Your research question is the foundation your entire Extended Essay is built on. A strong RQ makes everything else easier — research, structure, writing, and scoring. A weak one creates problems that compound across every section.
What Makes a Strong Research Question
Specific. Answerable in 4,000 words. If it could be a PhD thesis, narrow it down.
Analytical. Uses "to what extent" or "how" — allows for analysis, not just description.
Researchable. You can find data and sources. No dead-end topics.
Original. Room for original analysis — not just summarising existing work.
Research Question Examples by Subject
Here are examples of strong research questions across popular IB subjects:
| Subject | Research Question Example |
|---|---|
| Business Management | "To what extent does ZARA's supply chain model constitute the primary source of its competitive dominance in the fast fashion retail market?" |
| Psychology | "To what extent can quantitative analysis of social media sentiment explain variations in voter behaviour during the 2024 US elections?" |
| Economics | "To what extent has Japan's quantitative easing policy been effective in combating deflation between 2013 and 2024?" |
| English Literature | "How does Kazuo Ishiguro use unreliable narration to explore the theme of self-deception in The Remains of the Day?" |
| History | "To what extent was the Marshall Plan motivated by economic self-interest rather than humanitarian concern?" |
| Biology | "What is the effect of varying concentrations of caffeine on the rate of mitosis in Allium cepa root tip cells?" |
| Environmental Science | "To what extent has deforestation in the Amazon Basin between 2010-2024 contributed to changes in regional precipitation patterns?" |
| Mathematics | "To what extent can the SIR epidemiological model accurately predict the spread of influenza in closed school populations?" |
Weak vs. Strong: Before & After
Too broad: "How does social media affect politics?"
Focused and analytical: "To what extent can quantitative analysis of social media sentiment explain variations in voter behaviour during the 2024 US elections?"
Descriptive: "What is ZARA's business strategy?"
Evaluative: "To what extent does ZARA's supply chain model constitute the primary source of its competitive dominance?"
The RQ Stress-Test
- Can it be answered in 4,000 words? If not, narrow it.
- Does it allow for analysis (not just description)? Check for "to what extent" or "how."
- Is there enough available data? Do a quick search before committing.
- Does it connect to your subject's assessment objectives?
- Would an examiner find this interesting? Creativity matters.
Take your draft RQ to your supervisor immediately. They can help you focus and refine it. We often underestimate how focused a research question needs to be.
Key takeaways
- Strong RQs are specific, analytical, researchable, and original
- Use "to what extent" or "how" — avoid "what" questions
- Test your RQ with the 5-point stress test before committing
- Creativity in your angle separates good from great