Structure of an Essay Response Question (ERQ) [IB Psych]

First Paragraph: Introduction

*Address and focus on the question in the form of an argument or stance *Define relevant key terms *Define models and theories related to the topic *State which two studies you will be using

Sixth Paragraph: Conclusion

- Link back to the question - Summarizes key points made in the argument throughout the essay. - Recommended: Holistic evaluation- think about the topic more generally, what other research exists on this topic or needs to still be done? - Remember you don't actually need to come to a definitive conclusion, simply present the findings with an open-ended ending. (it's always complicated) - End with a thought-provoking statement related to the topic ("it is difficult to say whether or not psychologists will ever fully make sense of human memory as, from their own research, we do not even know if we can understand or really trust our own memory")

Second Paragraph: Study No.1

- Strong topic sentence that links the supporting study to the question - Aim, method procedure, results and conclusion of your first supporting study

Fourth paragraph: Study No.2

- Strong topic sentence that links the supporting study to the question - Aim, method procedure, results and conclusion of your second supporting study

Bonus Section that you can add into one of your evaluations, your last paragraph or even a short paragraph on its own

Demonstrate your full understanding by referencing other studies that deal with similar topics (Example: This topic of Neuroplasticity is further investigated in The 2004 study 'Draginski' which examines structural changes to the brain by way of neural pruning and dentric branching)

Third Paragraph: Study No.1

Evaluation of first supporting study (strengths and limitations in its design)

Fifth Paragraph: Study No.2

Evaluation of second supporting study (strengths and limitations in its design)