Extended Essays in Psychology
Choosing a Topic
Psychology can be defined as “the study of behavior”. This could include the behaviors of humans and non-human animals, and has a range of specialized terms, methods and literature. It is therefore essential for students undertaking an EE in psychology to: |
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When choosing their topic, students should remember that their EE must be based on secondary sources only. The collection of primary data is not permitted for the psychology EE. |
Establishing a subtopic of Psychology will be very important for students narrowing their topics.
If a student is interested in stress, they may then narrow this to the topic of stress within commercial aviation. Many large commercial airlines employ psychologists to investigate pilot performance and factors such as stress or emergency management. The student’s research question could be: “To what extent does airline pilot stress affect airline safety standards?”
Students must ensure that enough relevant and appropriate resources are available for them to conduct their research. They should investigate this at the start of their planning process.
The research question should require the construction of a systematically structured and fully supported argument in the development of an informed conclusion.
Examples:
Broad Topics | Focused Topics |
One- or two-language households | The relationship between bilingualism and cognitive development |
Sleep and learning | An examination of whether and how sleep contributes to learning |
Music and autism | An examination of the extent to which music therapy is effective in enhancing the communication skills of individuals diagnosed with autism |
Motivation and achievement in sport | The relationship between motivation techniques and performance in long-distance running |
Research in Psychology
Primary Research versus Secondary Research | ![]() |
Primary data collected using the students’ own experiments, surveys, observations and case studies is inappropriate for the EE. Instead, students must use secondary data from published sources. They should develop their argument with careful and appropriate citation of relevant concepts, theories and studies from academic psychological research journals and books. Students should not make any assertions unsupported by evidence drawn from psychological theories or studies. |
Topic: Gender-related color choices | Topic: Media influences on altruistic behaviors | ||
Research Question | To what extent is preferred color choice acquired or innate in young children? | Research Question | To what extent do presentations in the media affect adult choices in volunteering to work for charities? |
Approach |
Recent fashions in the colors of children’s clothing, furnishings and toys seem to have reverted from gender-neutral schemes to pink for girls and blue for boys. This provides material for investigating the question of the extent to which such choices are the result of socialization or of innate predisposition. A comparison of evaluated published research findings supporting each type of explanation, having linked the studies to relevant psychological theory. Findings and related interpretations regarding the research question from different decades and/or cultural groups could be compared and evaluative commentary provided, focusing on addressing the “To what extent” aspect of the question, culminating in an informed summary conclusion.
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Approach |
An interest in social influences on pro-social behaviors in adults could result in curiosity about the factors affecting the varying levels of adult participation in volunteer activities. Is there evidence or theory to suggest some individuals are more predisposed to pro-social behaviors than other individuals? Use theory-based research into the efficacy of health campaigns to investigate the impact of media presentations on adult volunteer rates. A balanced argument could evaluate evidence claiming support for the success of television adverts, personal presentations at meetings, newspaper articles, etc in recruiting adult volunteers for work with charities, comparing this with evidence to suggest personality type as a more dominant factor in pro-social behavior. The question covers a broad area including possible trans-historical and cross-cultural variations, so the essay’s introduction should clearly indicate the chosen parameters. |
Psychology Sources
In Context Databases Gale In-Context databases offer topic pages and the Topic Finder search feature. This video will show you how to use topic pages.
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Gale OneFile Databases Gale OneFile databases have two features to help you find search words as well as topics and sub-topics. Use the "subject guide search" feature in Gale OneFile databases to help you find good search terms.(tutorial video). Use the "topic finder" to help you find good topics and sub-topics (tutorial video) |
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Writing the Essay
To develop a well-rounded understanding of their topic, students should carefully evaluate any research they cite. The essay should offer a balanced argument in response to the research question.
Students should demonstrate critical awareness and understanding of the material they use. They should analyze rather than simply describe. They need to apply what they have read to the research question rather than report the information.
A Psychology EE should allow students to recognize that the content and methodologies are wide ranging and require students to critically evaluate the choices they make with regard to methodologies. An EE in psychology should demonstrate such understanding.
Students can address cultural, ethical, gender and methodological considerations potentially affecting how a particular study or theory interprets behavior. Comparative analysis may also be a useful evaluative strategy.