Choosing a Psychology Essay Topic
Choosing the right essay topic for your IB Extended Essay in psychology is important. You want to make sure you pick a topic that has plenty of research material available, but isn’t too broad or too narrow. To help you find the perfect essay topic, there are a few steps you can follow.
Look at the course material
Your first step should be to review the course material for your psychology course. By looking back over the lectures and reading material, you will get a better idea of the types of topics you could use for your Extended Essay. This can also help you identify any topics you may have overlooked.
Brainstorming
Once you have reviewed the course material, it’s time to start brainstorming. Think about specific interests you have in psychology and come up with ideas related to those areas. It can also be helpful to look online at the various psychology essay topics other students have chosen and see if any ideas spark your interest.
Do Research
Before deciding on a specific topic for your Extended Essay, make sure to do some research. You want to make sure there is enough research material available so that you can effectively answer your research question and develop a strong argument. It’s also important to make sure the topic you choose hasn’t already been done too many times.
Narrow Your Topic
Once you have identified a potential topic, spend some time narrowing it down. Think about how you can take the topic and make it more specific. You don’t want to choose a topic that is too general or one that is too narrow. Remember, the goal is to find a topic you can effectively research and make a strong argument.
Choose Your Topic
Now it’s time to make your final decision. Review the topics you have narrowed down and make sure they meet all of the criteria required for the IB Extended Essay. If you feel strongly about one of the topics, then it’s likely the right choice for you. Remember to stay open-minded and consider other ideas as well.
Structuring an IB Extended Essay in Psychology
Writing a psychology extended essay can be a daunting task. Knowing how to structure your essay can be just as important as researching and writing the content. It is essential you have a clear understanding of the format and components of an extended essay before you start.
Overview of IB Extended Essay Format
The IB Extended Essay format is a standardized document that contains information related to the topic of write up. It also includes details about the essay’s structure, different sections, and their purpose. Here are the main components of the IB Extended Essay:
- Title page
- Abstract
- Table of contents
- Introduction
- Body of the essay
- Conclusion
- Bibliography/list of references
Title Page
The title page is the first page of your essay. All information related to the essay, including its title, author’s name and contact information, supervisor’s name and date of submission must be included here.
Abstract
The abstract is a summary of the essay. It should be written in a paragraph format and should not exceed 300 words. In the abstract, you should provide a brief overview of your topic, the methodology used, results and findings, and the conclusion.
Table of Contents
A Table of Contents lists all the sections and subsections of the essay, along with their respective pages. This helps the reader navigate the paper more efficiently.
Introduction
The introduction is the section where you provide background information on the subject matter and outline the aims and objectives of your essay. You should keep this section concise and focused.
Body of the Essay
The body of the essay contains your research and analysis. It is divided into sections and subsections depending on the topics you discuss. You should provide evidence to support each statement you make and explain the conclusions you draw.
Conclusion
The conclusion summarizes the points discussed in the body of the essay and provides an overall assessment of your research. You should also include any suggestions for further research based on your findings.
Bibliography/List of References
The bibliography or list of references section should include a comprehensive list of the sources used for your essay. It is important to ensure that all sources are properly cited in the text and in the bibliography.
By familiarizing yourself with the format and components of an IB Extended Essay in Psychology, you can ensure that you produce a well-structured and informative essay.
Research Sources for Psychology IB Extended Essay
When writing an IB extended essay on psychology, research is essential in order to provide evidence to support your argument. Therefore, it is important to know the different types of acceptable sources of research. Here are the four main types of sources you should consider when researching for a psychology essay.
Books and Journals
Books and journals published by psychologists or other experts in the psychological field are highly reliable sources of information. These sources often provide more in-depth coverage than other sources, as well as more detailed information about specific topics. Additionally, books and journals often provide bibliographies that can be used to find additional resources. It is important to note, however, that not all books and journals are created equal. Be sure to evaluate the credibility of the author and publishing company before citing a book or journal in your essay.
Websites
Websites can provide additional information about psychology topics. However, it is important to remember that not all websites are reliable. Before citing a website in your essay, make sure to evaluate it in order to determine its credibility. Good indicators of a credible website include: having accurate information, being up-to-date, and having an author with relevant credentials.
Articles
Articles written by experts in their fields, such as an article written by a psychologist in a psychology magazine, can be useful sources of information. These articles often provide detailed facts and opinions that can help support your argument. As with books and journals, it is important to evaluate the reliability of an article before using it in your essay.
Interviews and Surveys
Interviews and surveys conducted with experts in the field of psychology can provide valuable personal insights. Interviews are particularly helpful if the person being interviewed has experience in the topic being discussed. Surveys can provide statistical data on a variety of topics. Be sure to cite any interviews or surveys you use in your essay to avoid plagiarism.
Using reliable sources of research is essential when writing an IB extended essay on psychology. Books and journals published by experts, carefully evaluated websites, articles written by professionals, and interviews and surveys conducted with experts can all be useful sources of information. Make sure to evaluate the credibility of each source before citing it in your essay.
Writing the Draft of Psychology Extended Essay
Writing an IB extended essay in Psychology can be a daunting task, especially if you’re not sure where to start. The key to writing a successful essay is to break it down into smaller, manageable steps.
The first step is to create a draft of your essay. This is the foundation for your essay and should include the main ideas and arguments you plan to cover. Here are some tips on how to write a strong draft of your essay:
- Start by creating an outline that states the main points and arguments of your essay. This will help you stay focused and on track as you write.
- Make sure to provide evidence to back up your arguments. Use reliable sources such as research papers and scholarly articles as support for your claims.
- Write in a logical, chronological order, moving from one point to the next in a clear and organized way.
- Be sure to give your essay a strong introduction and conclusion that summarize the main points covered.
- Read over your draft several times and make necessary changes or additions to ensure accuracy and clarity.
Writing a successful draft of your Psychology IB extended essay does not have to be a daunting process. With a bit of planning and preparation, you can craft a well-written and thoughtful essay that meets all the criteria for success.
Revising the Psychology Extended Essay
Writing is a process that requires you to revise and refine your work. Once you have a draft of your psychology extended essay, it’s time to go back and make improvements. Revising is a great way to ensure that your essay is clear, concise, and free of errors. Here are some tips to help you revise your extended essay in psychology.