Crafting a Killer Methodology for Your History Extended Essay (EE)
The methodology section of your History Extended Essay (EE) is crucial. It's where you demonstrate your research process, justifying your chosen approach and convincing your reader of the validity and reliability of your findings. A strong methodology doesn't just list your sources; it explains why you chose them and how they contributed to answering your research question.
Here's a breakdown of how to structure and write a compelling methodology section:
1. Clearly State Your Approach
Begin by explicitly stating your chosen research approach. Are you using a primarily primary source-based approach, or are you analyzing secondary sources to synthesize existing interpretations? Or perhaps a combination of both? Be specific. For example:
- "This essay employs a primarily primary source-based approach, analyzing personal diaries, official government documents, and newspaper articles from the period to provide a firsthand perspective on..."
- "This essay utilizes a comparative approach, analyzing the differing interpretations of [historical event] presented by [historian A] and [historian B] to assess the validity of their claims."
2. Justify Your Source Selection
This is the heart of your methodology. Don't just list your sources; explain your rationale. Why are these sources the most appropriate for addressing your research question? Consider these factors:
- Relevance: How directly do your sources address your research question? Explain how each source contributes to your analysis.
- Reliability: Discuss the credibility of your sources. Are they from reputable authors/publishers? Are there potential biases to consider? How will you address these biases in your analysis? For primary sources, discuss provenance (origin and context) and potential limitations.
- Representativeness: Do your sources offer a balanced and representative perspective? If not, explain why you've chosen to focus on specific perspectives and acknowledge any limitations this might introduce.
- Types of Sources: Clearly identify the types of sources you've used (primary vs. secondary, government documents, personal letters, academic articles, etc.).
Example:
"The selection of primary sources was guided by the need to access firsthand accounts of the [event]. While diaries provide intimate perspectives, their potential for bias requires careful contextualization. Official government documents offer a contrasting perspective, albeit one potentially influenced by propaganda. The inclusion of newspaper articles allows for an analysis of public opinion at the time."
3. Describe Your Analytical Methods
Explain how you will analyze your chosen sources. This might involve:
- Thematic Analysis: Identifying recurring themes and patterns within your sources.
- Comparative Analysis: Comparing and contrasting different sources to identify similarities and differences.
- Content Analysis: A systematic analysis of the content of your sources, such as quantifying the frequency of specific keywords or phrases.
- Historiographical Analysis: Examining existing scholarly interpretations of your topic to identify debates and differing perspectives.
Example:
"The analysis will employ a thematic approach, focusing on the recurring themes of [theme 1], [theme 2], and [theme 3] as evidenced in the chosen primary sources. A comparative analysis will then be undertaken to contrast these themes across different sources, considering the potential biases and limitations of each."
4. Address Limitations
Be honest about the limitations of your research. No research is perfect. Acknowledging limitations demonstrates critical thinking and strengthens your credibility. For instance:
- Limited access to certain sources.
- Potential biases in your sources.
- The scope of your research may not encompass the full complexity of the topic.
5. Maintain Clarity and Conciseness
Keep your methodology clear, concise, and focused. Avoid unnecessary jargon. Use precise language to describe your methods and justify your choices. Aim for a length appropriate to the scope of your essay—usually 1-2 pages, but adjust depending on the complexity of your research.
By following these steps, you can craft a methodology section that effectively communicates your research approach, justifies your source selection, and demonstrates your analytical skills, ultimately contributing to a high-quality History Extended Essay. Remember to consult your supervisor for specific guidance and feedback throughout the process.
