IB Geography

Internal Assessment Guidelines

The Internal Assessment (IA) is an important part of the IB Geography course and contributes 20% towards the
final grade for HL students. This booklet is designed to help you to get the best mark possible in your internal
assessment. If you read the IB marking criteria, follow Miss Harrison’s advice and tick every box, then your
internal assessment should be of a high standard.

Assessment
Your coursework will be assessed on six criteria.

Criterion A Fieldwork question and geographic context 3 marks

Criterion B Method(s) of investigation 3 marks

Criterion C Quality and treatment of information collected 6 marks

Criterion D Written analysis 8 marks

Criterion E Conclusion 2 marks

Criterion F Evaluation 3 marks

Total 25 marks

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Section A: Fieldwork question and geographic context (300 words)

DETAILS (what to include) COMPLETE

Your research question
Relate research question to geographic theory e.g. urban models, characteristics of CBD.
Link your research question to the IB specification (Urban Environments)
Explain why your field work question is important
Introduction to study location. Where, size, brief history, functions.
Your hypothesis/hypotheses. I recommend three hypotheses.
Location map or maps (these must have a title and be referred to in your introduction)
Expected findings. Explain why you expect your hypothesis to be true, referring to theory.

What to Include In Section A

RESEARCH QUESTION
Make sure that your research question is stated on the front cover and at the beginning of your introduction.
Your research question gives your investigation focus. Your hypotheses are related to your research question
and give your investigation greater direction.

Example: Where is the CBD of Seoul? A comparison of two areas of the city.

INTRODUCTION TO STUDY LOCATION(S)

Introduce where Seoul is. What are the functions of Seoul? What is it famous for? Introduce the two study
areas - Myeongdong and Gangnam. Where are they? Give some background information on the two areas.

INTRODUCTION TO THEORY
This will depend on your research question. However, it would be useful to compare land use models and to
describe the characteristics of the CBD.

HYPOTHESES
A hypothesis is a prediction or statement that you attempt to prove or disprove through your research. It is
possible to complete an internal assessment without hypotheses but it generally gives you greater direction. A
good number of hypotheses is three. This gives you plenty to talk about, but will not exceed your word limit.

Your hypotheses must be SMART:

Specific
Measurable
Achievable
Realistic
Time-related
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Below are examples of hypothesis that you may choose:
➢ Myeongdong will have a greater concentration of transport facilities than Gangnam. (This will depend
on whether you think Myeongdong or Gangnam is the CBD).
➢ Traffic flow will be greater in Myeongdong than Gangnam. (Again, this will depend on which area you
consider to be the CBD).

Very briefly explain why you expect your hypotheses to be true, make a link to geographic theory. Also state
why investigating the impacts of urban environments is important.

Assessment

Marks IB Level descriptor

0 The work does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.

The fieldwork question is not formulated as a question or is not appropriately linked to the relevant
syllabus topic of geographic theory.
1 The fieldwork question does not allow for the collection of primary data, does not include a location,
or is too broad to address within the limits of the IA.
No locational map is included or the map is inappropriate for the fieldwork question.

The fieldwork question is geographical, identifying an appropriate link to the relevant syllabus topic,
the syllabus or geographical theory.
The fieldwork question identifies a specific location allowing for the collection of primary data and a
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question than can be addressed within the limits of an internal assessment.
The locational map is a copy of an existing map (for example an internet or satellite map) with too
many unnecessary details or lacking mapping conventions.

The link between the fieldwork question and the relevant syllabus topic, the syllabus or geographical
theory is described.
The link made to geographical theory allows for the possible formulation of hypotheses and
3 predictions. The fieldwork question is geographical and focused, clearly identifying a precise location
allowing for primary data collection within the limits of the internal assessment.
One or more locational maps are presented and follow mapping conventions, providing clear
information and details of the fieldwork location.

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Section B: Methods of investigation (300 words)

DETAILS (what to include) COMPLETE

Introduction to date and location of data collection. Also information about group sizes,
group locations and sharing of data. Include maps to show this.
Introduction to information being collected e.g. traffic, pedestrians, etc.
Copies of your data collection form, either imbedded or in your appendix
Explanation of why information is important and how it will help you prove or disprove your
hypothesis.
Explanation of how information is collected (methodology). You can include photos that
demonstrate data gathering techniques. Explanation of why you chose the particular
techniques e.g. tally charts, bi-polar scores sampling time.
Details of any sampling techniques that you may have used. You will probably refer to
systematic or random.
Details of how distances were calculated

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN SECTION B

This is probably the easiest section of your coursework. All you have to do is describe what data you collected
and how you collected it.

You must include the following in an introductory section:

➢ Date and time of data collection
➢ Size of groups
➢ Different locations in and around Myeongdong and Gangnam (include maps – imbed or put in
appendix)
➢ Explanation of how groups were divided and data collection carried out.
➢ Type of data (primary or secondary)
➢ Sampling techniques used (random, systematic)

METHODS OF DATA COLLECTION

You must describe how individual data was collected i.e. how the questionnaires were completed, how a
traffic count was taken. You only need to describe the collection of data that is relevant to your coursework. If
you don’t mention traffic in your investigation do not waste words describing how it was collected. Make sure
that you explain why you chose the particular method of collection.
➢ Questionnaires
➢ Pedestrian Counts
➢ Traffic Counts
➢ Environmental index

SAMPLING TECHNIQUES
How did you select people to ask a questionnaire? You probably used a sampling technique. It probably
wasn’t stratified, so was it random or systematic. Explain the technique that you used. Systematic follows a
set pattern. Random means that everyone or everything has an equal chance of being selected.
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PHOTOGRAPHS
This is a good section to include photographs of students collecting data. Remember that any photographs
used should be relevant and directly mentioned in the text of your coursework (the examiner does not want
to see a photo of someone eating their lunch!).

APPENDIX
In your coursework you should include examples of the forms that you used to gather data. Instead of putting
them in the main part of your coursework, you may want to include them at the back in a section called the
appendix. Even though the forms are at the back you should refer to them in the main body of your text e.g.
to collect information on the number of pedestrians we used a pedestrian count form (appendix – form 1).

Assessment

Marks Level descriptor

0 The work does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.

The method(s) used for information and data collection are listed or outlined,but are too general or
vague or do not allow for the collection of enough information and data that are relevant to address
1 the question formulated or the hypotheses.
Data collection technologies/instruments and sampling/surveying techniques are listed or outlined but
are not correctly used.

The method(s) used for information and data collection are described, outlining how the data collected
is relevant to the question formulated and hypotheses.
2 The method(s), data collection instruments/technologies and sampling/surveying techniques are used
correctly and allow for sufficient data for quantitative and/or qualitative analysis, but it may be minimal
or only one or two variables are collected.

The method(s) used for information and data collection are described, explaining clearly and accurately
how the combination of data collected is relevant to the theory, question formulated or the hypotheses
for the internal assessment. They may describe statistical tests if appropriate.
3
The method(s), data collection instruments/technologies and sampling/surveying techniques are used
correctly, resulting in reliable and good quality primary data supporting a relevant quantitative and/or
qualitative analysis.

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Section C: Quality and treatment of information collected (500 words)

DETAILS COMPLETE
A brief introduction explaining why data presentation technique was used and is relevant
A wide variety of different and relevant data presentation techniques used (graphs (line,
bar, pie, scatter), tables, maps, annotated photographs, etc.)
At least one map that you have manipulated yourself e.g. a choropleth map or an overlay
map or a map with pie charts or proportional bars on it or even proportional shapes e.g.
cars

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN SECTION C

➢ Try to use a variety of graphical techniques e.g. pie, line, scatter and bar.
➢ Use a mapping technique – you must create at least one of your own maps.
➢ Summary tables are often a good way to show results.
➢ Make sure all graphs, tables and maps are properly labeled (title, labeled axis, correct units).
➢ Make sure all graphs are relevant to either proving or disproving your hypotheses. They must also be
referred to in the data analysis section or they become irrelevant.
➢ Remember a lot of raw data can go in the appendix. The examiner will not want to read pages and
pages of information. He wants to see clearly presented and summarized results.

IB ADVICE: It is strongly recommended that maps are student-generated, either by being hand drawn or
computer-derived, and they must be made relevant to the study. Maps that are downloaded or photocopied
should be adapted to the student’s own information and this may be achieved effectively by overlays. Normal
map conventions must be followed.

Assessment

Marks Level descriptor

0 The work does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.

The information and data collected is mostly not relevant, or not sufficient, to address the question or
hypotheses formulated.
The information and data have mostly been presented in such a way that is either not appropriate for
1-2
what has been collected or does not allow for analysis of the question formulated.
The graphs, tables, diagrams or other illustrations do not follow conventions (labelling, titles, and so on)
or contain frequent errors.

Most of the information and data collected is relevant to the question formulated or the hypotheses,
3-4 allowing for partial analysis or answering of the question formulated.
The information and data have been presented in ways appropriate for the data type.

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 The graphs, tables, diagrams or other illustrations follow conventions (labelling, titles, and so on), with
occasional errors.

The information and data collected is all directly relevant to the question formulated or the
hypotheses, and is sufficient in quantity and quality to allow for analysis or answering of the question
formulated.
5-6
The most appropriate techniques have been used effectively for the presentation of information and
data collected.
The graphs, tables, diagrams or other illustrations follow conventions (labelling, titles, and so on).

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Section D: Written analysis (850 words)

DETAILS (what to include) COMPLETE

Describe any trends in your data presentation (positive and negative correlations in graphs,
spatial patterns). Use figures and refer to graph/tables/maps.
Look for any anomalies in your data presentation. Use figures and refer to
graph/tables/maps.
Try to use some statistical techniques e.g. Spearman’s Rank
Try to explain any trends or anomalies. Theory might help you explain trends, but how can
the anomalies be explained?
Relate findings back to study question and hypotheses

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN SECTION D

This is the section where you describe and explain your results. It maybe done as a separate section, or
incorporated into your data presentation section. This section is extremely important because it is where you
prove or disprove your hypotheses.

Things to Remember
➢ When describing graphs and maps clearly refer to which graph/map you are talking about i.e. Graph
one shows that……….
➢ When describing graphs or maps you must use figures and units and where appropriate dates i.e.
Location 1 had the most pedestrians with 57.
➢ When describing graphs, tables and maps make sure that you relate them back to your hypotheses. If
you don’t prove or disprove your hypotheses then your coursework is irrelevant.
➢ Remember it does not matter whether your analysis proves or disproves your hypotheses. It also does
not matter if your findings are inconclusive as long as you clearly state this in your analysis.
➢ You must explain your results. If there are anomalies (things that don’t fit the trend) or results that
don’t match your predictions try and explain why. Traffic might have been lower than expected
because of a road closure or pedestrians might have been more than expected because of a market
➢ Relate your analysis back to theory.
➢ Try to manipulate your data using a statistical technique.

Assessment

Marks Level descriptor

0 The work does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.

The written analysis includes descriptive techniques that are not all appropriate to the data and the
1–2
question formulated.

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 The data or information presented is outlined without explicit link to the question or hypotheses
formulated. Obvious trends and patterns are listed.

The written analysis includes descriptive techniques that are appropriate to the data and the question
formulated.
Any statistical techniques used either are not relevant to the question
3–4
formulated or contain errors. The data and information, trends and patterns presented are described
and linked explicitly to the question or hypotheses formulated. The written analysis allows for
answering the question formulated in a descriptive way.

The written analysis includes descriptive and statistical techniques (if appropriate to the question
formulated) that are appropriate to the data and the question formulated.
The data and information, trends, patterns and statistics are described and linked explicitly to the
5–6
question or hypotheses formulated. Outliers and anomalies in the data, if present, are listed.
The written analysis allows for answering the question formulated, although there are gaps in the
supporting evidence.

The written analysis includes descriptive and statistical techniques (with confidence levels if
appropriate) that are appropriate to the data and the question formulated.
The trends, patterns and statistics found, including outliers and anomalies if present, are explained and
7–8 linked to the question formulated, hypotheses, geographical theory, the fieldwork location and
methods used.
The written analysis allows for answering the question formulated, with no or only minor gaps in the
supporting evidence.

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Section E: Conclusion (200 words)

DETAILS COMPLETE
Link your findings (data analysis) to your research question and hypothesis by summarizing
results. (Did you prove or disprove your hypotheses?)
Try to combine geographic theory and findings
Remember to refer back to your research question
State what you have learnt

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN SECTION F

In this section you summarise your findings.

● A simple summary of what you have found

● Have your hypotheses been proven or disproven?
● Include some basic figures to support your summary
● Make sure you relate back to the research question and theory
● What have you learnt? Where is is CBD of Seoul?

Assessment

Marks Level descriptor

0 The work does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.

1 A conclusion to the fieldwork question is formulated, which is partially supported by the analysis.

2 There is a clear conclusion to the fieldwork question, which is supported by the analysis.

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F: Evaluation (300 words)
DETAILS COMPLETE
How could you develop your coursework in the future ? (i.e. extra data, different
hypotheses(
Were there any problems with your techniques?
Were there any limitations e.g. time, available data?

What to Include In Section E

● State what went well.
● Say what you might do differently in the future e.g. look at more areas, carry out collection on
different days, use more sites, take average results, coordinate counts better.
● Say how your coursework could be extended in the future. Could you collect some secondary data or
compare to different locations?
● Say how successful you methods of data collection and sampling were. Would you change them in the
future?
● Say what you have learned from carrying out your coursework

Assessment

Marks Level descriptor

0 The work does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.

Strengths and/or weaknesses of the data collection methods and suggestions for improvement are
1
listed, but these are mostly superficial, not appropriate, or not relevant to the study.

Strengths and/or weaknesses of the data collection methods and suggestions for improvement are
2
outlined, and these are mostly appropriate and relevant to the study.

The most appropriate and relevant strengths and/or weaknesses are explained regarding the data
collection methods,the formulation of the fieldwork research question, the presentation of
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data/information and the choice of location. Suggestions for improvement are outlined and the
potential impact of these improvements is explained.

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Additional Information
Length of Coursework

The maximum length of your coursework is 2500 words for HL and SL. The following are not included in the
word count.

● Title page
● Acknowledgments
● Contents page
● Titles and subtitles
● References
● Footnotes—up to a maximum of 15 words each
● Map legends and/or keys
● Labels—of 10 words or less
● Tables—of statistical or numerical data, or categories, classes or group names
● Calculations
● Appendices—containing only raw data and/or calculations

All the main text is included in the word count, including the research question, analysis, conclusion and
evaluation, as well as all annotations over 10 words and any footnotes over 15 words.

Extra Sections
● Front cover (put your coursework title, your name, candidate number, school number, word count and
possibly a photo)
● Contents page (a list of all the pages in your coursework with the correct page numbers)
● Acknowledgement page: Chance to thank your peers, interviewees, parents, etc.
● Bibliography (a list of all the books and websites that you have used to help you in your coursework).
Use the format shared by the Librarian.
● Appendix (this is where you put any forms that you have referred to in your coursework e.g. a copy of
the questionnaire or traffic count pro-forma).

IB ADVICE: A very limited use of appendices is acceptable and, if appendices are used, these should contain
only examples of materials that have been used or are representative of the material used, such as a data
sheet or a translation of a questionnaire. It should not include all materials used, for example, every survey or
questionnaire completed. Further, it should not include secondary information.

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