Library libguides: The research process on the Extended Essay: Task definition

Choose a topic

You can consider some suggestions on strategies to choose a topic:

Identify the subject and ideas related to your interest.

Identify the specific requirements of the subjects. (i.e: music, film, visual arts, mathematics, science, etc.)
Scan current academic journals, databases (Questia School browsing by subject), media (latest event around the world), explore the SIS library.
Personal interests, peer conversations, informal talks with subject teachers.

Tip: While exploring make a list of ideas, observe if there is or there is not potential information about the idea and choose two ideas (Plan B).

Identifying keywords and good search terms:

technical language of the specific subject
use this terms when you are looking for information through Destiny and Questia Schoo
Subject searches will look for this terms in the description of the items.

Tip: Make a list of these words as you explore. It will help you to identify relations between the concepts.

Destiny online catalog

Questia School online database

Follow the link to access to Questia School

Questia School

Brainstorming

Tools on this page can be used to record your thoughts and ideas. Many give the option to invite others to share their ideas with you. If you use these techniques effectively you will be able to use your information sources to extract and record the most useful information and produce your own original piece of work.
You can use brainstorming as a way to help you find a research title. Keep track and organize any topic ideas that come into your head. See: Stormboard Bubble.us Mind mapping is another excellent way to track of your thoughts, and it is also an ideal way to group your ideas and resources and add structure to your knowledge. See: Coggle Mind Map Inspiration

Research question

In order to develop the research question, answer this questions:

What factual information you will require?
What background/causes/reasons do you need to investigate?
What effects/solutions/recommendations/changes do you need to include?
What comparisons or analogies can you make?
What judgements or opinions can be supported by your research?

These tools will help you to organise your thoughts and ideas. Some let you share them with others so you can exchange ideas.

Brainstorming:

stormboard.com: online brainstorming collaboration platform (free)

bubble.us : mind-mapping (free)

Mind-mapping:

Coogle

Mind Map Inspiration

If you find it easier you can, of course, brain storm and mind map on a big piece of paper with some colored pens or a big board with some post-it notes!

Choose whichever method works best for you.

At Mind Map Inspiration artist Paul Foreman offers example Mind Maps for inspiration and motivation, plus mindmapping tips, drawing tips, techniques for enhancing your creativity and improving idea generation.

See the process of mind mapping from start:

to finish:

Coggle

Coggle.it is a free, easy-to-use web application for creating beautiful informative diagrams and mindmaps.

For a tutorial video introduction, click the Coggle:

Stormboard

Stormboard takes the metaphor of sticky notes on a boardroom wall and brings it online allowing anyone - anywhere to brainstorm with only a web browser. Each user picks their favorite ideas and Stormboard brings the best ones forward.

From their website: "Stormboard is an online brainstorming and collaboration platform. The name comes from a combination of brainstorm and whiteboard."

Find a description, screenshots, and tutorial at the New Technologies & 21st Century Skills blog from the College of Education at the University of Houston.

Bubbl.us

Bubbl.us - "Brainstorming made simple" - is a really easy to use mind mapping or brainstorming tool. You can go to the site and start brainstorming immediately!

The research process on the Extended Essay: Task definition