Extended Essay research question guide
A strong research question gives an Extended Essay direction without deciding the answer in advance. It should be narrow enough to investigate well, grounded in the registered subject or subjects, and capable of supporting analysis rather than description.
Step 1
Begin by identifying the issue, text, case, system, period, population or relationship you genuinely want to understand. At this stage, collect several possible directions rather than forcing the first idea into a final question. A useful starting point is to write what you want to explain, compare, evaluate or understand before worrying about exact wording.
Step 2
The research question should require the knowledge, concepts, methods or perspectives of the registered subject. If the essay is interdisciplinary, the question should genuinely benefit from integrating two subject lenses rather than producing two separate mini-essays.
Step 3
A question can be interesting and still be too broad. Narrow the period, location, text, case, variables, stakeholder group, dataset or product category until the evidence can be analysed meaningfully within the 4,000-word limit. Record what you are excluding and why.
Step 4
Ask whether appropriate evidence is actually available, whether the method is ethical and realistic, and whether you have enough time to investigate the question properly. If the answer depends on evidence you cannot access, refine the question before investing heavily in research.
Step 5
Avoid questions that can be answered with a list of facts or a simple yes/no. Strong questions usually require interpretation, comparison, explanation, evaluation or the weighing of evidence. The wording matters less than whether the investigation can produce a reasoned argument.
Step 6
A working research question is allowed to change. Good researchers refine questions when sources, data, scope or method reveal that the original formulation is not the best route. Record why you changed it so the decision becomes useful reflection evidence later.
Yes. A working question can be refined as research develops. Changes should be justified by evidence, scope, method or feasibility rather than made randomly.
It should be focused enough to investigate in depth but not so narrow that there is little to analyse. The right scope depends on the subject and the type of evidence available.
The two subjects should make a meaningful contribution to one integrated inquiry. Choosing two subjects simply because both are interesting is not enough.
Extended Essay Dashboard gives students a structured research journey while supervisors and coordinators get clear school-scoped oversight.
This guidance supports school practice and does not replace current official IB documentation or your school's approved Extended Essay policies.