Skip to Main Content
It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.

Extended Essay: WSEE - Getting Started

A guide to the research process involved in your EE.

Getting Started

Questions to consider

Some of the following questions might be considered:

  • What has already been written about this topic?
  • Is it easy to find sources of information?
  • Is there a range of different sources available?
  • If I want to collect my own data, is this feasible?
  • Is there a range of views and perspectives on the topic?
  • What interesting questions have started to emerge from my reading so far?

Global theme and topic

Each WSEE must be registered under one of the six global themes. Students should first decide which of these they are interested in.

Considering the global themes will also enable students to:

  • check that the interdisciplinary WSEE is a better way to explore their topic than the single subject essay
  • decide which disciplines they will use (two Diploma Programme subjects, one of which they must be studying).

Research question

Students should identify a working research question early on but be prepared to change it as a result of their research.

Researcher’s reflection space

Students should set up an RRS in whatever format they are happiest with.

Preliminary reading

Students will find reading around the topic before they decide on their research question helpful. It will:

  • make them aware of what sources of information are available to them
  • form the basis of demonstrating their knowledge and understanding in context—criterion B.
 

Criterion B requires students to:

  • demonstrate how their own research fits into the wider subject areas/global theme under which they are submitting it
  • justify why their particular topic is worthy of investigation.