How to write a Digital Society EE
Although not mandatory, the IB strongly recommends that students carry out research in a DP subject that they are currently studying.
IF THIS IS NOT YOU, ARE YOU MAKING YOUR LIFE HARDER BY SELECTING A DIGITAL SOCIETY EE?
Step 1: Selecting a Research Question
Choose a research question that is specific, relevant, and focused on the digital society. This should be a question that you are genuinely interested in and has not been extensively researched but gives enough of an opportunity for you to find relevant primary and secondary research – more on this later.
Ensure that you can demonstrate the references to the 3C’s. (Concepts, Contexts, and Content)
Consider the ethical, social, and technological aspects of the digital society.
The “Goldilocks” Question, (Not too broad, not too narrow, just right) (Lifted directly from the textbook)
Many of the essays submitted to the IB have research Questions that are far too broad. Consequently, they do not achieve full marks in criterion A. Consider the following Research Question.
To what extent have the changes in digital technology been positive for education in the XXX school?
While XXX school may be narrow enough, as it identifies the school, changes in digital technology is not, because there have been an extensive number of changes in digital technology, since, say the year 2000. So, maybe restate the question as.
To what extent have the changes that have occurred since 2018 in digital technology used in the XXX school been positive for its students education?
See the appendix for a list of AI generated Digital Society questions
Step 2: Introduction, (including title page)
Make your essay look professional , include a title page, include the word count and your candidate ID.
Provide a brief overview of the digital society you are researching and its significance.
Clearly state your research question and its relevance.
Ensure that it is focused enough that you can answer the question, if your question is too broad, you will not be able to answer it.
Ensure that it is broad enough that you will be able to find secondary research on your question and be able to access primary research. You need research to back up your statements, otherwise what you write becomes an opinion, and opinions should be avoided.
State why you have chosen the topic, show your personal interest in it. This helps demonstrate to the examiner the importance of the topic to you.
Offer a thesis statement that previews your argument.
Include a contents page.
Step 3: Literature Review & Methodology
Methodology for secondary research
Review relevant literature, theories, and research related to your topic. Ensure you have at least 25 Secondary sources.
Explain why you are going to target the secondary sources you have.
Analyze and synthesize key findings from academic sources.
Identify gaps in the current knowledge.
Secondary Data Analysis
Findings from the formal secondary research should cover what was found on the internet and in books and magazines and so on, that was relevant to the research question. These findings may come from a global perspective, (all around the world). Students should use the findings from their secondary research as the basis for conducting their Primary Research and investigations. For this reason, most/all secondary research should be completed before engaging in primary data collection.
Methodology for primary research
Describe the research methods you will use (e.g., surveys, interviews, content analysis, case studies) & why you are using them.
Explain how you will collect and analyze data & why you are using the certain approaches listed above, and if relevant, the limitations of these approaches and how you will aim to overcome them.
Discuss ethical considerations and data validity.
Step 4: Primary Data Collection
Carry out your data collection process as per your chosen methodology.
Ensure you gather sufficient data to answer your research question effectively.
Document and organize your data meticulously in the appendix with labelled diagrams that enable you to reference them later.
Include visual aids (charts, graphs).
Step 5: Data Analysis
Primary Data Analysis
Analyze your data using appropriate statistical or qualitative methods.
Do not just restate the findings, that is not an analysis, it is a report. What can you read into your findings?
Present your findings clearly and systematically. Reference your findings back to the appendix.
Step 6: Discussion & Analysis
Interpret the results in the context of your research question.
Discuss the implications of your findings for the digital society.
Address any limitations or biases in your research.
There are 3 basic ideas for a Digital society EE
- A comparison of findings from Secondary Sources / Authors.
- An Analysis of findings from primary research, such as a comparison of outcomes of interviews, surveys, observations, examination of original material and so on,
- An analysis of claims from secondary sources compared to the outcomes of primary sources.
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Step 7: Conclusion
Summarize the main findings and their significance.
Restate your thesis and research question.
Suggest potential areas for further research.
Common errors to avoid.
- Provide a report of the results of a survey and identify the report as an analysis.
- Extrapolate the results of a survey to a much bigger audience,
o 60 % of people are addicted is wrong.
o 60% of people who replied in my survey are addicted is correct.
- Failing to indicate how many participants are in the survey or to indicate why / how participants were selected, (btw random means there was no methodology).
Step 8: References
Create a comprehensive list of all the sources you used in your essay, following the IB citation style (usually APA or MLA).
Final Step 1: Final Editing
Carefully proofread and edit your essay for clarity, coherence, grammar, and spelling.
Ensure that your essay adheres to the word limit.
Final Step 2: Reflection
Write a reflection on your research process, discussing what you learned, what challenges you faced, and how your understanding of the digital society evolved. You will have three reflections to write, and these are 6 marks of your final grade, not to be ignored.
Summary
Remember to consult with your EE supervisor throughout the process and adhere to IB guidelines and criteria for the Extended Essay. It's essential to maintain a well-structured, organized, and well-referenced essay that demonstrates critical thinking and a deep understanding of the chosen topic within the realm of digital society.
Appendix - Potential Titles
I asked Chat GPT to give me some potential titles for a Digital Society EE. All of these are no good as a final question needs to be narrowed down to a focus that suits you – however, I submit these as a starting point. Remember, you have to think about:
- Is your question broad enough to allow 25 Secondary Sources?
- Is your question narrow enough to be answered properly?
- Is your question of personal interest to you?
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