Criterion

A - Research question B - Introduction C Investigation and research skills

Skills Students need to be able to . .

...develop a sharply focused research topic (and may need to be able to re-shape it as research is carried out) ... set the topic chosen into the field of economics by explaining how the topic relates to economic theory ...use a variety of research techniques, including primary research wherever possible ...devise a survey or questionnaire or interview to acquire primary data ...gather data from a variety of source ...distinguish between relevant and irrelevant information ...develop a good understanding of the economic theory relevant to the topic ...use the research gathered to develop a reasoned and convincing argument which answers the RQ ...apply economic theory to the case study (not just regurgitate economic theory!) ...synthesise the information through the application of relevant economic theory to the relevant information gathered ...show evidence of evaluation through the essay (e.g. evaluation of relevance of theory or evaluation of limitations of research or evaluation of alternate viewpoints or evaluation of inherent biases) ...accurately use the language of economics throughout the essay ...define economics terms to support the application of theory ...formulate a conclusion to formally answer the research question and summarise the main points of the essay ...refer to unresolved questions that have emerged from the research ...become familiar with one common approach to the formal presentation of an academic paper ...put together a bibliography to present a list of all resources used ...use a computer to present the paper in an organised, (attractive) manner ...make sure that they use a checklist to ensure that all required elements are present in the essay ... follow the guidelines of producing an IB EE-style Abstract ...make sure that all three required elements are present (RQ, scope and conclusion) ...follow rubric requirements (word count)

D Knowledge and understanding E Reasoned argument F Application of analytical and evaluative skills

G Use of language appropriate to the subject H Conclusion

I Formal presentation

J Abstract