1. Extended essay in psychology New programme starting 2009 Crane and Hannibal. IB Psychology Course Companion; International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme 10.13. Oxford University Press, 2009.

2. What the Extended Essay in Psychology is NOT… It is not an opportunity to conduct a psychological experiment. A descriptive essay You are not encouraged to carry out interviews for the purpose of collecting data. You are not expected to produce NEW knowledge in Psychology during your research. NOTE: It is not recommended you write a psych E.E. unless you’ve taken IB psychology

3. What an Extended Essay in Psychology is… An analytical essay An independent piece of LITERATURE BASED research (literature review) of approximatively 40 hours of work; This means you should read scientific journals and books that deal with the topic you will be investigating. Think of yourselves as psychological investigators searching for the most probable cause of a behavior. This is your opportunity to BE CRITICAL of the research that’s been done. BE OPINIONATED about what you think is more valid and give supprt why. BE LOUD and STRONG in your voice and persuasion powers!

4. Overview of Steps: 1. Find a relevant topic + relevant resources 2. Formulate precise research question and demonstrate knowledge of its relevance 3. Find information that has been published on your topic 4. Construct a reasoned argument to address through analyzing and discussion based on:  Which psychological theories?  Which psychological concepts?  Which empirical studies? 5. Support the argument with relevant knowledge. Use appropriate methods and terminology. 6. Demonstrate analytical and evaluative skills by investigating alternative explanations and claims 7. Acknowledge sources in APA format

5. Picking a topic... Take a moment to look around the room. What makes you curious? Why are you curious about it? The most important aspect of your research is to find a topic that YOU are INTERESTED in… Think of something that interests you and then ask WHY is it worth investigating Create a research portfolio and keep all references in that place. Over-reference on your rough drafts so you can go back for more information later on

6. Brainstorm possible topics To what extent do biological and sociocultural factors determine criminal behavior? Why is there a difference between people’s beliefs about happiness and what psychological research shows? Is it possible to use research about happiness to increase happiness? To what extent can psychology contribute to the reduction of prejudice? Does prejudice always lead to discrimination? Is prejudice mostly biologically based or learned? Why are there gender differences in depression? Why is it so difficult to make a reliable diagnosis for depression? Or any other mental illness? Why is there an “obesity epidemic”? To what extent do biological, psychological and sociocultural factors influence addictive behavior? To what extent can attraction be explained by biological factors alone? Why are some relationships more stable than others? Do men and women have different expectations in relationships? What is the role of cultural factors in the formation of relationships? To what extent are attachment patterns culturally determined?

7. The EE should include Title page with relevant information (e.g. Name, school,exam session and candidate number, title of essay, word count Abstract Contents page (broken down into subheadings if appropriate) Introduction Development (body) Conclusion References and parenthetical documentation throughout (author, date, page number). Appendices (not all subjects have this)

8. The EE Word limit 4000 words Does not include abstract, contents page, illustrations, charts, formulas, citations, foot-or endnotes, bibliography, appendices Essays that exceed the word limit cannot be marked beyond the 4000 words

9. Title Indicates the focus of the essay. Must be precise but not necessarily in the form of a question RQ: To what extent does attachment influence later relationships? Title: Attachment and later relationships

10. Abstract Max 300 words Should be written as the last thing (because it gives an overview of the research) Placed just after title page Includes the following  The research question under investigation  The scope of the investigation (i.e. How was the research question investigated)  The conclusion of the extended essay

11. Table of Contents page Placed right after abstract Shows content of the extended essay (include headings and subheadings) Pages must be numbered so that the different part of the extended essay can be found via the contents page

12. Citations, references, bibliography APA Style American Psychological Association (APA) outlines a style of presenting psychological papers. When citing a study in your E.E. using APA style, you simply include the year after the name of the researchers (ie: In the study by Bandura et al. (1961), children watched a Bobo doll…. Your list of references should begin on a new page. The list should be organized alphabetically by each author’s last name. The reference list is a list of every work cited in the essay and only those cited. For more info, you can visit: http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/resdoc5e/ (click on List of Style Manuals and then APA) http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/resdoc5e/ Or go to Son of Citation Machine http://citationmachine.net/http://citationmachine.net/

13. Planning research - the pentagon of basic questions 2 2 Lotte Rienecker: Formidlingscentrets Overheads, KU, rev 1. januar 2004 WHAT do you ask? The research question WHY do you ask? Purpose and relevance of the investigation What do you ask ABOUT? Empirical knowledge/ data/ text/ phenomenon What do you ask WITH? Tools: Theory, concepts, methods HOW do you ask? The approach to the investigation

14. Rubric Criterion A through Criterion K Worth 36 points A= 29-36 B= 23-28 C= 16-22 D= 8-15 E= 07

15. Criterion A:The research question (max 2 marks) The research question is clearly stated in the introduction and sharply focused making effective treatment possible within the word limit. Ψ RQ must be relevant to psychology

16. Example Student interests: Perception, culture, web site design Field of psychology: Cognitive psychology Topic: Cultural differences in perception and eye movement patterns Research question: How can findings from psychological research on perception differences between Asians and Americans be applied to web site design? Approach Research must be conducted from secondary sources to establish the extent of perceptual differences that are claimed to exist between the two cultures. How are findings from relevant studies applied to strategies that involve visual perception and eye movement patterns, and what industries use this information? Specifically, how do international web site designers interpret these findings in designing their web sites?

17. Criterion B:Introduction (max 2 marks) The context of the research question is clearly demonstrated. The introduction clearly explains the significance of the topic and why it is worthy of investigation Ψ Often relate to previous research in psychology and issues related to this such as strengths and weaknesses of explanations. The student’s research question should point to omissions in past work, and indicate how his/her essay could help resolve some that have been identified.

18. Criterion C: The investigation (max 4 marks) If RQ not appropriate for systematic investigation max 2! An imaginative range of appropriate sources has been consulted, or data has been gathered, and relevant material has been carefully selected. The investigation has been well planned. Ψ Use of academic resources primarily which includes evaluation but information from the media or students’ own data can be used to some extent as illustration but not extensively and not as valid evidence. *List of suggested sources to build your argument is at the end of the presentation.

19. Criterion D: Knowledge and understanding of the topic studied (max 4 marks) If RQ not appropriate for systematic investigation max 2! The essay demonstrates a very good knowledge and understanding of the topic studied. Where appropriate, the essay clearly and precisely locates the investigation in an academic context drawing on cultural, ethical, gender and methodological considerations; they should show how these aspects may affect the interpretation of the research question that is the focus of the essay. Ψ Evidence and findings from empirical studies and related theories and elements of critical evaluation (BIG 4)

20. Criterion E:Reasoned argument (max 4 marks) If RQ not appropriate for systematic investigation max 2! Ideas are presented clearly and in a logical and coherent manner. The essay succeeds in developing a reasoned and convincing argument in relation to the research question Ψ The argument often presents different views. The students should explain and analyze these and try to persuade the reader of the validity of own view by presenting valid support following a logical structure.

21. Developing an argument 5 TV violence can have harmful psychological effects on children CLAIM because their constant exposure to violent images makes them unable to distinguish fantasy from reality REASON. Smith (1997) found that children who watched more than 3 hours of TV a day were 25% more likely to say what they saw on TV was “really happening” EVIDENCE. It is possible, of course, that children who watch more violent entertainment already have violent values ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF ALTERNATIVE but Jones (1989) found that children with no predisposition to violence were just as attracted to violent entertainment as those with a history of violence RESPONSE. 5 Booth,Colomb,Williams: The Craft of Research, 2nd Ed., The University Press of Chicago, 2003, p.118f CLAIM REASON(S)EVIDENCE ALTERNATIVE(S) & RESPONSE

22. Criterion F:Application of analytical and evaluative skills appropriate to the subject (Max 4 marks) The essay shows effective and sophisticated application of appropriate analytical and evaluative skills such as :  acknowleding alternative interpretations  referring to methodological considerations or  using a counterclaim Ψ Focus is on analysis and evaluation of the psychological theories and empirical studies as used in the argument. Reflexivity (thinking about own experiences and views that may have influenced choice of methods and interpretation in the EE) can also be included.

23. Criterion G: Use of language appropriate to the subject (max 4 marks) The language used communicates clearly and precisely. Terminology appropriate to the subject is used accurately, with skill and understanding Examples: Negative Reinforcers vs Punishers, Antisocial Personality Disorder, Obsessions vs Compulsions, etc Ψ use psychological terminology such as psychological concepts.

24. Criterion H: Conclusion (max 2 marks) An effective conclusion is clearly stated; it is relevant to the research question and consistent with the evidence presented in the essay. It should include unresolved questions where appropriate to the subject concerned. Ψ Should be clearly related to the RQ and follow logically from the psychological evidence presented in the argument.

25. Criterion I: Formal presentation (Max 4 marks) The formal elements are: the title page, table of contents, page numbers, illustrative material, quotations, documentation (including references, citations and bibliography) and appendices (if used). If the essay exceeds 4000 words a 0 is awarded in I. Max marks 4: The formal presentation is excellent (all of the above included)  Ψ if there is no bibligraphy: 0 marks  Ψ if one element from the formal elements is missing: 2 marks  Ψ if two elements from the formal elements are missing: 1 mark

26. Criterion J: Abstract (max 2 marks) The requirements for the abstract is to  clearly state the research question,  how the investigation was undertaken and  the conclusion(s) of the essay. Max marks 2: The abstract clearly states all the elements listed above. Ψ clarity of the presentation of the required content. If the abstract is not clearly stating all of these but they are present: 1 mark; If the abstract is over 300 words, it will score a zero.

27. Criterion K: Holistic judgment (max marks 4) Purpose of this criterion is to assess the qualities that distinguish an essay from the average, e.g. Intellectual initiative, depth of understanding, insight. Max marks 4: The essay shows considerable evidence of such qualities Ψ Even essays that are not among the best could show some evidence of the qualities and should then be rewarded, e.g. Choice of good RQ, locating good resources, good evaluation, a reflexive approach.

28. A note on academic honesty In order to have an authentic peice of work, it must be based on your own ideas, and others work that you quote or paraphrase (summerize) MUST be acknowledged through parenthetical documentation must be used at the end of that thought (author, date, page number). Overly site references in your first draft! Check on plagiarism and malpractice; opportunity to reflect on the research process Relevant questions?

29. Places to search for sources International databases such as PsychINFO or ProQuest Scientific magazines such as Scientific American Mind British Psychological Association magazine, The Psychologist Online sites: Diane Hacker, Research and Documentation http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/resdoc5e/ http://bcs.bedfordstmartins.com/resdoc5e/ Website: Psychology Matters (good research summaries) http://www.apa.org/research/action/index.aspx http://www.apa.org/research/action/index.aspx A dictionary of Psychology http://www.oup.com/uk/booksites/content/9780199534067/links/ http://www.oup.com/uk/booksites/content/9780199534067/links/ AVOID using non-academic sources from the internet If you have downloaded an article from the internet, note the date you downloaded it for your bibliography. When you decided which sources you are going to use, print a copy of each one and place them in your research portfolio.

30. Examples of excellent essays! https://sites.google.com/a/gm.sbac.edu/ru binpsychology/ https://sites.google.com/a/gm.sbac.edu/ru binpsychology/

31. IB requires that the supervisor Provides advice and guidance in how to undertake research Helps to fomulate a focused research question Ensures that the research question does not violate any ethical issues Gives copies of necessary papers from the guide to the student Reads and comments on the first draft (but does not edit it) Support the student in the research process and monitor progress (also to ensure that the work is the student’s own) Gives a predicted grade for the EE If there has been 0 hours of guidance the supervisor should explain why and how s/he can ensure authenticity of the work In cases of malpractice – write a report to the IB coordinator

32. IB recommend that the supervisor Spends around 5 hours with each student Gives advice on how to access appropriate resources (e.g. Library, Internet) Gives information on how to gather data and analyse them (i.e. Doing research) Gives information on how to write an abstract Gives information on how to document sources Conducts a short face-to-face interview with the student when the EE is finished (the viva voce)

33. Activity- From topic to research question In groups – list 5 topics for EE Discuss how these topics could best be transformed into focused research questions