What Makes a Strong RQ? (DP IB Extended Essay): Revision Note

What are the qualities of an effective RQ?

Qualities of an effective research question

• An effective Research Question (RQ)—the specific, focused question that directs your entire investigation—must be clear, specific and focused

  • Define the key terms and set boundaries (time period, location, population/case, texts/artefacts). This prevents students writing RQs that are technically phrased well but impossible to scope.

• The RQ should be academically appropriate, meaning it aligns with the disciplinary requirements and expectations of your chosen Diploma Programme (DP) subject or subjects

• A strong question is  worth investigating, meaning it enables a focused inquiry and a reasoned argument (even if it builds on existing scholarship), rather than new knowledge

• The RQ must be manageable, ensuring it can be researched and answered fully within the 4,000-word limit and the suggested 40 hours of work

• The EE must be driven by a clearly stated research question. In some subjects you may propose a hypothesis, but the essay is assessed on how effectively you answer the research question

• You should avoid double-barrelled questions, which are two different questions combined into one, as these usually make the scope of your essay too broad to manage

• The RQ must not lead to a self—evident or obvious answer, but instead should require a deep investigation to find a solution

Supporting analysis and argument

• The RQ must support analysis rather than description

  • Analysis is the process of exploring "why", "how" and "so what" by breaking a topic down into its essential parts

  • Description focuses only on "who", "what", "where" and "when", which does not allow for deep critical thinking

• A strong question is arguable, which means it allows you to build a reasoned position where different interpretations or viewpoints are possible

• To trigger deep thinking, you should use higher—order questions, which often begin with phrases such as "to what extent", "how significant" or "how successful"

• The RQ must invite a clear line of argument—a logical thread of reasoning that connects your question, your research findings and your conclusion

Significance of Findings and Evidence

• Criterion D isn’t simply “balanced discussion”; it’s a balanced discussion of the significance of findings supported by evidence, plus evaluation of the effectiveness of the essay (strengths/limitations). 

  • Balanced discussion refers to an investigation that considers a range of different factors or perspectives rather than focusing on only one side

• Criterion A isn’t just “effectiveness of your research framework” in general; it is explicitly about whether the research question, research methods, and structural conventions provide an effective framework

• By framing a question that invites evaluation, you can better assess the strengths and limitations—the pros and cons—of your research materials and methods