extended essay category 3 examples

3 min read 23-11-2024

The International Baccalaureate (IB) Extended Essay (EE) allows students to explore a topic of their choosing in great depth. Category 3, Individuals and Societies, offers a diverse range of subjects, including economics, geography, history, political science, psychology, and sociology. Choosing the right topic is crucial, so let's explore some compelling extended essay category 3 examples to inspire you.

Finding Your Focus: Extended Essay Category 3 Topics

Before diving into specific examples, remember that a strong EE requires a focused research question. Your question should be:

Specific: Avoid broad, unanswerable questions.
Original: Offer a fresh perspective or unique angle.
Feasible: Ensure you can gather sufficient data within the timeframe.
Relevant: Connect to established theories and concepts within your chosen subject.

Compelling Extended Essay Category 3 Examples by Subject

Here are some extended essay category 3 examples, categorized by subject, to spark your ideas:

Economics Extended Essay Examples

The Impact of Tourism on a Local Economy: Analyze the economic benefits and drawbacks of tourism in a specific region. This could involve quantitative analysis of economic data. Research Question Example: "To what extent has ecotourism impacted the economic development of the [Specific Location] community?"
The Effectiveness of Microfinance Initiatives: Investigate the success of microfinance programs in alleviating poverty. This could involve case studies and interviews. Research Question Example: "How effective has the Grameen Bank microfinance model been in improving the financial stability of women in [Specific Region]?"
The Economic Impact of a Specific Policy: Examine the effects of a government policy (e.g., a minimum wage increase, a tax cut) on a specific sector of the economy. This could use econometric models and statistical analysis. Research Question Example: "What was the effect of the 2010 tax reforms on small business growth in [Specific Country]?"

Geography Extended Essay Examples

The Impact of Climate Change on a Coastal Community: Investigate how climate change is affecting a particular coastal region. This could involve mapping, data analysis, and interviews with residents. Research Question Example: "How vulnerable is [Specific Coastal Community] to rising sea levels and increased storm frequency?"
The Spatial Distribution of a Specific Phenomenon: Analyze the geographical distribution of a particular phenomenon (e.g., poverty, crime rates, access to healthcare). This would require the use of GIS software and spatial analysis techniques. Research Question Example: "To what extent does access to public transportation correlate with socioeconomic status in [Specific City]?"
Sustainable Development in an Urban Area: Examine how sustainable development initiatives are being implemented in a specific urban area. This will need an analysis of policies and their impacts. Research Question Example: "How successful have green initiatives been in reducing the carbon footprint of [Specific City]?"

History Extended Essay Examples

The Role of a Specific Individual in a Historical Event: Examine the contribution of a specific individual to a significant historical event. This requires deep archival research and primary source analysis. Research Question Example: "To what extent did Rosa Parks' actions influence the Montgomery Bus Boycott?"
The Impact of a Specific Technological Advancement: Explore how a particular technological advancement changed society. This would involve analysis of primary and secondary sources. Research Question Example: "How did the invention of the printing press contribute to the Reformation?"
Comparing Historical Interpretations of an Event: Analyze how different historians interpret a specific historical event. This requires comparing and contrasting various perspectives and approaches. Research Question Example: "How do Marxist and liberal historians differ in their interpretation of the French Revolution?"

Psychology Extended Essay Examples

The Effects of Social Media on Self-Esteem: Investigate the relationship between social media use and self-esteem. This could involve surveys and questionnaires. Research Question Example: "What is the correlation between social media usage and levels of self-esteem among adolescents in [Specific School]?"
The Effectiveness of a Specific Therapeutic Technique: Examine the efficacy of a particular therapeutic technique in treating a specific mental health condition. This could involve literature review and possibly case studies. Research Question Example: "To what extent is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) effective in treating anxiety disorders?"
Cross-Cultural Differences in Psychological Phenomena: Explore how a psychological phenomenon manifests differently across cultures. This could involve comparative analysis of research from different countries. Research Question Example: "How do cultural norms influence the expression of depression in [Country A] versus [Country B]?"

Remember the Importance of a Strong Research Question

These examples are just starting points. The key is to develop a research question that genuinely interests you and allows you to delve deeply into a specific aspect of Individuals and Societies. Remember to consult with your supervisor to refine your research question and ensure its feasibility. Good luck with your Extended Essay!