## Introduction: Why Cryptocurrency Makes a Compelling EPQ Topic
Choosing cryptocurrency for your Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) offers a unique opportunity to explore one of the most transformative technologies of the 21st century. As digital currencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum reshape finance, politics, and society, your cryptocurrency EPQ allows you to investigate cutting-edge concepts while developing critical research skills. This guide provides everything you need to structure, research, and excel in your cryptocurrency-themed EPQ project.
## Why Choose Cryptocurrency for Your EPQ?
– **Relevance**: Cryptocurrency intersects with economics, computer science, and social studies, making it multidisciplinary
– **Current Impact**: With global adoption growing 881% since 2018 (Statista 2023), it’s a rapidly evolving field
– **Critical Thinking**: Challenges traditional financial systems, encouraging analytical evaluation
– **Skill Development**: Builds technical literacy in blockchain while honing academic research techniques
– **University Appeal**: Demonstrates engagement with emerging technologies to admissions tutors
## Crafting Your Cryptocurrency EPQ Research Question
Your research question should be specific, debatable, and researchable. Consider these approaches:
1. **Technical Focus**:
– “To what extent can blockchain technology solve double-spending without central authorities?”
2. **Economic Angle**:
– “How might cryptocurrency adoption impact developing economies’ financial inclusion by 2030?”
3. **Social/Political Lens**:
– “Can decentralised finance realistically challenge traditional banking hegemony?”
## Essential EPQ Structure for Cryptocurrency Projects
Follow this framework to maximise marks:
### 1. Literature Review (25%)
– Analyse academic papers on blockchain mechanics
– Review case studies (e.g., El Salvador’s Bitcoin adoption)
– Examine regulatory frameworks (MiCA, US proposals)
### 2. Primary Research (30%)
– Conduct surveys on public crypto perceptions
– Interview industry experts (exchange founders, developers)
– Analyse blockchain transaction data
### 3. Critical Analysis (35%)
– Evaluate sources for bias (e.g., pro-crypto influencers)
– Contrast bullish vs. bearish economic perspectives
– Assess environmental claims (PoW vs PoS energy use)
### 4. Conclusion & Evaluation (10%)
– Summarise key findings
– Reflect on research limitations
– Suggest future study areas
## Overcoming Common Cryptocurrency EPQ Challenges
| Challenge | Solution |
|———–|———-|
| Technical complexity | Focus on concepts like decentralization rather than coding |
| Volatile data | Use 3+ authoritative sources (CoinGecko, IMF reports) |
| Bias in sources | Include both crypto advocates and critics |
| Ethical concerns | Address environmental impact and fraud risks transparently |
## Top 5 Resources for Your Research
1. **Academic Databases**: JSTOR, IEEE Xplore (peer-reviewed papers)
2. **Industry Reports**: CoinMarketCap, Messari (market data)
3. **Regulatory Guidance**: FCA, SEC official publications
4. **Books**: “The Bitcoin Standard” (Antonopoulos), “Digital Gold” (Popper)
5. **Tools**: Etherscan for real-time blockchain analysis
## Cryptocurrency EPQ FAQ Section
### Q: How technical does my cryptocurrency EPQ need to be?
A: Focus on concepts rather than code. Examiners prioritise critical analysis over technical expertise. Explain terms like blockchain and mining clearly.
### Q: Can I include cryptocurrency investment advice?
A: Avoid financial recommendations. Instead, analyse market trends academically using verified data sources.
### Q: What ethical considerations are important?
A: Address energy consumption (especially Proof-of-Work systems), regulatory evasion risks, and include diverse socioeconomic perspectives.
### Q: How current should my sources be?
A: Use sources from the last 3 years for fast-evolving topics. Historical context can use older references.
### Q: What makes a standout cryptocurrency EPQ?
A: Projects that connect theory to real-world impact (e.g., CBDCs’ effect on monetary policy) score highest. Include primary research where possible.
## Final Tips for EPQ Success
Start by auditing your existing knowledge using the **CRYPTO** framework:
– **C**ontext: Regulatory landscape
– **R**isk: Market volatility factors
– **Y**ield: Economic incentives
– **P**rotocols: Blockchain variations
– **T**echnology: Distributed ledgers
– **O**pportunities: Future applications
Record all sources meticulously using referencing software like Zotero. Most importantly, maintain intellectual curiosity – the most successful EPQ projects emerge from genuine fascination with cryptocurrency’s potential to redefine value exchange in our digital age.
