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Combining two IB subjects in order to research a chosen topic
“Interdisciplinary” refers to research that draws on the methods, concepts and theories of two Diploma Programme subjects. It is strongly recommended that students are undertaking a course of study in at least one of the subjects chosen for their essay.
You research and write your extended essay in an interdisciplinary way when you integrate knowledge, concepts, theories, perspectives or methods, or a combination of these, from two chosen DP subjects. In other words, elements of the two subjects are combined so that they work together effectively to help research an extended essay topic. Ultimately, integration of two subjects can lead to fresh insights and create new and/or deeper understandings that would not be possible through research within one DP subject alone.
A note on “integration”
“Integration” is a characteristic that develops and emerges as the research and writing of the extended essay progresses. It is not necessary to think of integration as a starting point. You can begin in a relatively straightforward way by focusing on incorporating some approaches from the two DP subjects you have chosen, and applying those approaches to the research question. You can then develop a line of argument that is informed by connections made between elements of the two chosen DP subjects. Gradually, these elements can be synthesized, resulting in a conclusion that brings the reader a sense of how you have integrated the knowledge, concepts, theories, perspectives, methods, or a combination of these, from the two DP subjects. This will allow for the success of your integrative approach to be evaluated.
Balance between the two DP subjects
In an interdisciplinary extended essay, it is not necessary for you to achieve an evenly balanced combination of each of the two DP subjects. The relative balance will depend on the nature of the topic and the emphasis of the research question. However, an interdisciplinary extended essay should demonstrate clearly that integration of elements of the two subjects has specifically enabled an effective response to the research question.
Why choose an interdisciplinary essay?
The five frameworks shown are intended to help you position and shape your ideas for an interdisciplinary extended essay topic. These frameworks allow for inclusion of a broad, diverse range of ideas that could arise from your personal interests. They are designed to help you choose an appropriate context for the topic you wish to explore with an interdisciplinary approach.
• The frameworks are depicted as overlapping because, while your topic should broadly fit within one framework, it could include aspects that relate to another one or more.
• It should be noted that a topic does not need to connect with all the words that describe a framework. For example, in the framework “culture, identity, expression”, the focus might be on “identity” but not “culture” or “expression”.
• The same topic could even be placed in an alternative framework, depending on the emphasis of the research question. While the official registration with the IB of your interdisciplinary extended essay must place it in one of the frameworks, the connection with the framework is not directly assessed. The main purpose of the frameworks is to provide you with initial guidance for the inquiry process, but they will also assist the IB with coordinating the assessment of interdisciplinary essays.
The five frameworks for an interdisciplinary EE
Broad topic areas within the five interdisciplinary frameworks
The number of possible broad topic areas that could kick-start an interdisciplinary extended essay is limited only by your capacity to imagine ideas that you would like to research. Here are some initial suggestions for each of the five frameworks that may help you get started.
Power, equality, justice
Social or political issues—health, education, racism, gender, poverty, fairness, conflict; the body— commodified bodies, violent bodies, bodies as weapons of war.
Culture, identity, expression
Belief systems; politics of identity; political movements; disputed territories; sporting and other competitions; art and science; music; protests; icons; cultural heritage; the body—modifications; literature and science; psycholinguistics; gaming.
Movement, time, space
Migration; refugees; virtual communities; astronomy; travel; urbanism; social media; contested spaces; nonplaces or non-spaces; conflict; globalization; museums; questions of evolution.
Evidence, measurement, innovation
Art and science; literature and science; cross-scientific inquiry; mathematics in science; gaming; social media.
Sustainability, development, change
Sustainability—environmental, social, economic; development—economic, social; food; health; political issues; poverty.
Students may use journalistic or visual material, interviews or data from the internet, but their EEs should not be based solely on such sources. Students should display a knowledge and understanding of relevant theories, research methods or findings in the selected Diploma Programme subjects.
All information from International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO)
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