The Extended Essay in Psychology

Which of the following is a topic?

• How high-school students can make best use of their memories.

• How to make someone think you are attractive.

• What are cognitive biases?

• To what extent is EMDR a suitable treatment for PTSD?

Answer explanation

The topic is an area of research you are interested in. It should be focused on specific variables, but it should not be phrased as a question. "Pop" psychology topics are not suitable.

Can you explain why the other options are incorrect?

Which of the following is a title?

• The testing effect.

• How to improve our memories.

• How can the testing effect be used to maximize long-term retention in high-school students?

• The use of the testing effect to maximize long-term retention in high-school students.

Answer explanation

The title needs to be short, descriptive and succinct (straight to the point).

It should not be a question.

Can you explain why the other options are incorrect?

Which of the following is a research question?

• What are the factors that can be used to maximize long-term retention in high-school students?

• How can the testing effect be used to maximize long-term retention in high-school students?

• A explanation of the testing effect.

• The use of the testing effect to maximize long-term retention in high-school students.

Answer explanation

The research question must be phrased as a question and must be focused on the variables identified in the topic.

Can you explain why the other answers are wrong?

True or false:- you need to decide what your research question will be before you start your preliminary reading.

• false

• true

Answer explanation

You should start your preliminary reading once you have decided what your subject and topic of interest are.

You are likely to find a number of relevant questions arising.

Which of the following questions should you ask about your research question? Choose three correct answers

• Is it specific enough to direct my research?

• Is it clear enough for my reader to understand?

• Does it allow me to analyze and evaluate research and develop a reasoned argument?

• Does it begin with "To what extent..."

Answer explanation

It is not necessary to begin your research question with "To what extent.."

Go back to the correct answer in Q3. Can you identify how this research question meets the three criteria in this question?

True or false: you may carry out an experiment to support your EE, as long as it is not the same experiment as your IA.

• false

• true

Answer explanation

You can only use secondary sources to write your IA.

Can you explain the difference between primary and secondary sources in psychology?

Which of the following are NOT recommended as topics for your EE? Choose TWO answers

• The causes of schizophrenia

• The consequences of bilingualism

• The link between sleep habits and academic success.

• Treatments for eating disorders

Answer explanation

Can you explain why options A and D are not appropriate for your EE?

Once you have decided on your topic, what is the most important next step to take?

• Decide what your research question will be

• Read around the topic as much possible

• Starting writing an introduction

• Decide which specific area of that topic you will investigate.

Answer explanation

It is essential you ´read around´ your topic as much as possible. A broad knowledge of the topic will help reveal more specific areas you may wish to focus on. Once you have done that, you may be able to formulate a research question.