Introduction: Integrity as the Core of Economic Inquiry
The IB Economics Extended Essay (EE) challenges students to explore real-world issues through independent research. Whether analyzing inflation, trade policy, or behavioral economics, success depends not just on knowledge — but on integrity.
Upholding honesty in your Economics EE means gathering accurate data, acknowledging all sources, and presenting your analysis transparently. The IB Extended Essay Guide (2023) emphasizes that “students must ensure authenticity in all stages of research, data handling, and analysis.”
This article will show you how to maintain ethical standards throughout your Economics EE — from topic selection to final reflection — so that your work remains both credible and original.
Quick Start Checklist: Academic Honesty in the Economics EE
- Select a topic you understand and can research independently.
- Use real, verifiable data sources (e.g., World Bank, IMF, OECD).
- Avoid copying models or analyses from previous EEs.
- Cite every graph, statistic, or theory that isn’t your own.
- Reflect critically on limitations and bias.
- Use RevisionDojo for learning concepts, not generating content.
The best Economics essays combine rigorous data analysis with honest academic discipline.
Why Academic Integrity Matters in Economics
Economics is a discipline grounded in evidence and logic. Misrepresenting data or ideas not only violates IB rules — it undermines the credibility of your argument.
Integrity ensures that:
- Your conclusions are based on authentic evidence.
- Readers and examiners can verify your sources.
- Your essay reflects your critical thinking, not recycled analysis.
In the spirit of economists like John Maynard Keynes and Amartya Sen, integrity means confronting complex realities honestly, even when data contradict expectations.
Choosing an Ethical and Feasible Research Question
The first integrity decision happens at the start — when you choose your research question.
Ethical research questions are:
- Specific: Focused enough to allow independent data collection.
- Researchable: Based on accessible public data.
- Relevant: Connected to real-world policy or market behavior.
- Neutral: Avoid questions that push a predetermined conclusion.
Example:
Instead of “How successful is government intervention in improving employment?” try “To what extent has the minimum wage policy in Spain affected youth unemployment between 2015–2023?”
Specificity reduces the temptation to manipulate data or rely on unreliable sources.
Gathering and Citing Data Responsibly
Data is the backbone of an Economics EE — but only if it’s accurate and ethically used. Reliable data sources include:
- World Bank Open Data (data.worldbank.org)
- International Monetary Fund (IMF.org)
- Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD.org)
- National statistics bureaus (e.g., U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics)
When using data:
- Cite every source, including datasets and graphs.
- Note the date and context of collection.
- Avoid selective presentation — include both supporting and contradictory data.
- Double-check calculations and explain adjustments transparently.
Examiners can quickly tell when data has been cherry-picked or misrepresented — transparency is always the safer path.
Using Economic Theories and Models Ethically
Your analysis should apply relevant theories such as elasticity, externalities, or market equilibrium. However, theories must be applied, not copied.
To use them ethically:
- Paraphrase definitions from textbooks or the IB Economics Guide (2023) in your own words.
- Reference the origin of models when necessary (e.g., Adam Smith’s concept of the invisible hand).
- Integrate diagrams and equations only when you fully understand them.
When you explain theory authentically — showing understanding rather than imitation — your essay demonstrates both mastery and integrity.
Avoiding Plagiarism in Secondary Research
Many students unintentionally plagiarize by summarizing published analyses too closely. To stay safe:
- Read a source, close it, then write your understanding from memory.
- Compare your text to the source to ensure distinct phrasing.
- Cite every paraphrase, idea, or statistic derived from another author.
- Use quotation marks for any exact wording.
For example:
If referencing Joseph Stiglitz’s Globalization and Its Discontents (2002), acknowledge his viewpoint explicitly rather than embedding it silently in your argument.
Transparency in Economic Methodology
If your EE involves quantitative methods — like regression analysis, elasticity estimation, or policy evaluation — transparency is crucial. Include:
- The source of your formulas or statistical methods.
- A clear explanation of how you processed your data.
- Limitations of your sample or model.
Even if your analysis doesn’t yield strong results, honesty in your process shows maturity and aligns with IB’s emphasis on critical reflection.
Avoiding Over-Reliance on AI or Statistical Software
Tools like Excel, R, or Python can assist data analysis, but integrity depends on understanding what these tools do. Similarly, AI should never be used to interpret data or write analysis.
Ethical use means:
- Using software for computation, not reasoning.
- Describing how you used it in your methodology.
- Verifying that outputs make logical sense.
AI and software can amplify your abilities — but only when guided by your judgment, not replacing it.
Reflecting Honestly in the Conclusion
Your reflection and evaluation sections are where integrity becomes visible.
Include:
- Acknowledgment of any data limitations or uncertainties.
- Discussion of how assumptions may have influenced results.
- Consideration of alternative perspectives or outcomes.
For instance, if inflation trends didn’t align with your hypothesis, analyze why — rather than reinterpreting the data to fit expectations. Honesty always strengthens analysis.
How RevisionDojo Reinforces Research Integrity
RevisionDojo supports IB Economics students by providing:
- Guides on ethical data collection and citation.
- Lessons on theory application and real-world analysis.
- Exercises that teach students how to evaluate bias and avoid plagiarism.
- Practice essays emphasizing originality and reflective evaluation.
With RevisionDojo, students learn to approach research like true economists — analytical, ethical, and responsible.
Conclusion: Economics Is Integrity in Action
Integrity is what turns information into knowledge. In your IB Economics EE, honesty about your data, reasoning, and conclusions defines your credibility as a researcher.
By committing to accuracy and transparency, you demonstrate not only understanding of economics but also the integrity that underpins the IB philosophy itself.
Your essay becomes more than an academic task — it becomes an ethical statement about how you engage with truth.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Ready to research ethically and effectively?
Explore RevisionDojo to master IB Economics essay writing, data analysis, and research integrity — all while ensuring your work remains 100% authentic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What data sources are best for the IB Economics EE?
Use reputable databases such as the World Bank, IMF, OECD, or official national statistics offices. These are verifiable and accepted by the IB.
2. What if my data contradicts my hypothesis?
That’s perfectly acceptable — real-world economics is complex. Explain why results differ and what they reveal about your question.
3. How can I show originality in my EE?
Offer personal analysis and critical interpretation. Avoid relying solely on others’ conclusions — show how you connect data to theory.
4. Is it acceptable to use AI for my EE?
Only for minor assistance such as checking grammar or structure, and only if acknowledged. Analysis, reasoning, and writing must be your own.
5. How does RevisionDojo promote integrity in research?
RevisionDojo trains students to apply theory ethically, use credible data, and reflect critically — aligning with IB’s global standards for academic honesty.
