IB BIOLOGY INTERNAL ASSESSMENT CHECKLIST

Personal engagement /2 (8%)

□ Thinking, initiative or insight for investigating chosen topic is given

□ Justification indicates personal interest, significance or curiosity for chosen design & presentation
□ The introduction includes an observation that leads to the research question

Exploration /6 (25%)

Title and Research Question

□ There is no identifying information in the report
□ A descriptive yet concise title is given (clearly identifying both the IV and DV)
□ A grammatically correct and detailed (stand alone) question about a precise relationship is asked
□ A specific independent variable to be manipulated is included
□ A specific measurable dependent variable is included
□ Consistent, descriptive phrasing is used for the IV and DV in both the Title and RQ
□ Precise locations, measurements and Genus species names (if appropriate) are given

Background
□ All key variables relevant to the experiment (the IV, DV and any influential CVs) are investigated
□ All information is clearly supported with relevant research (including in-text citations)
□ At least 3 appropriate sources with authors have been used
□ There is no plagiarism (this will result in a zero)

Hypothesis
□ A precise relationship between the Independent and Dependent variables is predicted
□ The hypothesis is supported using scientific reasoning and relevant research
□ The Independent and Dependent variables are written exactly the same as in the Title and RQ

Variables
□ Subheadings for Independent Var, Dependent Var, Controlled Variables and Uncontrolled Variables
□ Independent and Dependent variables are written exactly the same as in the Title, RQ and Hypothesis
□ A very brief description is given of how the independent variable is modified
□ A very brief description is given of how the dependent variable is measured
□ Includes all significant CVs (which could influence the DV) as well as any Uncontrolled Variables
□ Outlines how and why each CV is kept constant and why UnCVs will not discredit results

Methodology: Manipulation and Control of the Variables

□ All materials are clearly listed with details (type, amount, size, volume, concentration…)
□ Diagrams and/or photographs clearly showing the setup of apparatus is included
□ Diagrams and photographs are referenced using MLA standards
□ How the independent variable was manipulated is clearly described
□ How the dependent variable measurements were taken is precisely explained
□ The number of dependent variable measurements and why this amount is described
□ How the listed controlled variables were kept controlled in the experiment is described
□ The use and method of random sampling is described (where relevant)
□ A justification establishes this as a fair test of the hypothesis and will lead to valid data collection

Methodology: Collection of the Data

□ The reliability of the methodology is established through sufficient repetition
□ The size of the increments between each data point and why this was acceptable is described
□ The use of at least 5 repeats to calculate standard deviation for error analysis is explained
 □ Images (taken by candidate) and/or diagrams are included to illustrate the experimental setup
□ The collection of data from any other students or sources is clearly explained and referenced
□ A well organized methodology written in third person and past tense

Analysis /6 (25%)

Data Collection
□ Appropriate raw quantitative data is recorded in a clearly designed and drawn table
□ A descriptive title with the variables is given for the data table
□ Column headings include the quantity, units and uncertainties
□ Data is recorded to an appropriate degree of precision and consistent with uncertainties
□ Qualitative data is recorded in the data table or separately in an appendix as appropriate
□ Qualitative data should only include descriptions - no interpretations (save those for the Discussion)
□ Images (taken by candidate) have been included to illustrate the results

Data Analysis: Processing Data

□ A short outline of how the data was processed is given
□ The relevance of this data processing to answer the research question is given
□ Sample calculations are demonstrated for the reader
□ Calculations are carried out correctly and allow construction of an appropriate graph
□ Do not provide a sample STDEV calculation. Outline the function you used on a machine.
□ Uncertainties are calculated and explained if necessary

Data Analysis: Presenting Data

□ The dependent variable (y axis) is appropriately graphed against the independent variable (x axis)
□ Graphs include descriptive titles of the variables and axes are labeled including units
□ If using LoggerPro, ensure that axis labels, etc. are large enough to be clear and easily read
□ Error bars showing the standard deviations are included on the graph for individual data points
□ It has been made clear that the STDEV has been used in making the error bars (when relevant)
□ How uncertainties were determined is stated below the graph and explained if not included
□ A line of best fit has been included (with regression value as appropriate)

Evaluation /6 (25%)

Conclusion
□ A conclusion is clearly stated “In conclusion…”
□ The conclusion given is correct and clearly supported by the interpretation of the data
□ Key data from the analysis is given and trends in the data are discussed
□ The extent to which the hypothesis is supported by the data is explained

Discussion
□ The variation in results is reported, showing the strength of the conclusion
□ Scientific and statistical reasoning is used to show the validity of the relationship
□ Do the error bars overlap? What is the percentage error? Does the correlation coefficient suggest a
strong relationship?
□ How far the conclusion can be generalized is discussed

Evaluation
□ The appropriateness of the apparatus in obtaining relevant data is commented on
□ Weaknesses in the methodology are discussed
□ The reliability of the data is commented on
□ The quantity of the data is commented on
□ The precision and accuracy of the data is commented on
 □ Outlier data or irregularities in the data are addressed
□ The significance of uncertainties in the trend line is determined

Suggested Improvements
□ Where limitations are determined to be significant, specific improvements are proposed
□ Improvements effectively address the limitations (not just to be more careful)
□ Improvements are given which are possible within the context of a school laboratory

Further Research Questions

□ At least one further investigation is stated with clear independent and dependent variables
□ This research question is an extension from the conclusion and evaluation
□ A short explanation for the investigation is given to establish its importance and relevance

Communication /4 (17%)

References (formatting)
□ Parenthetical in-text references/citations are given in MLA format (no hyperlinks)
□ All images cited (used “Image by Candidate” for personal pictures)
□ Works Cited List with MLA formatting is given at the end of the report (do NOT use the EDT template)
□ Sources are written in alphabetical order by author’s last name
□ Each source is listed with a hanging indent
□ Preference for peer-reviewed articles (textbooks have been avoided as sources)

Overall Presentation
□ No spelling or grammar errors are present
□ There are clear headings for each section, with consistent formatting
□ No unwanted page breaks (separating subtitles from bodies or tables breaking over pages)
□ Arial or Helvetica font size 12 font is used
□ The complete report (not including any appendices) is between 6 and 12 pages in length
□ Report has been saved as a pdf to preserve the formatting