Research Methods & Methodology (DP IB Extended Essay): Revision Note

What is the difference between methods and methodology?

Understanding methodology

• Methodology is the overall research strategy and rationale used for an investigation

  • Rationale refers to the set of reasons or the logical basis for choosing a particular approach

• It functions as the lens through which a researcher performs their analysis—the process of breaking down a topic to understand it better

• A strong essay requires methodological awareness, which means the student understands the broad strategy used in their chosen subject

• The methodology explains the "why" behind the way a project is set up and how the findings are interpreted

Defining research methods

• Research methods are the specific tools and procedures used to collect and analyse data

  • Data is the raw information, measurements or evidence gathered during an investigation

• Methods are the practical "how" of a project and include actions like conducting experiments, surveys or interviews

• These tools must be appropriate for the specific Diploma Programme (DP) subject to ensure the research is valid

• Criterion A (Framework for the essay) specifically assesses whether these research methods are suitable for the topic

Distinguishing between the two

• Methodology is the big—picture plan, while methods are the individual instruments used to carry out that plan

• In the Extended Essay (EE)—a 4,000—word academic paper based on independent research—the methodology is often summarised in the introduction

• A student uses methodology to justify their overall strategy, whereas they use methods to gather the actual evidence needed to build an argument

• High marks are awarded in Criterion A when research methods are explained clearly and applied effectively to answer the Research Question (RQ)

How do you choose suitable research methods?

Suitability for the chosen subject

• Select research methods—the specific tools and procedures used to collect and analyse data—that are appropriate for your chosen Diploma Programme (DP) subject

• Different disciplines have specific expectations for investigation, such as experiments in the sciences or textual analysis in languages

• Ensure that your chosen methods allow you to demonstrate methodological awareness, meaning you understand the overall research strategy and rationale of your subject

• If your approach involves experimentation or fieldwork, describe methods in enough detail that the work could be repeated

Ensuring sufficient sources and data

• Conduct a preliminary investigation—the initial process of checking data and skimming sources—to confirm that enough information exists to answer your question

• You must ensure there is a range of secondary research available, which is the analysis and interpretation of existing data collected by others

• A viable essay requires a sufficient range of reliable resources and information to support a high-level academic argument

• If your research reveals a lack of data or suitable resources, you must be prepared to revise your research question

Understanding primary and secondary data

• Primary research—the collection of original data first-hand through methods like interviews or experiments—is never a mandatory requirement for the essay

  • Some subjects restrict, discourage, or tightly control primary data collection—always check your subject-specific guidance and your school’s ethical/safeguarding rules before designing primary research. 

• You should decide whether to use quantitative research, which yields statistical data, or qualitative research, which focuses on personal perspectives and opinions

• If you use primary methods, you must explain in the body of the essay why these specific tools were selected and how they address your question

Ethical considerations for human subjects

• If your research involves people, sensitive topics, experiments, or fieldwork, speak early with your supervisor/EE coordinator and follow the IB’s ethical guidance and your school’s approval/risk assessment procedures

• Ethics approval is the process of ensuring your research follows legal and safety guidelines, such as respecting privacy and avoiding harm

• When conducting interviews or surveys, you must obtain informed consent, which is the voluntary agreement of participants who understand the purpose of your study

• Always avoid unacceptable or unethical methods, such as trespassing for photographs or using recording devices without a participant's knowledge