific backing.

Controversial Topics: Subjects like pornography, which may be inappropriate or overly complex for this age group, should be avoided.

Instead, guide students toward intriguing, less explored questions with clear psychological relevance.

Supporting Teachers and Students

Supervising an EE may feel overwhelming, but encouraging your students to conduct a thorough literature review and ensuring their research question meets the criteria outlined above can make the process far smoother. 

By fostering their curiosity and guiding them toward a focused, well-supported question, you’ll set them up for success.

If you’re feeling stuck or have specific queries, don’t hesitate to reach out—I’m happy to help via email or a quick chat. 

Together, by connecting and collaborating, we can help students excel while maintaining a manageable workload for ourselves. 

Good luck!

Thes 

Future articles in this series:

• The roles and responsibilities of an EE supervisor.
• How to harvest the low hanging fruit in EEs.
• Great EE evaluations.