The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay is a 4,000-word research paper that is required as part of the IB Diploma Programme. Students have the option to choose their own topic and conduct their own research, and the Extended Essay is a chance for them to delve into a subject that interests them and showcase their analytical and writing skills.
One popular subject for the Extended Essay is psychology. Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior, and it can encompass a wide range of topics such as cognition, development, emotions, personality, and social interactions. There are many potential topics that a student could explore for their psychology Extended Essay, and some examples might include:
- The relationship between social media use and self-esteem in adolescents
- The effects of mindfulness meditation on anxiety levels in college students
- A comparative analysis of different therapies for treating depression
- The role of genetics in the development of personality
- The impact of parental attachment on child development
No matter what topic a student chooses for their psychology Extended Essay, it is important that they approach it with a clear research question and a well-defined research plan. The research question should be specific and focused, and it should guide the student's research and analysis. The research plan should outline the methods that the student will use to collect and analyze their data, and it should include a timeline for completing each step of the process.
As with any research paper, the Extended Essay should be well-written and properly formatted, with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion. In the introduction, the student should provide background information on their topic and explain the significance of their research question. The body of the essay should present the student's research findings and analysis, and the conclusion should summarize their main points and discuss the implications of their research.
Overall, the IB Extended Essay is a valuable opportunity for students to demonstrate their ability to conduct independent research and communicate their findings effectively. By choosing a topic in psychology, students can explore a subject that interests them and contribute to our understanding of the human mind and behavior.