Interdisciplinary approach
An interdisciplinary extended essay (EE) gives students an opportunity to undertake an in-depth and independent investigation into a topic of their choice that considers the relationship between subjects and allows for meaningful connections to be made in relation to their chosen area of research.
For example, in world studies an issue of contemporary global significance is explored through the lenses of two subjects; and in environmental systems and societies the interaction and integration of natural environmental systems and human societies are explored.
Students undertaking one of these options must demonstrate a solid understanding of their area of research, taking a fully integrated approach. This examination must be shown in the form of:
a coherently written and structured essay that effectively addresses an area of research, taking an interdisciplinary approach
bringing together concepts, methods and approaches from across different subjects
the development and exploration of an area of study specifically appropriate to the interdisciplinary choice.The most critical stage in preparing for the EE is the formulation of a logical and coherent rationale for selecting a particular topic for the extended essay, a topic that offers enough scope to provide material for a substantial essay, and the development of ideas around the topic and research question that examine existing views and argue against them.
The aims of the WSEE are to enable students to:
frame and understand complex contemporary world problems for in-depth study
gather and synthesize insights from two different disciplines to better understand the issue
develop global consciousness—a disposition to recognize and understand local and global relationships in dynamic interaction
view themselves as interpreters of and actors in an increasingly interconnected world.
Students are encouraged to focus on just one or two contexts in some depth, for example:
The student examines two geographical case studies to explore whether religious beliefs affect attitudes towards HIV/AIDS in Oslo and Mombasa.
The student examines one or two events to evaluate relief efforts after natural disasters, and suggests ways to make these more responsive.
The student examines one or two interventions to investigate what determines the success or failure of sanctions imposed by the United Nations.
Students can refer to other places and events beyond the primary context(s) when relevant to the argument. In fact, the IB encourages this as it displays global consciousness. However, a detailed contextualized study of these additional cases is impossible within the 4,000-word limit.
Methods
Primary methods involve analysis of texts, visual sources, paintings, play texts, live performances and personal contacts. In the case of environmental systems and societies essays, students can take a quantitative data analysis approach through collection of data from fieldwork, laboratory experimentations, surveys or interviews.
Secondary methods include the collection of books, newspaper and magazine articles, interviews and websites on the focus of the student’s research. The use of other materials, such as pictures, plans and reviews, is encouraged but should not overwhelm the EE to the detriment of the research discourse.
How to approach writing a case study research paper?
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This page may help you identify a subject of analysis that can be investigated using a single case study design. However identifying a case to investigate involves more than choosing the research problem. A case study encompasses a problem contextualized around the application of in-depth analysis, interpretation, and discussion, often resulting in specific recommendations for action or for improving existing conditions. As Seawright and Gerring note, practical considerations such as time and access to information can influence case selection, but these issues should not be the sole factors used in describing the methodological justification for identifying a particular case to study. Given this, selecting a case includes considering the following Does the case represent an unusual or atypical example of a research problem that requires more in-depth analysis? Cases often represent a topic that rests on the fringes of prior investigations because the case may provide new ways of understanding the research problem. For example, if the research problem is to identify strategies to improve policies that support girl's access to secondary education in predominantly Muslim nations, you could consider using Azerbaijan as a case study rather than selecting a more obvious nation in the Middle East. Doing so may reveal important new insights into recommending how governments in other predominantly Muslim nations can formulate policies that support improved access to education for girls. Does the case provide important insight or illuminate a previously hidden problem? In-depth analysis of a case can be based on the hypothesis that the case study will reveal trends or issues that have not been exposed in prior research or will reveal new and important implications for practice. For example, anecdotal evidence may suggest drug use among homeless veterans is related to their patterns of travel throughout the day. Assuming prior studies have not looked at individual travel choices as a way to study access to illicit drug use, a case study that observes a homeless veteran could reveal how issues of personal mobility choices facilitate regular access to illicit drugs. Note that it is important to conduct a thorough literature review to ensure that your assumption about the need to reveal new insights or previously hidden problems is valid and evidence-based. Does the case challenge and offer a counter-point to prevailing assumptions? Over time, research on any given topic can fall into a trap of developing assumptions based on outdated studies that are still applied to new or changing conditions or the idea that something should simply be accepted as "common sense," even though the issue has not been thoroughly tested in practice. A case may offer you an opportunity to gather evidence that challenges prevailing assumptions about a research problem and provide a new set of recommendations applied to practice that have not been tested previously. For example, perhaps there has been a long practice among scholars to apply a particular theory in explaining the relationship between two subjects of analysis. Your case could challenge this assumption by applying an innovative theoretical framework [perhaps borrowed from another discipline] to the study a case in order to explore whether this approach offers new ways of understanding the research problem. Taking a contrarian stance is one of the most important ways that new knowledge and understanding develops from existing literature. Does the case provide an opportunity to pursue action leading to the resolution of a problem? Another way to think about choosing a case to study is to consider how the results from investigating a particular case may result in findings that reveal ways in which to resolve an existing or emerging problem. For example, studying the case of an unforeseen incident, such as a fatal accident at a railroad crossing, can reveal hidden issues that could be applied to preventative measures that contribute to reducing the chance of accidents in the future. In this example, a case study investigating the accident could lead to a better understanding of where to strategically locate additional signals at other railroad crossings in order to better warn drivers of an approaching train, particularly when visibility is hindered by heavy rain, fog, or at night. Does the case offer a new direction in future research? A case study can be used as a tool for exploratory research that points to a need for further examination of the research problem. A case can be used when there are few studies that help predict an outcome or that establish a clear understanding about how best to proceed in addressing a problem. For example, after conducting a thorough literature review [very important!], you discover that little research exists showing the ways in which women contribute to promoting water conservation in rural communities of Uganda. A case study of how women contribute to saving water in a particular village can lay the foundation for understanding the need for more thorough research that documents how women in their roles as cooks and family caregivers think about water as a valuable resource within their community throughout rural regions of east Africa. The case could also point to the need for scholars to apply feminist theories of work and family to the issue of water conservation. |
GLOBAL THEMES
Language, culture and identity
Science, Technology and society
Equality and inequality
Conflict, Peace and Security
Economic and / or environmental sustainability
Health and Development
GLOBAL THEMES CATEGORIZED
Help “categorise” the essay, but do not necessarily drive its development
Help to understand alignment of the topic as an issue of global significance
WSEE Themes can be determined at a later stage (after the development of the topic, RQ and interdisciplinary development)
WSEE can also be decided before the development of the topic to help generate the issue of global significance and RQ
Best Approach: Global significance - local manifestation
Students research an issue of Global Significance, usually at a local or micro level (Case Study approach)
In choosing an WSEE, ideally students should start with the “ISSUE” they are interested in.
Choose a topic that must invite an interdisciplinary approach
For students that can’t identify a clear issue of global significance or concern, you may need to help guide them. SDGs for example are a good way “in”, as are the Global Themes.
Students should try to understand the global issue through the local manifestation and in doing so, contribute a little bit of knowledge to a wider ongoing discussion.
If using a Case Study approach, ensure the issue is focused on a manageable case study with precise and careful parameters, rather than wider generalisations
The topic needs to apply two subjects equally and effectively to ensure an interdisciplinary approach.
Formulating a World Studies RQ
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Let’s make our first attempt at formulating a research question. You can always rethink and potentially revise the question you develop here. To do this, take the topic or issue you have identified, and ask the following of each of those issues. Your goal at this time should be to find a starting point for inquiry that comes from your interests and concerns.
After discussing your questions with your group and/or your instructor, and others, revise the question you believe at this point you will commit to for the semester. Make sure the question truly reflects your interests and concerns, and make sure the question is clearly stated. Source: New College ASU |
Writing an introduction to World Studies EEs
It’s quite clear from reading the WSEE Subject Report from May 2018 that the expectations placed upon the introduction are quite different from those taking the regular or non-interdisciplinary route.
There should be an issue of global concern properly established and paired with a relevant case study. The author should justify the interdisciplinary approach. This means a longer introduction than in single-subject essays (2).
So what does this actually look like? Below are some of my thoughts [Ms. Mona} but as always please speak to your supervisor for some subject specific guidance. I am very much open to hearing your views on this and I want to learn from you.
In a WSEE it is likely that you cover the following
What is the RQ?
A purpose statement and/or a statement of intent
Why will your conclusions be significant/of interest to an academic or professional community?
Through which local lens will this global issue be investigated? ie introduce us to the case study
Why is this particular case study a good choice?
What are the limitations of this case study and case studies in general?
Why is an interdisciplinary approach necessary/useful/appropriate for the RQ?
Why is subject X relevent to this EE?
Which main tools/techniques/theories/methods will be used from subject X? (but this will be further elaborated on in the methodology and method section)
Why is subject Y relevant to this EE?
Which main tools/techniques/theories/methods will be used from subject Y? (but this will be further elaborated on in the methodology and method section)
How will these two subject be meaningfully combined to answer the RQ?
Key concepts explained (in the context of the RQ, ie do not give unrelated examples)
What ethical considerations have you incorporated into your studies? How might they influence your results. (this bullet point may alternatively fall under your methodology/methods section)
What this EE will not do (this might be hard for you to understand) but what misconceptions might the reader have about the direction or intent of your EE? Get out in front and tackle these issues early on.
In other words it is here that you clearly set out the parameters and direction of your EE. Doing this well is an excellent way to show critical thinking
What is the main conclusion from your EE
Remember the best introductions are written at the end of the project so you will know the answer to this
Just give the very main conclusion, and do it rather briefly. The conclusion of the EE is the actual place to provide detail
Give the reader a
Hint at the unanswered questions and areas for further research that you suggest to take place
But again, remember, that the conclusion of the EE is the place to flesh this out in full.
What about a literature review?
Some students will put their literature review, or a reduced version of it, into the introduction, whilst others may opt to have it as a separate section altogether. This is your choice
But you must understand that the literature review is vital for you to a) set the academic context of your EE and RQ 2) allow you to join and situate your findings and conclusions amongst that academic conversation c) bring credibility to your EE and d) allow you to justify why your EE is worthy of investigation
You may notice that most of the journal articles you have read make some reference to the literature. And nearly always the use that reference to highlight why their study is worthy of investigation, eg “this has never been studied before” or “the literature is out of date”
Please remember that the EE is an academic paper, so it is highly likely, almost certain, that in-text citations are needed in every part of your EE, including your introduction.
If you have any questions please ask. I’m here to help. Thanks Ms. Mona
