The Research Process Through Inquiry & THE EXTENDED ESSAY K. Marsh & J. Fink Glenforest Resource Centre.

The Research The Research Process Through Process Through

InquiryInquiry&&

THE EXTENDED ESSAYTHE EXTENDED ESSAY

K. Marsh & J. FinkK. Marsh & J. FinkGlenforest Resource CentreGlenforest Resource Centre

What is Inquiry?What is Inquiry?

A research process by which A research process by which students generate meaningful students generate meaningful questions, locate information, questions, locate information, interpret findings, demonstrate interpret findings, demonstrate understanding and reflect on their understanding and reflect on their learning.learning.

In other words, this is how you write an In other words, this is how you write an extended essay.extended essay.

The four stages of the inquiry and The four stages of the inquiry and research process:research process:

Preparing for researchPreparing for research ( (your planyour plan))

Accessing resourcesAccessing resources ( (readingreading))

Processing informationProcessing information ( (developing your developing your research question, thesis statement, note research question, thesis statement, note taking, writing the outline, composing the taking, writing the outline, composing the rough draft, revision, and proofreadingrough draft, revision, and proofreading))

Transferring learningTransferring learning ( (writing the final writing the final draftdraft))

Preparing for ResearchPreparing for Research

Getting readyGetting ready is the most is the most critical stepcritical step This includesThis includes::

Defining information needsDefining information needs Determining what is expectedDetermining what is expected Understanding how you will be evaluatedUnderstanding how you will be evaluated Considering how to organize informationConsidering how to organize information Determining what you already knowDetermining what you already know Deciding how to startDeciding how to start Formulating your research questionFormulating your research question

http://www.turnerfentonib.com/docs/ee/EE_Sample_Table_of_Contents.pdf

Why is this part of the Why is this part of the research process so research process so

difficult?difficult?

In a study conducted by In a study conducted by TheThe Information SchoolInformation School at the at the University of Waterloo in February University of Waterloo in February 2009 of 86 post secondary 2009 of 86 post secondary students from universities across students from universities across the US., when it comes to the US., when it comes to conducting research, it was conducting research, it was confirmed that …confirmed that …

No matter where the students No matter where the students were enrolled …were enrolled …

No matter what information No matter what information resources they may have at resources they may have at

their disposal …their disposal …

And no matter how much time And no matter how much time they are given …they are given …

Research seems to be far more

difficult to conduct in the

digital age than it did

in previous times.

Why?Why? Information overloadInformation overload Too much irrelevant informationToo much irrelevant information Trying to find the "perfect source"Trying to find the "perfect source" Not knowing what to look for, yet still sifting Not knowing what to look for, yet still sifting

through articles that might fitthrough articles that might fit Trouble finding booksTrouble finding books Can find online citation but not full-text Can find online citation but not full-text

articlearticle Too many results from a Google search & Too many results from a Google search &

having to sort through themhaving to sort through them Figuring out what is a credible source, and Figuring out what is a credible source, and

whatwhat is notis not

You have to manage your You have to manage your workload and ask questions workload and ask questions

whenever necessarywhenever necessary Don't leave it to the last minute (exams are over …….)Don't leave it to the last minute (exams are over …….) Don't procrastinate (8 out of 10 students surveyed admit Don't procrastinate (8 out of 10 students surveyed admit

that they do) which results in feelings of angst, fatigue, that they do) which results in feelings of angst, fatigue, dread, fear, anxiety, anger, stress, disgust, intrigue, dread, fear, anxiety, anger, stress, disgust, intrigue, confusion, and being completely overwhelmedconfusion, and being completely overwhelmed

Understand your topic and get excited about itUnderstand your topic and get excited about it Use this time to "stew" and mull over what you have to do; Use this time to "stew" and mull over what you have to do;

to wade through resources now vs. later; to explore other to wade through resources now vs. later; to explore other alternatives; to discuss concerns with your mentor or TLsalternatives; to discuss concerns with your mentor or TLs

Understand the parameters and expectations of the EEUnderstand the parameters and expectations of the EE Consult the assessment rubricConsult the assessment rubric Find, access, and secure relevant resourcesFind, access, and secure relevant resources

Important Steps for Writing Important Steps for Writing the EEthe EE

Pick your topic & Pick your topic & mentormentor

Understand your Understand your topictopic

Refine your topicRefine your topic Create the research Create the research

questionquestion Answer the research Answer the research

question with your question with your thesis statementthesis statement

Begin your researchBegin your research Continue to researchContinue to research Take notesTake notes

DocumentDocument OutlineOutline First draftFirst draft Revise Revise ProofreadProofread BibliographyBibliography AbstractAbstract Appendices (if Appendices (if

required)required) SubmitSubmit

Formulating a GOODFormulating a GOOD Research Question Research Question

Remain focussedRemain focussed Make sure the question can be fully researchedMake sure the question can be fully researched Make sure it's not too broad or too narrow, based Make sure it's not too broad or too narrow, based

on your preliminary researchon your preliminary research Your thesis statement is the answer to this questionYour thesis statement is the answer to this question Vitally important to the flow of your essayVitally important to the flow of your essay Avoid broad topics as they are too difficult to Avoid broad topics as they are too difficult to

managemanage "business management" vs. "the pros and cons of "business management" vs. "the pros and cons of

Japanese management style"Japanese management style" You decide if a topic is researchable or not (by reading)You decide if a topic is researchable or not (by reading) Keep in mind that you must develop a thesis statement Keep in mind that you must develop a thesis statement

that answers your research questionthat answers your research question

Which question has Which question has research potential?research potential?

Do the economies that Do the economies that result from a trash result from a trash burning plant burning plant outweigh or not outweigh or not outweigh its outweigh its environmental impact?environmental impact?

Is sexual preference a Is sexual preference a result of nature result of nature (physically based) or (physically based) or nurture?nurture?

DefinitelyDefinitely – lots of – lots of information but a lot information but a lot to sift through to sift through (reading)(reading)

SomewhatSomewhat – not – not enough research enough research available that comes available that comes down on one sidedown on one side

Try again …Try again … Does Does MacDonald'sMacDonald's or or

BurgerBurger KingKing make a better make a better burger?burger?

Is Is ProzacProzac a good way to a good way to treat clinical depression?treat clinical depression?

Is there a link b/w hours of Is there a link b/w hours of TV viewing and violent TV viewing and violent behaviour in children aged behaviour in children aged 8 to 14?8 to 14?

NoNo – wording has no – wording has no concrete meaning, no concrete meaning, no definition of "better"definition of "better"

Yes Yes – lots of info, a lot of – lots of info, a lot of time to sift through it, both time to sift through it, both sides of argument sides of argument availableavailable

YesYes – again, lots of info – again, lots of info and it's available for both and it's available for both sides of argument; reading sides of argument; reading is going to be substantialis going to be substantial

Accessing Accessing ResourcesResources

This has proven to the This has proven to the greatest challenge …greatest challenge …

Some helpful hints:

Locate a variety of resources

And then …

READ

READ

and then READ some

more …

Reported by a student from Reported by a student from the study we mentioned the study we mentioned

earlier:earlier:I spend so much more time researching, I spend so much more time researching,

just trying to find information, than I just trying to find information, than I ever do on writing the paper. I seem ever do on writing the paper. I seem to spend the most time coming to the to spend the most time coming to the library, trying to find out where the library, trying to find out where the hell the article I need is, getting it, hell the article I need is, getting it, copying it … so now I have to go and copying it … so now I have to go and try to find the article in the main try to find the article in the main stacks, physically, and it takes so stacks, physically, and it takes so much my time, it's like so frustrating.much my time, it's like so frustrating.

Hey!Hey!She just discovered She just discovered

researchresearch

And keep going …And keep going … Do NOT start with the internet Indexes, Indexes, Indexes Evaluate: Is information current? Does the source have authority? Have you used primary sources? Are your secondary sources superior? When you identify a good source, always record it Always take notes systematically (written or

electronic)http://www.glenforestlibrary.com/pdf-files/sample.doc

Avoid plagiarism by identifying general vs. subject-specific knowledge

DocumentationDocumentation The basic rule for documentation is: The basic rule for documentation is:

Document anyDocument any specificspecific ideas, opinions, ideas, opinions, and facts that are not your ownand facts that are not your own. The . The only thing you don't have to document is only thing you don't have to document is common knowledge. common knowledge.

There are two categories of common There are two categories of common knowledge, information that's known to the knowledge, information that's known to the general public and information that is general public and information that is agreed upon by most people in a agreed upon by most people in a professional field. Yet sometimes common professional field. Yet sometimes common knowledge can be tricky to define. knowledge can be tricky to define.

If in doubt, document. If in doubt, document.

Reported by another Reported by another student who participated in student who participated in

the study:the study:I go to I go to WikipediaWikipedia just so to get an just so to get an

understanding of a topic. Like, I did a understanding of a topic. Like, I did a paper on Puerto Ricans in Philadelphia paper on Puerto Ricans in Philadelphia and I went to and I went to WikipediaWikipedia first just to check first just to check it out. I looked at the history of Peurto it out. I looked at the history of Peurto Rico and then, Puerto Ricans in the United Rico and then, Puerto Ricans in the United States. Just to get a basic understanding, States. Just to get a basic understanding, so that, I could say to myself, okay, I so that, I could say to myself, okay, I know the beginning now, I know the know the beginning now, I know the current situation, I'm okay, and now I've current situation, I'm okay, and now I've got some citations and stuff, I've got a got some citations and stuff, I've got a stepping stone to get deeper intostepping stone to get deeper into the the issue issue I've chosen.I've chosen.

Hey!Hey!He just discovered He just discovered

research through creating research through creating contextcontext

Taken from WikipediaTaken from Wikipedia::WikipediaWikipedia can be a great tool for learning and can be a great tool for learning and researching information. However, as with all researching information. However, as with all sources, not everything in Wikipedia is accurate, sources, not everything in Wikipedia is accurate, comprehensive, or unbiased. Many of the general comprehensive, or unbiased. Many of the general rules of thumb for conducting research apply to rules of thumb for conducting research apply to Wikipedia,Wikipedia, including: including:•Always be wary of any one single source (in any Always be wary of any one single source (in any medium–web, print, television or radio), or of medium–web, print, television or radio), or of multiple works that derive from a single source. multiple works that derive from a single source. •Where articles have references to external sources Where articles have references to external sources (whether online or not) read the references and (whether online or not) read the references and check whether they really do support what the check whether they really do support what the article says. article says. •In all academic institutions, In all academic institutions, Wikipedia,Wikipedia, along with along with most encyclopedias, is unacceptable as a major most encyclopedias, is unacceptable as a major source for a research paper. Other encyclopedias, source for a research paper. Other encyclopedias, such as Britannica, have notable authors working such as Britannica, have notable authors working for them and may be cited as a secondary source in for them and may be cited as a secondary source in most cases. For example, Cornell University has a most cases. For example, Cornell University has a guide on how to cite encyclopedias. guide on how to cite encyclopedias. •However, because of However, because of Wikipedia'sWikipedia's unique nature, unique nature, there are also some rules for conducting research there are also some rules for conducting research that are special to Wikipedia, and some general that are special to Wikipedia, and some general rules that do not apply to Wikipedia.rules that do not apply to Wikipedia.

Is Is WikipediaWikipedia accurate? accurate? It depends on the subject; for science and history , It depends on the subject; for science and history ,

WikipediaWikipedia is as accurate as Britannica. Scientists and is as accurate as Britannica. Scientists and historians are sticklers for accuracy and detail. Also, current historians are sticklers for accuracy and detail. Also, current research in these fields is frequently published, debated research in these fields is frequently published, debated and scrutinized.and scrutinized.

Whenever information can be self-serving , (politics, Whenever information can be self-serving , (politics, commercial enterprise), entries in commercial enterprise), entries in WikipediaWikipedia should always should always be treated as suspect. "Peer editing" is non-existent in be treated as suspect. "Peer editing" is non-existent in these fields, since peers are competitive rivals and try to these fields, since peers are competitive rivals and try to undermine opponents. Some politicians who are able, have undermine opponents. Some politicians who are able, have staffers who do nothing but review web information on staffers who do nothing but review web information on wikis since opponents can edit such sites unfavourably.wikis since opponents can edit such sites unfavourably.

Should you use Should you use WikipediaWikipedia??

You are going to anyway, regardless of what we say. Use You are going to anyway, regardless of what we say. Use the site during your initial stages of research, when you the site during your initial stages of research, when you read many sources to familiarize yourself with your topic. read many sources to familiarize yourself with your topic. After that, go elsewhere. There's nothing wrong with After that, go elsewhere. There's nothing wrong with returning to returning to WikipediaWikipedia to confirm a fact that you find to confirm a fact that you find elsewhere, or for background info, but never cite elsewhere, or for background info, but never cite WikipediaWikipedia..

Consult the EE Consult the EE Guide for the Guide for the

format you are format you are required to use in required to use in your subject areayour subject area

Where can you find this?Where can you find this?

http://http://www.glenforestlibrary.com/ib-www.glenforestlibrary.com/ib-

resources/extended-resources/extended-essay.htmlessay.html

Processing InformationProcessing Information

This is the most difficult This is the most difficult step:step:

Analyze and evaluateAnalyze and evaluate Interpret: What does it mean? Is it Interpret: What does it mean? Is it

relevant?relevant? Can I use the information? (legitimate Can I use the information? (legitimate

evidence?)evidence?) Thesis developmentThesis development Accurate and appropriate Accurate and appropriate

documentation through copious and documentation through copious and accurate notesaccurate notes

RESEARCH NOTESRESEARCH NOTES Record Record all necessary and appropriate information: author, all necessary and appropriate information: author,

title, publisher, place of publication, volume, span of pages, title, publisher, place of publication, volume, span of pages, date. date.

Creating the "Bibliography" or "List of Recourses" for the Creating the "Bibliography" or "List of Recourses" for the end of your paper and simply copy and paste the end of your paper and simply copy and paste the bibliographic information. bibliographic information.

Keep a running list of page numbers as you take notes, so Keep a running list of page numbers as you take notes, so you can identify the exact location of each piece of noted you can identify the exact location of each piece of noted information. information.

Remember, you will have to refer to these sources Remember, you will have to refer to these sources accurately, sometimes using page numbers within your accurately, sometimes using page numbers within your paper and, depending on the type of source, using page paper and, depending on the type of source, using page numbers as part of your list of sources at the end of the numbers as part of your list of sources at the end of the paper. paper.

Note cards are a good way to organizeNote cards are a good way to organize Go to our website for some templates: Go to our website for some templates:

www.glenforestlibrary.com under www.glenforestlibrary.com under LibraryLibrary, , Research ToolsResearch Tools

RESEARCH NOTES, RESEARCH NOTES, cont'd.cont'd.

WHAT TO PUT INTO NOTESWHAT TO PUT INTO NOTES Summarize, paraphrase or direct quotations Summarize, paraphrase or direct quotations Have a system - label each card or note "s" "p" or Have a system - label each card or note "s" "p" or

"q"as a way of keeping track of the kind of notes "q"as a way of keeping track of the kind of notes you took from a source.you took from a source.

a direct quotation reproduces the source's words a direct quotation reproduces the source's words and punctuation exactly, so you add quotation and punctuation exactly, so you add quotation marks around the sentence(s) to show thismarks around the sentence(s) to show this

Remember it is essential to record the exact page Remember it is essential to record the exact page numbers of the specific notes, since you will need numbers of the specific notes, since you will need them later for your documentation. them later for your documentation.

Keep a copy of all rough work, just in case (if you Keep a copy of all rough work, just in case (if you are accused of academic dishonesty by IBO you'd are accused of academic dishonesty by IBO you'd better have the proof that you did everything better have the proof that you did everything right)right)

Developing a good Developing a good thesis thesis statementstatement

Focusses your ideas and informationFocusses your ideas and information Specifies and orders your categories of informationSpecifies and orders your categories of information A proposed answer to your research questionA proposed answer to your research question Can be modified and revised as your research more Can be modified and revised as your research more

and more about your topicand more about your topic One complete sentence that expresses the main One complete sentence that expresses the main

idea of your paperidea of your paper Located in the introductory paragraphLocated in the introductory paragraph Shouldn't go overboard Shouldn't go overboard

Computers are the most important invention of the 20Computers are the most important invention of the 20thth centurycentury

I.B. is the most effective academic program available to I.B. is the most effective academic program available to Peel students.Peel students.

A A thesis statementthesis statement is : is : A sentence that explicitly identifies the A sentence that explicitly identifies the

purpose of the paper or previews its main ideaspurpose of the paper or previews its main ideas The answer to your research questionThe answer to your research question Found in the first paragraph of your essayFound in the first paragraph of your essay Restated in your concluding paragraphRestated in your concluding paragraph an assertion, not a statement of fact or an an assertion, not a statement of fact or an

observationobservation takes a stand rather than announcing a subjecttakes a stand rather than announcing a subject is the main idea, not the titleis the main idea, not the title Explains in detail what you expect to write Explains in detail what you expect to write

about about narrow, rather than broad because if it is narrow, rather than broad because if it is

sufficiently narrow, it can be fully supported sufficiently narrow, it can be fully supported is specific rather than vague or general is specific rather than vague or general

Which thesis statement answers a Which thesis statement answers a research question about adult research question about adult

illiteracy in Canada most illiteracy in Canada most effectively?effectively?

Adult illiteracy poses the greatest threat to Adult illiteracy poses the greatest threat to Canada today.Canada today.

Adult illiteracy has many causes, but it Adult illiteracy has many causes, but it can be eliminated.can be eliminated.

How can the problem of adult illiteracy in How can the problem of adult illiteracy in Canada be effectively addressed?Canada be effectively addressed?

Subsuming a myriad of causal factors, Subsuming a myriad of causal factors, adult illiteracy manifests itself throughout adult illiteracy manifests itself throughout contemporary Canadian society.contemporary Canadian society.

We can eliminate adult illiteracy in Canada We can eliminate adult illiteracy in Canada now!now!

You're right …You're right …

They're all unacceptable.They're all unacceptable.

Go to our website Go to our website for further for further

information on the information on the thesis statement :thesis statement :

http://www.glenforestlibrary.com/pdf-http://www.glenforestlibrary.com/pdf-files/4writingathesis.docfiles/4writingathesis.doc

Transfer LearningTransfer Learning

This will involve:This will involve: The final product: your extended essayThe final product: your extended essay Remember to include:Remember to include:

thethe Title Page Title Pagehttp://www.glenforestlibrary.com/pdf-files/sampletitle.dothttp://www.glenforestlibrary.com/pdf-files/sampletitle.dot

thethe Table of Contents Table of Contentshttp://www.turnerfentonib.com/docs/ee/http://www.turnerfentonib.com/docs/ee/

EE_Sample_Table_of_Contents.pdfEE_Sample_Table_of_Contents.pdf the the AbstractAbstract

http://www.glenforestlibrary.com/ib-resources/extended-http://www.glenforestlibrary.com/ib-resources/extended-essay.htmlessay.html

thethe Bibliography Bibliographyhttp://www.turnerfentonib.com/docs/ee/How_to_cite.pdfhttp://www.turnerfentonib.com/docs/ee/How_to_cite.pdf

Formatting Your Formatting Your Citations Citations

You are required to use Chicago as your You are required to use Chicago as your formatting style.formatting style.

No exceptionsNo exceptions Go toGo to www.glenforestlibrary.com www.glenforestlibrary.com, scroll over , scroll over

to the Library tab, scroll down to Research to the Library tab, scroll down to Research Tools, click on Chicago Style Guide under Tools, click on Chicago Style Guide under the Quick Access column on the left hand the Quick Access column on the left hand sideside

Or click here:Or click here: http://www.cawthrapark.com/SourceIt/index.http://www.cawthrapark.com/SourceIt/index.htmlhtml

This means footnotes or endnotes, no This means footnotes or endnotes, no embedded citations.embedded citations.

A FINAL THOUGHT ABOUT A FINAL THOUGHT ABOUT ACADEMIC HONESTYACADEMIC HONESTY

Understand academic dishonesty and Understand academic dishonesty and malpractice according to the IB Diploma malpractice according to the IB Diploma ProgrammeProgramme

Know the consequencesKnow the consequences Know that there is an investigation Know that there is an investigation

procedure that will be followedprocedure that will be followed Go to our website and read the EE GuideGo to our website and read the EE Guide Know that your essay will be submitted to Know that your essay will be submitted to

www.turnitin.com as a draft document www.turnitin.com as a draft document Don't be an idiot Don't be an idiot

Thank you.Thank you.

Any questions?Any questions?