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if you are undertaking an Extended Essay on any subject you are required to complete some research.
Research generally involves two different types: primary and secondary research.
Once students have identified their topic and written their research question, they can decide how to research their answer.
Consider your research goals, and whether they can be met by secondary research, or require primary research.
The definition of “research” and terms such as “primary data” and “secondary data” varies from subject to subject.
In some subjects, students must use both primary and secondary data. In others, students may, or even must, rely exclusively on secondary data.
if you are undertaking an Extended Essay on any subject you are required to complete some research.
Research generally involves two different types: primary and secondary research.
Once students have identified their topic and written their research question, they can decide how to research their answer.
Consider your research goals, and whether they can be met by secondary research, or require primary research.
The definition of “research” and terms such as “primary data” and “secondary data” varies from subject to subject.
In some subjects, students must use both primary and secondary data. In others, students may, or even must, rely exclusively on secondary data.
Primary vs Secondary Research
Primary Research Secondary Research
Primary research (field research) involves gathering new data that has not been collected before.
It is based on raw data.
Secondary research (desk research) involves gathering existing data that has already been produced.
Primary vs Secondary
- Considering the complexity of research, all students must carry out secondary research in terms of a literature review for their topic (IB, EEG, p. 111). The purpose of secondary research is to:
Give you ideas for refining your proposed research topic and/or question
Give you evidence of why your research is worthy of investigation
Provide material you can use when you analyse and evaluate your research data
DETERMINE IF A SOURCE IS SCHOLARLY
What is a scholarly source?
Scholarly sources (also referred to as academic, peer-reviewed, or refereed sources) are written by experts in a particular field and serve to keep others interested in that field up to date on the most recent research, findings, and news.
What is peer-review?
When a source has been peer-reviewed, it has undergone the review and scrutiny of a review board of colleagues in the author’s field.
Why use scholarly sources?
Scholarly sources’ authority and credibility improve the quality of your own paper or research project.
How can I tell if a source is scholarly?
The following characteristics can help you differentiate scholarly sources from those that are not. Be sure to look at the criteria in each category when making your determination.
Authors
What is a scholarly source?
Scholarly sources (also referred to as academic, peer-reviewed, or refereed sources) are written by experts in a particular field and serve to keep others interested in that field up to date on the most recent research, findings, and news.
What is peer-review?
When a source has been peer-reviewed, it has undergone the review and scrutiny of a review board of colleagues in the author’s field.
Why use scholarly sources?
Scholarly sources’ authority and credibility improve the quality of your own paper or research project.
How can I tell if a source is scholarly?
The following characteristics can help you differentiate scholarly sources from those that are not. Be sure to look at the criteria in each category when making your determination.
Authors
- Are author names provided?
- Are the authors’ credentials provided?
- Are the credentials relevant to the information provided?
- Who is the publisher of the information?
- Is the publisher an academic institution, scholarly, or professional organisation?
- Is their purpose for publishing this information evident?
- Who is the intended audience of this source?
- Is the language geared toward those with knowledge of a specific discipline rather than the general public?
- Why is the information being provided?
- Are sources cited?
- Are there charts, graphs, tables, and bibliographies included?
- Are research claims documented?
- Are conclusions based on evidence provided?
- How long is the source?
- Is the date of publication evident? (ZK)
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