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
"How does social media affect politics?"
"To what extent can quantitative analysis of social media sentiment explain variations in voter behaviour during the 2024 US elections?"
"What is ZARA's business strategy?"
"To what extent does ZARA's supply chain model constitute the primary source of its competitive dominance?"
The RQ Stress-Test
- 1Can it be answered in 4,000 words? If not, narrow it.
- 2Does it allow for analysis (not just description)? Check for "to what extent" or "how."
- 3Is there enough available data? Do a quick search before committing.
- 4Does it connect to your subject's assessment objectives?
- 5Would 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