Interdisciplinary RQ Templates (DP IB Extended Essay): Revision Note

What do effective interdisciplinary RQs look like?

Defining interdisciplinary inquiry

The requirement for integration

• An effective interdisciplinary research question (RQ)—a question that investigates a topic using the lenses of two different subjects—must promote genuine integration

  • Integration is the process where knowledge, concepts or methods from two subjects are combined to create new or deeper understandings that are not possible through a single subject alone

• A strong interdisciplinary RQ should avoid parallel treatment—a mistake where the student writes two separate subject essays and places them side by side without linking them

• If your question could be answered well using only one subject, it’s probably better as a subject-focused EE.

• The question should be designed so that elements of both subjects work together effectively to answer the central inquiry

• Your essay does not need to give equal weight to both subjects, but it must show clear, purposeful integration throughout

The five interdisciplinary frameworks

• Interdisciplinary EEs are registered within one of five frameworks—broad themes designed to help students choose an appropriate context and shape their inquiry

  • Power, equality and justice—focusing on issues like social fairness, conflict or human rights

  • Culture, identity and expression—exploring belief systems, heritage, artistic movements or gaming

  • Movement, time and space—investigating migration, social media, urbanism or globalisation

  • Evidence, measurement and innovation—focusing on cross-scientific inquiry, mathematical modelling or digital innovation

  • Sustainability, development and change—exploring environmental or economic development and food security

Templates and examples

Gender—Biology and Social and Cultural Anthropology

• This template investigates a concept through both biological and social lenses to gain a deeper understanding

• Example RQ—How do biological definitions of sex and sociocultural constructions of gender interact, and what limitations arise when each is used alone to explain identity?

• Integrated approach—this combines the scientific study of genetics with anthropological theories on how societies create meaning around gender

Climate change and economics—Economics and Global Politics

• This template explores how global environmental crises interact with economic and political policies

• Example RQ—How might decisions made at local and global levels regarding renewable energy impact new development projects in "climate change hot spots"?

• Integrated approach—this weaves together economic theories on development with political analysis  of how power is exercised at different levels of government

Economic power—Economics and Global Politics

• This template examines how shifts in national wealth change the political relationships between countries

• Example RQ—How has the rise of India as an economic power affected the balance of forces in the region with reference to China and the USA?

• Integrated approach—the essay uses macroeconomics—the study of large—scale economic factors—alongside political concepts of power and regional influence