Extended+Essay+-+1.+Introduction

= Contents = i. What is inquiry ii. Preparing for research iii.Important Steps for Writing the Extended Essay iv. Formulating a good research question v. Accessing resources vi. Documentation vii. Wikipedia: To use or not to use!

= What is Inquiry? = ==== ** A research process by which students generate meaningful questions, locate information, interpret findings, demonstrate understanding and reflect on their learning. In other words, this is how you write an extended essay! ** ====

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

 * 1) ==== Preparing for research (your plan) ====
 * 2) ==== Accessing resources (reading) ====
 * 3) ==== Processing information (developing your research question, thesis statement, note taking, writing the outline, composing the rough draft, revision, and proofreading) ====
 * 4) ==== Transferring learning (writing the final draft) ====

** This includes: **

 * 1) ==== Defining information needs ====
 * 2) ==== Determining what is expected ====
 * 3) ==== Understanding how you will be evaluated ====
 * 4) Considering how to organize information
 * 5) Determining what you already know
 * 6) Deciding how to start
 * 7) Formulating your research question

= Why is this part of the research process so difficult? =

Information overload!

 * Too much irrelevant information
 * Trying to find the "perfect source"
 * Not knowing what to look for, yet still sifting through articles that might fit
 * Trouble finding books
 * Can find online citation but not full-text article
 * Too many results from a Google search & having to sort through them
 * Figuring out what is a credible source, and what is not

How can you cope successfully? Some good advice!

 * You have to manage your workload and ask questions whenever necessary
 * Don't leave it to the last minute (exams are over …….)
 * Don't procrastinate (8 out of 10 students surveyed admit that they do) which results in feelings of angst, fatigue, dread, fear, anxiety, anger, stress, disgust, intrigue, confusion, and being completely overwhelmed
 * Understand your topic and get excited about it
 * Use this time to "stew" and mull over what you have to do; to wade through resources now vs. later; to explore other alternatives; to discuss concerns with your mentor
 * Understand the parameters and expectations of the EE
 * Consult the assessment rubric
 * Find, access, and secure relevant resources

= Important Steps for Writing the EE =
 * 1) Pick your topic & mentor
 * 2) Understand your topic
 * 3) Refine your topic
 * 4) Create the research question
 * 5) Answer the research question with your thesis statement
 * 6) Begin your research
 * 7) Continue to research
 * 8) Take notes
 * 9) Document
 * 10) Outline
 * 11) First draft
 * 12) Revise
 * 13) Proofread
 * 14) Bibliography
 * 15) Abstract
 * 16) Appendices (if required)
 * 17) Submit

Formulating a GOOD Research Question

 * Remain focussed
 * Make sure the question can be fully researched
 * Make sure it's not too broad or too narrow, based on your preliminary research
 * Make sure that your thesis statement is the answer to this question
 * Avoid broad topics as they are too difficult to manage i.e. "business management" vs. "the pros and cons of Japanese management style"
 * Decide if a topic can be successfully researched or not (by reading)
 * Keep in mind that you must develop a thesis statement that answers your research question

Accessing Resources

 * This has proven to the greatest challenge for students**


 * Some helpful hints:**


 * Locate a variety of resources
 * READ, READ and then READ some more!
 * 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)
 * Avoid plagiarism by identifying general vs. subject-specific knowledge

Documentation

 * The basic rule for documentation is:**
 * Document any specific ideas, opinions, and facts that are not your own.
 * The only thing you don't have to document is common knowledge.
 * There are two categories of common knowledge**
 * information that's known to the general public
 * information that is agreed upon by most people in a professional field. Yet sometimes common knowledge can be tricky to define.

= If in doubt, document. =

Wikipedia

 * Taken from Wikipedia:**

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


 * Is Wikipedia accurate?**

It depends on the subject; **for science and history**, Wikipedia is **as accurate as Britannica**. Scientists and historians are sticklers for accuracy and detail. Also, current research in these fields is frequently published, debated and scrutinized.

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


 * Should you use Wikipedia?**

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

Adapted from Glenforest Secondary School power point "EE Research Workshop".

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