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Extended Essay: Digital Society

The extended essay is a great opportunity for you as an IB Diploma student to explore a topic you're really interested in. It involves doing independent research on your chosen topic and then writing up your ideas and findings in a 4,000-word structured essay. The goal is for you to develop strong research and writing skills. You'll get to dig deep into your topic through intellectual discovery and creativity. Your finished extended essay should present your research in a logical, coherent way appropriate for your subject area.

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To complete the extended essay, you'll spend around 40 hours on research, writing, and putting it all together into a formal academic paper no longer than 4,000 words. You'll also write a 500-word reflection discussing your process. You won't be going it alone though! You'll have an supervisor to guide you. They will meet with you 3 times throughout the process in mandatory reflection/interview sessions to provide advice and keep you on track.

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The aims of the EE are for students to:

  • engage in independent research with intellectual initiative and rigour

  • develop research, thinking, self-management and communication skills

  • reflect on what has been learned throughout the research and writing process.

 

Assessment Objectives of the EE:

  • Knowledge and understanding:

    • To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the topic chosen and the research question posed.

    • To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of subject specific terminology and/or concepts.

    • To demonstrate knowledge and understanding of relevant and/or appropriate research sources and/or methods used to gather information.

  • Application and analysis:

    • To select and apply research that is relevant and appropriate to the research question.

    • To analyse the research effectively and focus on the research question.

  • Synthesis and evaluation:

    • To be able to discuss the research in terms of a clear and coherent reasoned argument in relation to the research question.

    • To be able to critically evaluate the arguments presented in the essay

    • To be able to reflect on and evaluate the research process.

  • A variety of (research) skills:

    • To be able to present information in an appropriate academic format.

    • To understand and demonstrate academic integrity.

EE: Grade A Expectations

Demonstrates effective research skills resulting in a well-focused and appropriate research question that can be explored within the scope of the chosen topic; effective engagement with relevant research areas, methods and sources; excellent knowledge and understanding of the topic in the wider context of the relevant discipline; the effective application of source material and correct use of subject-specific terminology and/or concepts further supporting this; consistent and relevant conclusions that are proficiently analysed; sustained reasoned argumentation supported effectively by evidence; critically evaluated research; excellent presentation of the essay, whereby coherence and consistency further supports the reading of the essay; and present and correctly applied structural and layout elements. Engagement with the process is conceptual and personal, key decision- making during the research process is documented, and personal reflections are evidenced, including those that are forward-thinking.

Key Ideas to Address in your DS EE

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Concepts & Your EE

In the extended essay, concepts play an important role and should frame the focus of your EE research. For TOP MARKS you need to demonstrate your ability to engage critically in discussion about the specific Digital Society concepts. Equally valuable is your discussions of the “big ideas” behind your topic and essentially being able to identify why you are learning what you are learning. Learning at a conceptual level builds lasting and significant understandings and provides the building blocks of your cognitive frameworks and this is demonstrated when you integrate new knowledge into your existing understandings and connect discrete topics to new contexts. Conceptually focused learning and teaching is evident when there is continuous movement between learning facts and discussing what they mean.

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Local & Global Contexts & Your EE

In your Digital Society Extended Essay, you should use contemporary examples, case studies and real-life engagement with local and global issues. Global issues have local ramifications and local issues are often a part of a wider phenomenon. By relating your learning to real-life contexts you will provide clear evidence to the examiners that you are fully engaged in the research. Your aim with your EE is to demonstrate that you can ground abstract ideas and new information in familiar real-life situations, which in turn inform further conceptual and theoretical understandings.

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Referencing, In-Text Citation & Bibliography Requirements with the DS EE

The IB does not prescribe which style(s) of referencing or in-text citation should be used; this is left to the discretion of your school. Regardless of the reference style adopted by your school, it is expected that the minimum information given includes:

  • name of author

  • date of publication

  • title of source

  • page numbers as applicable

  • date of access (electronic sources)

  • URL

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Here are some more key points to address regarding referencing:

  • use a standard style and use it consistently and credit  all sources used, including sources that have been paraphrased or summarized

  • clearly distinguish (in the body of the text) between your words and those of others

  • as an IB student, you are not expected to show faultless expertise in referencing, but you need to demonstrate that all sources have been acknowledged

  • all visual material, text, graphs, charts, diagrams, images and/or data that is crucial to your EE, that is not your own, must be referenced

 

Citations are a shorthand method of making a reference in the body of an essay as an in-text citation and must then be linked to the full reference at the end of the essay in the bibliography. A citation provides the reader with accurate references so that he or she can locate the source easily and there must be consistency of method when citing sources.

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Your bibliography is an alphabetical list of every source used to research and write the essay. Sources that are not cited in the body of your essay but were important in informing the approach taken should be cited in your introduction or in an acknowledgment. 

Digital Society EE Guide

The extended essay is an important component of the DP and a significant piece of work. - be sure to understand the expectations of the task and manage your time and workload effectively.

DS EE To Do List:

  1. choose a subject, followed by a topic, and then think carefully about your research question

  2. plan how, when and where you will find resources for your essay before deciding on the
    final topic and research question

  3. plan a schedule for both the researching and writing of your extended essay, including extra time for
    delays and unforeseen problems

  4. record sources as your research progresses - rather than trying to reconstruct a list at the end

  5. have a clear structure for the essay before beginning to write

  6. check and proofread EE

  7. format your final copy with all sources correctly and consistently referenced

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Your EE Topic, Title & Research Question

EE Topic - is the subject, issue or theme that you are investigating within Digital Society. The topic, which develops during the initial thinking about the EE, should later be reflected in the wording of the title.
EE Title - is a clear, summative statement that specifically focuses the topic being researched and appears on your title page. Your title should be short, descriptive and succinct and use key words that connect with the topic and Digital Society and attract the interest of a reader. Do not simply paraphrase your research question and use as your tile.
EE Research Question - your research question derives from the title and is expressed as a question that is intended to be answered through researching and writing the EE. It appears on the title page and could also be visible as a header throughout the essay. Your research question needs to be clear and focused; use keywords that connect with the topic, the title, and Digital Society and support the development of an argument. Your research question should help to focus your research, providing a path through which you will undertake the research and writing process and should have a specific aim, will allow a student to work towards developing a reasoned argument within the scope of the task, rather than the kind of “all about” essay that an unfocused research question can lead to. It is normal to revise your research questions as you progress,  therefore, a research question should always be considered provisional until you have enough research data to make a reasoned argument. N.B. the development of an appropriate research question forms part of your assessment. 

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DigiSoc EE Requirements

1. Title Page - include:

  • title of your essay

  • your research question

  • subject (Digital Society)

  • word count

  • N.B. your name an your school's name should not appear on the title page or on any page headers - this is because the work is assessed anonymously

2. Contents Page - include a contents page at the beginning of your EE, and all pages should be numbered 

3. Introduction - your EE intro should tell the reader what to expect in the essay and make clear the focus of your essay, the scope of your research, an indication of the sources to be used, and an insight into the line of argument your will take.

4. Body - your research, analysis, discussion and evaluation

5. Conclusion - explain what has been achieved, including notes of any limitations and any questions that have not been resolved and your conclusion must relate to the research question you posed.

6. References & Bibliography - use your school's chosen style of academic referencing

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DS EE Presentation Requirements

Your DS EE should be written in a clear, correct and formal academic style and maintain a professional, academic look. To achieve this, include:

  • appropriate font, font size and spacing conducive to on-screen marking

  • page numbering (mandatory)

  • no candidate, supervisor, or school name on the title page, page headers, appendices or acknowledgment pages

  • file size must not be more than 10 MB

  • a header, that appears on each page, except for the title page, with your research question

  • Appendices - not an essential part of the extended essay and examiners will not read them, or use any information contained within them, in the assessment of the essay. You are to include all information with direct relevance to the analysis, discussion and evaluation of your essay in the main body. Appendices should therefore be avoided except if you want to include an exemplar of a questionnaire or interview questions

Digital Society Extended Essay Do's

  1. choose a topic that interests you & allows you to develop & demonstrate your understanding, creativity &/or originality

  2. make the most of your supervisor’s availability to guide you in the process and prepare for reflection sessions

  3. maintain a reference list as you work

EE: Criterion E, Reflections and the Viva Voce

The key theme to be addressed in your reflections is: Engagement with the process is conceptual and personal, key decision- making during the research process is documented, and personal reflections are evidenced, including those that are forward-thinking.

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Formal Reflection Sessions

Your three mandatory 20–30 minutes reflection sessions with your supervisor should be recorded on the Reflections on Planning and Progress Form (RPPF). The first two sessions should focus on the progress you have made so far and set clear objectives for moving forward in your research process. The third session is the viva voce, the concluding reflection session. Following the completion of all three reflection sessions, your RPPF will be submitted to the IB along with your completed extended essay (EE). A mark of 0 is awarded for CRITERION E when a RPPF is not submitted.

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Topics to Cover In Your Reflections... To Get TOP MARKS for EE Criterion E

Your reflection should include:

  • a critical evaluation of your decision-making process

  • the evolution and discovery of conceptual understandings as they relate to your research question and sources

  • your rationale for decisions made

  • research and essay writing skills you developed which may include:

    • critical thinking

    • decision-making

    • planning

    • referencing and citations

    • specific research methodology

    • time management

  • how your research process was authentic

  • example(s) of you applying intellectual initiative and creativity

  • highlight your research journey and how you engaged in this intellectual and personal process

  • how this research process has changed you as a learner

  • evidence of intellectual growth

  • an appreciation that learning and research is complex

  • responses to challenges and actions taken to overcome any challenges you may have experienced during the research process

  • approaches to learning ATL skills that you developed and bonus points if you can also link to one or more IB Learner Profile attributes you developed through the research process

  • reflect on successes and difficulties encountered in the research process

  • key learnings in terms of your research topic

  • ​how you made decisions about how you should best proceed with your learning and how you progressed from the concrete towards the abstract

  • an emphasis on process  - reflect on conceptual understandings, decision-making, engagement with data, the research process, time management, methodology, successes and challenges, and the appropriateness of sources.

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Three EE Reflection Sessions

  1. Initial topic exploration, possible sources and methods, preliminary research questions and their personal reactions to the issues. Students should demonstrate the progress students have made in the research process.

  2. Students can demonstrate the progress of their thinking, the development of their argument and raise any questions they may have with their supervisor. Discuss reactions to readings, progress in the timeline for completion of the extended essay, a possible outline of arguments, challenges encountered and the strategies used to overcome them.

  3. The last session is the viva voce which takes place at the completion of the extended essay process. Students show what they have learned about the topic, the research process followed, their own learning, as well as outlining new questions they have uncovered. Most importantly, during the viva voce the RRS may help to highlight the personal significance of the work to the student and ultimately contribute to the supervisor's report.


Viva Voce

The viva voce is a short interview between the student and the supervisor and is the mandatory conclusion to the Extended Essay process. The viva voce is a celebration of the completion of the essay and a reflection on what the student has learned from the process. 

 

Viva Voce Suggested Reflection Questions

  • To what extent were your initial ideas realized?

  • Were your original plans/ideas realistic and appropriate?

  • What do you think were your successes in this process?

  • What was the most rewarding aspect of the entire process?

  • How will this experience prepare you for future work of this nature (in college or employment?)

  • What is the personal significance of the work you have done?

  • Was there anything in your research that surprised you?

  • Can you give examples from your reflections to show how you have grown as a learner through the process?

  • What research skills and conceptual understandings have you acquired through the completion of the EE?

  • What other skills such as time management, decision-making or thinking skills have you learned?

  • What have you learned about the topic, the research process, and yourself as a learner? 

  • What new questions do you have about your topic, or what questions remain unanswered?

  • If you were to undertake this research again, would you do it differently—if so, why or why not? 

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In preparation for the Viva Voce, pick 4-6 questions from the list above and these can be the questions your supervisor asks.

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EE Supervisor's Comments

When you conduct the viva voce with your supervisor, be aware that your supervisors will be required to write comments for criterion E and this will impact your grade. For TOP MARKS, your supervisors should discuss and write about:

  • holistic evidence of the student’s learning experience

  • confirm the authenticity of the student’s ideas and sources

  • reflect on successes and difficulties encountered in the research process

  • overall impression of the student’s engagement with the research process

  • identify unusual intellectual inventiveness and how the student was able to demonstrate what had been learned as a result of this process

  • declare that the student understands any material that they have included in their essays

  • verify the authenticity of the work and that the student has demonstrated academic integrity - If there appear to be major shortcomings in citations or referencing, the supervisor will need to investigate, and the student's EE will not be authenticated if the supervisor believes the student may be guilty of plagiarism or some other form of academic misconduct

  • mention things, largely process-related, that may not be obvious in the essay itself, however, be aware that the supervisor should not attempt to do the examiner’s job

  • the viva voce should begin and end positively because completing this major piece of work is a great achievement and should be celbrated

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Criterion E: Engagement

This criterion assesses the student’s engagement with their research focus and the research process and is based solely on the candidate’s reflections as detailed on the RPPF, with the supervisory comments and extended essay itself as context. The word limit for Criterion E is 500 words.

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0:

  • The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors, an RPPF has not been submitted, or the RPPF has been submitted in a language other than that of the essay.

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1–2:

  • Engagement is limited.

  • Reflections on decision-making and planning are mostly descriptive.

  • These reflections communicate a limited degree of personal engagement with
    the research focus and/or research process.

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3–4:

  • Engagement is good.

  • Reflections on decision-making and planning are analytical and include reference to conceptual understanding and skill development.

  • These reflections communicate a moderate degree of personal engagement with the research focus and process of research, demonstrating some intellectual initiative.

 

5–6

  • Engagement is excellent.

  • Reflections on decision-making and planning are evaluative and include reference to the student’s capacity to consider actions and ideas in response to challenges experienced in the research process.

  • These reflections communicate a high degree of intellectual and personal engagement with the research focus and process of research, demonstrating authenticity, intellectual initiative and/or creative approach in the student voice.

Digital Society Extended Essay Guide

Musts:
• provide a logical and coherent rationale for the choice of your EE topic
• review what has already been written about your EE topic
• formulate a clear research question
• offer a concrete description of the methods you use to investigate your EE research question
• generate reasoned interpretations & conclusions based on your research in order to answer your EE research question.

Digital Society Extended Essay Assessment Criteria

EE assessment Overview

EE assessment IB DP.png

EE Assessment & Application: Criterion A: Focus & Method

DigiSoc EE Assessment Crit A

0 
The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.

 

1–2
The topic is communicated unclearly and incompletely.

  • Identification and explanation of the topic is limited; the purpose and focus of the research is unclear, or does not lend itself to a systematic investigation in the subject for which it is registered

 

The research question is stated but not clearly expressed or too broad.

  • The research question is too broad in scope to be treated effectively within the word limit and requirements of the task, or does not lend itself to a systematic investigation in the subject for which it is registered.

  • The intent of the research question is understood but has not been clearly expressed and/or the discussion of the essay is not focused on the research question.

 

Methodology of the research is limited.

  • The source(s) and/or method(s) to be used are limited in range given the topic and research question.

  • There is limited evidence that their selection was informed.

 

3–4
The topic is communicated.

  • Identification and explanation of the research topic is communicated; the purpose and focus of the research is adequately clear, but only partially appropriate.

 

The research question is clearly stated but only partially focused.

  • The research question is clear but the discussion in the essay is only partially focused and connected to the research question.

 

Methodology of the research is mostly complete.

  • Source(s) and/or method(s) to be used are generally relevant and appropriate given the topic and research question.

  • There is some evidence that their selection(s) was informed.

 

If the topic or research question is deemed inappropriate for the subject in which the essay is registered no more than four marks can be awarded for this criterion.

 

5–6 
The topic is communicated accurately and effectively.

  • Identification and explanation of the research topic is effectively communicated; the purpose and focus of the research is clear and appropriate.

 

The research question is clearly stated and focused.

  • The research question is clear and addresses an issue of research that is appropriately connected to the discussion in the essay.

 

Methodology of the research is complete.

  • An appropriate range of relevant source(s) and/or method(s) has been selected in relation to the topic and research question.

  • There is evidence of effective and informed selection of sources and/or methods.

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Application to Your DigiSoc EE: Crit A

You need to:

  • Choose a topic exploring impacts/implications of digital technologies and systems on people/communities

  • Explain the significance and why the topic is worthy of investigation (personal, local, global context(s))

  • Express the topic as a specific, sharply focused research question capable of effective discussion

  • Base the the essay on appropriate conceptual/theoretical perspectives & include in your question

  • Demonstrate use of carefully considered research methods and relevant source range (qualitative, quantitative, or mixed methods depending on research question)

  • Demonstrate your appropriate to use only secondary sources or a combination of primary/secondary and methods and sources must provide sufficient material to develop/support an argument and conclusion 

  • Explain and justify primary research methods used within your essay

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EE Assessment: Criterion B: Knowledge & Understanding

DigiSoc EE Assessment Crit B

0
The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.

 

1–2
Knowledge and understanding is limited.

  • The application of source material has limited relevance and is only partially appropriate to the research question.

  • Knowledge of the topic/discipline(s)/issue is anecdotal, unstructured and mostly descriptive with sources not effectively being used.

 

Use of terminology and concepts is unclear and limited.

  • Subject-specific terminology and/or concepts are either missing or inaccurate, demonstrating limited knowledge and understanding.

 

3–4
Knowledge and understanding is good.

  • The application of source material is mostly relevant and appropriate to the research question.

  • Knowledge of the topic/discipline(s)/issue is clear; there is an understanding of the sources used but their application is only partially effective.

 

Use of terminology and concepts is adequate.

  • The use of subject-specific terminology and concepts is mostly accurate, demonstrating an appropriate level of knowledge and understanding.

 

If the topic or research question is deemed inappropriate for the subject in which the essay is registered no more than four marks can be awarded for this criterion.

 

5–6
Knowledge and understanding is excellent.

  • The application of source materials is clearly relevant and appropriate to the research question.

  • Knowledge of the topic/discipline(s)/issue is clear and coherent and sources are used effectively and with understanding.

 

Use of terminology and concepts is good.

  • The use of subject-specific terminology and concepts is accurate and consistent, demonstrating effective knowledge and understanding.

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Application to Your DigiSoc EE: Crit B

You need to:

  • Demonstrate an effective understanding of your research question's place in the broader digital society context

  • Consider links between investigated topics and relevant digital society concepts/content/contexts

  • Demonstrate a sound understanding of terminology and ideas relevant to the research topic and a ccurately employ relevant terminology and ideas  

  • Demonstrate purposeful use of digital society concepts, content and contexts

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EE Assessment: Criterion C: Critical Thinking

DigiSoc EE Assessment Crit C

0

The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.

 

1-3

The research is limited

  • The research presented is limited and its application to support the argument is not clearly relevant to the research question.

 

Analysis is limited.

  • There is limited analysis.

  • Where there are conclusions to individual points of analysis these are limited and not consistent with the evidence.

 

Discussion/evaluation is limited.

  • An argument is outlined but this is limited, incomplete, descriptive or narrative in nature.

  • The construction of an argument is unclear and/or incoherent in structure hindering understanding.

  • Where there is a final conclusion, it is limited and not consistent with the arguments/evidence presented.

  • There is an attempt to evaluate the research, but this is superficial.


If the topic or research question is deemed inappropriate for the subject in which the essay is registered no more than three marks can be awarded for this criterion.

 

4–6

The research is adequate.

  • Some research presented is appropriate and its application to support the argument is partially relevant to the research question.

 

Analysis is adequate.

  • There is analysis but this is only partially relevant to the research question; the inclusion of irrelevant research detracts from the quality of the argument.

  • Any conclusions to individual points of analysis are only partially supported by the evidence.

 

Discussion/evaluation is adequate.

  • An argument explains the research but the reasoning contains inconsistencies.

  • The argument may lack clarity and coherence but this does not significantly hinder understanding.

  • Where there is a final or summative conclusion, this is only partially consistent with the arguments/evidence presented.

  • The research has been evaluated but not critically.

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7–9

The research is good.

  • The majority of the research is appropriate and its application to support the argument is clearly relevant to the research question.

 

Analysis is good.

  • The research is analysed in a way that is clearly relevant to the research question; the inclusion of less relevant research rarely detracts from the quality of the overall analysis.

  • Conclusions to individual points of analysis are supported by the evidence but there are some minor inconsistencies.

 

Discussion/evaluation is good.

  • An effective reasoned argument is developed from the research, with a conclusion supported by the evidence presented.

  • This reasoned argument is clearly structured and coherent and supported by a final or summative conclusion; minor inconsistencies may hinder the strength of the overall argument.

  • The research has been evaluated, and this is partially critical.

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10–12

The research is excellent.

  • The research is appropriate to the research question and its application to support the argument is consistently relevant.

 

Analysis is excellent.

  • The research is analysed effectively and clearly focused on the research question; the inclusion of less relevant research does not significantly detract from the quality of the overall analysis.

  • Conclusions to individual points of analysis are effectively supported by the evidence.

 

Discussion/evaluation is excellent.

  • An effective and focused reasoned argument is developed from the research with a conclusion reflective of the evidence presented.

  • This reasoned argument is well structured and coherent; any minor inconsistencies do not hinder the strength of the overall argument or the final or summative conclusion.

  • The research has been critically evaluated.

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Application to Your DigiSoc EE: Crit C

You need to:

  • Demonstrate that you can construct, present and effectively support a specific argument/position that answers your research question

  • Develop your argument through analysis of research sources, considering different claims/perspectives

  • Demonstrate how knowledge from approaches/methods/sources can be analyzed to formulate an argument and conclusion(s)

  • Support all analysis points with specific, relevant evidence from research

  • Relate your ideas must to your analysis of your research question 

  • Avoid wholly narrative/descriptive essays

  • Supported personal views with research material

  • Present conflicting views impartially before reaching conclusion

  • Evaluate the value and limitations of your approaches/methods/sources 

  • Integrate evaluation insights into text, not separate section

  • Evaluate limitations of primary research methods

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EE Assessment: Criterion D: Presentation 

DigiSoc EE Assessment Crit D

0

The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors below.

 

1–2

Presentation is acceptable.

  • The structure of the essay is generally appropriate in terms of the expected conventions for the topic, argument and subject in which the essay is registered.

  • Some layout considerations may be missing or applied incorrectly.

  • Weaknesses in the structure and/or layout do not significantly impact the reading, understanding or evaluation of the extended essay.

 

3–4

Presentation is good.

  • The structure of the essay clearly is appropriate in terms of the expected conventions for the topic, the argument and subject in which the essay is registered.

  • Layout considerations are present and applied correctly.

  • The structure and layout support the reading, understanding and evaluation of the extended essay.

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Application to Your DigiSoc EE: Crit D

You need to:

  • Relates to conforming to accepted academic standards for presenting research papers

  • Provide section/subsection structure with informative headings, however, subheadings should not distract from overall structure/argument but rather suppport and add meaning

  • Include charts/tables/images if this is the best way to illustrate/clarify an argument

  • Reference all visuals with source

  • Use tables - if this is the best way to explain, but do not contain significant amount of text in yur tables

  • Use appendices carefully, as examiners not required to read them - all relevant analysis/discussion/evaluation must be in main body  

  • Include a title page, table of contents, page numbers, header/footer and a bibliography

  • Not exceed 4,000 words because the examiners won't read beyond this limit

  • All non-original material must be referenced

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EE Assessment: Criterion E: Engagement 

DigiSoc EE Assessment Crit E

0

The work does not reach a standard outlined by the descriptors, an RPPF has not been submitted, or the RPPF has been submitted in a language other than that of the essay.

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1–2

Engagement is limited.

  • Reflections on decision-making and planning are mostly descriptive.

  • These reflections communicate a limited degree of personal engagement with the research focus and/or research process.

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3–4

Engagement is good.

  • Reflections on decision-making and planning are analytical and include reference to conceptual understanding and skill development.

  • These reflections communicate a moderate degree of personal engagement with the research focus and process of research, demonstrating some intellectual initiative.

 

5–6

Engagement is excellent.

  • Reflections on decision-making and planning are evaluative and include reference to the student’s capacity to consider actions and ideas in response to challenges experienced in the research process.

  • These reflections communicate a high degree of intellectual and personal engagement with the research focus and process of research, demonstrating authenticity, intellectual initiative and/or creative approach in the student voice.

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Application to Your DigiSoc EE: Crit E

You need to:

  • Demonstrate your engagement with research focus and process

  • Reflect on your decision-making and planning process

  • Demonstrate development of topic, research question, methods and approach

  • Identify and assess your rationale for decisions made throughout planning and research

  • Reflect on your chosen approach/strategies and your success

  • Identify the skills your developed and positive effect this has had on you as a learner

  • Explain how your conceptual understandings changed through research  

  • Identify challenges faced and explain how you overcame them

  • Identify further areas of study and questions that emerging from your research

  • Consider what you would do differently if repeating this learning activity

  • Reflect on the process of planning, research and writing

  • Demonstrate your thinking, creativity, originality

  • Write in your own student voice

  • Demonstrate the learning that took place

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Digital Society Focus

In digital society students explore the impacts and implications of digital systems for people and communities in diverse real-world contexts.

Digital Society EE - Focus

Your DigiSoc EE should demonstrate:

  • your ability to develop research skills by selecting, analysing and evaluating diverse and appropriate sources of information relevant to digital society

  • creative and critical thinking in your selected digital society topic, through effective argumentation supported by appropriate evidence and inclusive of different perspectives

  • your ability to explore in depth how digital systems interact with people and/or communities

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Digital Society EE Specifics

Your DS Extended Essay should be relevant to the course and oriented to examining the impacts and implications of digital systems and technologies for people and communities from the perspective of the social sciences and/or humanities rather than computer science.

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For Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding (Strands: Context, Subject-specific terminology and concepts)

Your essay must demonstrate an effective understanding of the place of the research question in the broader context of digital society by considering links—for instance, between the topics investigated and relevant digital society concepts, content and academic contexts. Furthermore, you must be able to demonstrate both a sound understanding of, and the ability to accurately employ, terminology and ideas relevant to the research topic. Where it is deemed useful to clarify meaning or context, students may provide further explanation or definition of selected terms or ideas. In particular, a purposeful use of the digital society concepts, content and contexts is expected.If the topic or research question is deemed inappropriate for the subject in which the essay is registered, no more than four marks can be awarded for this criterion.


In their essays, students should apply relevant conceptual and theoretical perspectives. These perspectives should not be presented as a separate section but must be integrated throughout the essay and inform its overall approach. Students can demonstrate their skills of analysis and evaluation by judging the extent to which a conceptual and/or theoretical perspective is valid or useful in responding to the research question. The analysis and evaluation must be supported by evidence. 

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