How to write essays or IB Psychology: writing ERQs is one of the most overwhelming questions for the IBDP students. Often Psychology ERQs or Extended Response Questions of 22 markers become a painstaking task for students, for the simple fact that they are not well versed on how to approach the 22 marker.
There is a structured format based on which you should structure your essay. Before delving deep into the structure or format of ERQ in Psychology, you should know that it is a comprehensive analytical essay of 22 marks which is expected to have a word count between 800-1000 words with 6 paragraphs, each of around 150 words.
The structure of ERQ Psychology is simple- with the introduction, body, and conclusion.
The introduction starts with a hook or anchor concept or idea which is relevant to the question. You are supposed to define and unpack all the relevant keywords and concepts pertinent to the topic. Weave the concepts, definitions, and keywords throughout the essay as relevant fundamentals underpinning the ERQ Psychology. Never use a direct tone or speech as ‘I’ , rather exemplify the topic in a formal tone.
Coming to the body of the essay, it comprises the research essential understandings, aims, participants, method and tools, procedure, observational records or results, and conclusion. It is very important for you to highlight the theory which any experiment or case study has captured.
There is a crucial need of evaluating the underlying theory with the five precise determinants. Make sure that you attribute the theory encompassing the ERQ Psychology based on five determinants as whether it is testable, supported by empirical evidence, applicable, valid, formulated on the assumptions, struck with bias, or has predictability. Evaluation of the theory should be made through substantial evidence and counter evidence, which should be minimum two in number.
The conclusion is the consolidation or summary of the essay with the striking of balance between claims and counterclaims cited through research evidence.
Moving up the mark bands in ERQ Psychology
The ERQ Psychology in IBDP has five assessment criteria.
Criterion A: The 2 marks criterion require a focus on the relevant aspects of the theory.
Criterion B: The criterion is simple and precise to test your knowledge in explaining the associated relevant keywords, definitions, and concepts.
Criterion C: The criterion of 6 marks is quite detailed and detailed to be handled. Light is thrown on how you support your relevant research through substantial evidence-minimum two claims and counterclaims.
Criterion D: The critical thinking parameters are based on research and methodology, triangulation through the usage of multiple qualitative data, assumptions and biases, alternative theories on contradictory evidence, and the areas of uncertainty.
Criterion E: It appears to be a simple 2 marks criterion, but requires immense precision to plan your essay well in order to give it a coherent, organized, and seamless flow of thoughts.
Last but not the least-do not ignore to concentrate on the command terms. The relevant command terms for ERQ Psychology are discuss, evaluation, to what extent, compare and contrast.
- Â Discuss-Â Come up with a considered and balanced review that includes a range of arguments, factors or hypotheses. Opinions or conclusions should be presented clearly and bolstered by relevant evidence.
- Evaluate- To assess the impact and limitations; to make judgments about the ideas, works, solutions or methods in relation to selected criteria.
- To what extent- Consider the strengths and limitations with substantial evidence
- Compare and contrast- Give an account of the similarities and differences between two (or more) items or situations, referring to both (all) of them throughout.
You need to practice writing the ERQ Psychology in this format in order to aim for a perfect 22 score.
