How to Write an Excellent IB Psychology EE (Guide + Tips)

Thinking about how to write a psychology extended essay that stands out? Whether you are just starting or refining your draft, this guide walks you through everything you need to know, from IB Psychology EE structure and format to common pitfalls and expert-level tips.

This article covers key strategies for writing a successful IB Psychology Extended Essay, including how to formulate a focused research question, apply the correct psychology essay format, and meet the expectations of the IB extended essay psychology guidelines. You will also learn how to use psychological theories, reference studies correctly, and demonstrate critical thinking throughout your paper.

What is an IB Psychology EE?

The IB Psychology Extended Essay is a 4,000-word research paper that allows you to investigate a topic of personal interest within psychology. Rather than collecting your data through surveys or experiments, you must rely solely on secondary sources, including academic journals, studies, and psychological theories.

A strong psychology EE explores the interplay between cognitive, biological, and sociocultural factors and presents an analytical response to a well-defined question. Students must use reputable sources and deeply understand psychological models and research methods.

IB Psychology EE Structure and Format

Your EE must follow a clear and logical structure. While minor variations are acceptable, it is best to stick with this general format to meet IB expectations:

Title Page: Include your research question, subject (Psychology), and total word count.
Table of Contents: List major sections and their page numbers.
Introduction: Present your topic and aim, explain its importance, define key psychological terms, and link your topic to core psychological concepts.
Research Question: Your research question must be precise and analytical, not descriptive or overly broad.
Methodology: Describe your selection of secondary sources, explain how they support your argument, and address any ethical considerations in psychological research.
Analysis and Discussion: Present your main arguments and interpretations using in-text citations, and include mini-conclusions at the end of major sections.
Conclusion and Evaluation: Summarise your key findings, address any limitations and possible improvements, and clearly answer your research question in a single, cohesive conclusion.
Bibliography: Use APA style consistently and include only the sources cited in the essay.

This structure ensures your essay meets the required psychology essay format and allows examiners to follow your argument.

Assessment Criteria for IB Psychology EE

Your EE is assessed using the IB Psychology Extended Essay rubric, which outlines five key criteria for grading your work. Understanding these can help you focus your efforts and aim for top marks in each area:

1. Focus and Method (6 marks)

This criterion assesses whether your topic is clearly defined and your essay consistently focuses on the research question. A well-scoped and precise question is essential for success.

2. Knowledge and Understanding (6 marks)

Examiners look at how well you understand and apply psychological theories, studies, and terminology here. Your sources should be relevant, accurate, and clearly integrated into your argument.

3. Critical Thinking (12 marks)

This is the most heavily weighted criterion. It evaluates the depth of your analysis, the quality of your argument, and your ability to evaluate and synthesise psychological evidence. You should go beyond summarising sources and demonstrate clear reasoning, comparison, and evaluation.

4. Presentation (4 marks)

The presentation covers your essay’s structure, clarity, formatting, and citation style. You should follow a consistent layout, use APA referencing accurately, and meet the required word count and formatting expectations.

5. Engagement (6 marks)

This is assessed through your Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF). It focuses on your ability to demonstrate independent thinking, personal engagement, and a thoughtful approach to the research process.

Each of these criteria plays a vital role in your final grade. Please review them carefully as you plan, write, and revise.

IB Psychological Studies: How To Use Them Effectively

Psychological research is the backbone of a strong IB Psychology EE. Referencing and analysing key studies with relevance and depth turns your essay into a well-argued investigation.

Here’s how to do it well:

Choose peer-reviewed or widely recognised studies to ensure the information is credible and respected within the field of psychology.
Clearly link each study to your research question so that its relevance is obvious and supports the flow of your argument.
Compare multiple studies that explore the same issue or theory from different angles. This helps demonstrate critical thinking and awareness of differing perspectives.
Evaluate the methodologies used in each study by considering factors such as sample size, demographic limitations, cultural bias, and ethical concerns.
Use at least 8 to 10 academic sources to ensure your essay is well-supported and academically balanced. Avoid over-relying on one author or study.

When applied thoughtfully, this approach strengthens your analysis and shows that your arguments are grounded in valid psychological research.

Core Tips for Writing a Strong IB Psychology EE Extended Essay

If you want to write a high-quality IB Psychology Extended Essay, it’s important to approach the task methodically. Below are five key areas to focus on.

1. Formulate a focused and researchable inquiry question

Your research question is the foundation of your Psychology EE, so it must be specific, analytical, and arguable. Avoid vague prompts like “What is…” or “Describe…”, which lead to summary rather than analysis.

Use stems like “To what extent…”, “How effective…”, or “Why…”, as these invite deeper evaluation.

Example:
Weak: What is depression?
Stronger: To what extent are socio-cultural factors more influential than biological factors in the development of depression in adolescents?

A well-crafted question will guide and shape your entire essay.

2. Follow IB’s required IB Psychology EE format

Formatting might seem minor, but it plays a big role in the presentation criterion. A well-structured essay is easier to follow and shows you understand academic expectations. Please make sure you:

Use double spacing with size 12 font, preferably Times New Roman or Arial
Stick to APA referencing style throughout the essay
Avoid placing additional arguments or comments in footnotes, as they will not be assessed
Label all figures or diagrams clearly, and refer to them in the text with proper citations

3. Demonstrate critical thinking

This is the most heavily weighted criterion in the rubric, where students often lose marks by simply describing what a study found. You are not writing a textbook summary. You are building a well-supported argument.

Make sure you:

Evaluate and compare studies
Discuss the strengths and limitations of methodologies
Acknowledge opposing viewpoints
Apply theories to specific real-world contexts

For every point you make, ask yourself: Am I interpreting this information, or just repeating it?

The examiner wants to see that you understand what the research really tells us and where it falls short.

4. Select well-known studies

You do not need many studies, but those you use must be relevant, reliable, and well-recognised to support your arguments and show understanding of key psychological concepts.

Here are a few examples commonly used in high-scoring essays:

Bandura’s Social Learning Theory
Loftus and Palmer’s study on memory reconstruction
Milgram’s obedience experiment
Asch’s conformity experiments

Using such established research helps you build a credible line of reasoning, especially when you show how their findings support or challenge different perspectives.

5. Use APA format

The IB recommends APA style for all Psychology EEs, and accurate referencing is essential for meeting academic standards. Use in-text citations like (Loftus and Palmer, 1974), list sources alphabetically in the bibliography, and apply a consistent format. Visual aids, tables, and graphs must also be properly cited.

By focusing on a clear question, strong structure, critical thinking, reliable studies, and proper formatting, you lay the groundwork for a high-scoring IB Psychology Extended Essay.

Nice-to-have Tips to Boost your IB Psychology EE Score

Beyond the basics, here are six effective ways to take your IB Psychology EE from good to excellent:

1. Demonstrate analysis and evaluation skills

Each paragraph should go beyond simply describing a study. Please explain what the study shows and how it connects to your argument, and assess its strengths and limitations. This demonstrates critical thinking, which is a core part of the assessment.

2. Use enough psychological evidence in your IB Psychology EE

Support your claims with a balanced mix of foundational and recent studies. Aim to reference at least 8 to 10 academic sources from peer-reviewed journals or IB-approved texts. Avoid using blogs or non-academic websites.

3. Structure your IB Psychology EE clearly and logically

A well-organised essay improves both readability and argument flow. Start each paragraph with a clear topic sentence, use transitions to link ideas smoothly, and follow the psychology essay structure expected by IB.

4. Create a strong IB Psychology EE conclusion

Your conclusion should clearly restate your research question, summarise key findings, and avoid introducing new points. Briefly acknowledge any limitations or biases, and suggest possible areas for future research.

5. Discuss ethical considerations

Even though you will not conduct your own experiments, it is important to reflect on ethical issues in your studies. Consider factors like informed consent, participant well-being, and cultural or age sensitivity.

6. Get feedback from your supervisor

Use your three reflection sessions to share your research question early, seek feedback on structure and clarity, and apply your supervisor’s suggestions to strengthen your essay. These sessions also contribute to your engagement score.

These extra strategies can help refine your essay, deepen your analysis, and give you the edge needed to achieve a top score in your IB Psychology EE.

Common Mistakes in IB Psychology EE and How To Avoid Them

Many students fall into common pitfalls when writing their IB Psychology EE, but these can be avoided with careful attention and planning:

Unfocused or vague research question
A poorly defined research question often leads to a shallow or unfocused essay. Aim for a question that is specific, analytical, and open to discussion.
Too much description and too little analysis
Simply summarising what studies say is not enough for a strong Psychology EE. Focus on evaluating the research and interpreting findings in relation to your research question.
Poor choice of sources
Using outdated or non-academic sources can weaken your argument. Rely on peer-reviewed journals and recognised psychological research to support your claims.
Weak organisation
A disorganised structure makes your essay harder to follow. Follow the IB’s recommended format and plan your outline before writing.
Inconsistent citations
Citations that are missing or incorrect affect your presentation score. Use APA style consistently, including in-text citations and your bibliography.
Neglecting the word count
Staying within the word limit is essential. Keep your final word count between 3,000 and 4,000 words, excluding the title page and bibliography.

Being aware of these common errors helps ensure your essay meets the expectations of the IB Psychology Extended Essay rubric.

Need Expert Help To Ace Your IB Psychology Extended Essay?

Even with careful planning, many students benefit from additional support during the Psychology EE process. Expert guidance can make a significant difference if you feel unsure about how to begin, choose a topic, or interpret the IB rubric.

At TutorsPlus, our experienced IB Psychology tutors offer personalised support to help you refine your research question, select appropriate studies, strengthen your analysis and structure, master the required essay format, and prepare effectively for your reflection sessions and final submission.

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With the right support and encouragement, we’re here to help you strengthen your IB Psychology EE. Make sure to contact us at and 022 731 8148 for a customised, one-on-one guidance tailored to your academic goals.