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Is it finally time to start your Psychology extended essay? In the writing process, don't forget about the assessment criteria! Understanding them is crucial to receiving a top grade. This post outlines the IB Psychology EE criteria and checklist, based on the official rubric from the IB EE guide for the new 2027 syllabus.
Psychology EE Criteria and Checklist
Psychology extended essays are marked for a total of 34 points, taking into account the following criteria:
Criterion A: Framework for the essay - 6 points
This criterion evaluates whether the research question, chosen methods, and structural conventions provide an effective foundation for the investigation. In Psychology, the research question must be sharply focused and answerable solely through secondary research, as primary data collection is strictly prohibited. You must explicitly justify why your chosen research methods, such as a literature review of peer-reviewed studies, are appropriate for the topic.
For a maximum of 6 points:
The research question must be stated as a question, be relevant to the topic of investigation, and be sharply focused to be fully answerable within the 4,000-word limit.
Explain the suitability of your chosen research methods and how they connect to the overarching methodology of Psychology.
As the essay is a review of literature, you must justify the selection criteria for the peer-reviewed research and secondary materials included in your study.
The introduction should provide the necessary background to make the significance and purpose of the research question clear to the reader.
The essay must follow standard academic structures, including an introduction, body, and conclusion, while using subject-specific signposting like clearly labelled tables or diagrams.
A good example can be seen here.
Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding - 6 points
This criterion assesses your ability to apply subject-specific knowledge and terminology to demonstrate a deep understanding of the psychological issue.
For a maximum of 6 points:
Use a range of high-quality, comprehensive research materials, such as peer-reviewed journal articles, to establish knowledge of the subject matter.
Confidently and consistently employ psychological terminology (e.g., "cognitive processes" or "neuroplasticity") to show mastery of the discipline.
Use key psychological concepts in a meaningful and explanatory way to frame your research and connect different aspects of your learning.
Demonstrate knowledge of the topic within the wider context of Psychology, ensuring the material applied is directly relevant to the research question.
The essay must be written in a formal academic style that is clear, professional, and appropriate for a scientific paper.
A good example can be read here.
Criterion C: Analysis and line of argument - 6 points
This criterion focuses on your ability to break down the topic into essential elements and maintain a logical, reasoned thread throughout the essay.
For a maximum of 6 points:
Break down the psychological topic to establish relevant findings derived from the literature, moving beyond simple description or narrative.
Maintain a clear and reasoned thread that logically links the research question, findings, and conclusions together.
Support every analytical point with specific evidence from your research sources to build a convincing case.
Use a set of logical connections and signposts, such as informative headings, to help the reader follow the pathway of your argument.
Go beyond simply reporting what you have read; use your findings to demonstrate critical and original thinking in response to the research question.
This EE is a good example of the above.
Criterion D: Discussion and evaluation - 8 points
This criterion assesses your ability to provide a balanced review of your research findings and appraise the effectiveness of your own investigation.
For a maximum of 8 points:
Offer a considered review of the significance of your findings that includes a range of factors or different psychological perspectives.
Appraise your research materials by weighing their strengths and limitations, including an awareness of any author bias.
Provide a final, summative conclusion that represents a well-explained synthesis of the results rather than a mere repetition of data.
Acknowledge any limitations of your research process and state any unresolved questions that arose during the investigation.
Propose potential improvements or suggestions for further psychological research based on the limitations identified in your essay.
A good example can be seen here.
Criterion E: Reflection - 4 points
This criterion is applied solely to the 500-word reflective statement on your Reflection and Progress Form (RPF). This statement should evaluate your journey as a learner, providing specific examples of how you responded to challenges or how your perspective changed. You must demonstrate growth by explaining how the skills you acquired can be transferred to other academic or real-life contexts. The reflections must be written in the same language as your essay and recorded after your three mandatory sessions with your supervisor.
For a maximum of 4 points:
Your reflection on the research and writing process must be consistently evaluative and include specific examples of your experience.
Show clear evidence of personal growth by explaining how your perspective on the topic or the research process changed over time.
Reflect on the impact of the choices you made during the investigation and how those decisions influenced the final outcome.
Provide explicit examples of how the skills you acquired, such as critical thinking or research management, can be used in other current or future contexts.
Demonstrate active involvement, showing that the essay is a product of your own independent initiative.
A strong reflection can be found at the end of this document.
We hope you found this post helpful in learning more about the IB Psychology criteria. For more useful materials associated with the IB, check out the wide variety of IA, EE and TOK exemplars available at Clastify and other guides available on our blog.
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