Methodology & Research
How to research effectively, evaluate sources critically, and structure your analytical methodology for a high-scoring Extended Essay.
Understanding EE Research Methods
Primary Research
Original Data You Collect
Experiments, surveys, interviews, observations, analysis of primary texts/documents. Essential for sciences and social sciences. Shows independent thinking.
Secondary Research
Existing Scholarship
Academic journals, books, official reports, reputable databases. The backbone of most humanities EEs. Must be evaluated critically for bias and reliability.
Quantitative Methods
Numbers & Statistics
Data analysis, statistical tests, graphs, measurements. Dominant in sciences and economics. Must be appropriate to your RQ and correctly applied.
Qualitative Methods
Interpretation & Analysis
Close reading of texts, discourse analysis, comparative analysis, case studies. Dominant in literature, history, philosophy. Must be systematic and defensible.
How to Evaluate Your Sources
| Criterion | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Authority | Who wrote this? What are their credentials? Is this peer-reviewed? |
| Accuracy | Is the data/argument supported by evidence? Are sources cited? Can claims be verified? |
| Currency | When was it published? Is it still relevant? Have newer studies updated or challenged it? |
| Bias | Does the author have a clear agenda? Who funded the research? What perspective is missing? |
| Relevance | Does this source directly address my RQ? Am I using it to support my argument or just to fill pages? |
💡 Expert Tip
Aim for 8–12 high-quality sources rather than 25 superficial ones. Examiners reward depth of engagement with sources, not quantity.
Structuring Your Methodology Section
1
State your approach
Explain clearly what research method(s) you used and why they are appropriate for your RQ.
2
Justify your sources
Explain why you chose your key sources and acknowledge any limitations (e.g. “This study was conducted in a US context and may not apply universally…”).
3
Address limitations
What could not be measured or accessed? What assumptions did you have to make? Acknowledging limitations shows academic maturity.
4
Explain your analytical framework
For humanities: what critical lens or analytical approach are you using? For sciences: what variables, controls, and statistical methods?
Research Checklist
- ✓ I have at least 8 credible, academic sources (peer-reviewed journals, academic books, official reports)
- ✓ I have evaluated each source for authority, accuracy, currency, bias, and relevance
- ✓ I have a clear mix of primary and secondary sources appropriate to my subject
- ✓ I have acknowledged the limitations of my methodology
- ✓ All sources are properly cited in the body of the essay
- ✓ No source is from Wikipedia, a general blog, or an uncredited website
Struggling to find sources for your EE?