IB BIOLOGY INTERNAL ASSESSMENT SCORE SHEET

STUDENT NAME: _________________________________________________________ SESSION: ______________

INVESTIGATION TITLE: ____________________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________________________________
This investigation is (select one):
❏ A hands-on experiment ❏ A database analysis
❏ A field study ❏ An analysis of a simulation or model

Overall*
RQ Context Method Considerations Description of Method
Research Design ____ /6
____/6 ____/6 ____/6
Communication Uncertainty Processing
Data Analysis ____ /6
____/6 ____/6 ____/6
Conclusion Scientific Context
Conclusion ____ /6
____/6 ____/6
Weakness / Limitations Improvements
Evaluation ____ /6
____/6 ____/6
*Marks are awarded on a “best fit” approach based on the Raw Total
levels awarded for each aspect of a given criteria.
IB Equivalency
Class Grade
Estimated IB Grade, based on May 2020 mark ranges.
Please note, these ranges may change with the 2025 syllabus.

STUDENT DECLARATION:
I confirm that this is my own work and this is the final version. I have acknowledged use of the words and ideas of
another person, whether written, oral or visual.

SIGNED: ________________________________________________________ DATE: _________________

TEACHER DECLARATION: (check box before signing)

❏ I can authenticate that the work was performed by the student as described.

SIGNED: __________________________________________________________________ DATE: _________________

RESEARCH DESIGN
This criterion assesses the extent to which the student effectively communicates the methodology (purpose and
practice) used to address the research question.

ASPECT
MARK
Research Question Methodological Description of
Context Considerations Methodology

0 The students report does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

The research question is Methodological considerations The description of the

stated without context. associated with collecting data methodology for collecting or
1-2 relevant to the research question selecting data lacks the
are stated. detail to allow for the
investigation to be reproduced.

The research question is Methodological considerations The description of the

outlined within a broad associated with collecting methodology for collecting or
context. relevant and sufficient data to selecting data allows for the
3-4 answer the research question are investigation to be reproduced
described. with few ambiguities or
omissions.

The research question is Methodological considerations The description of the

described within a specific associated with collecting methodology for collecting or
5-6 and appropriate context. relevant and sufficient data to selecting data allows for
answer the research question are the investigation to be
explained. reproduced.
RESEARCH QUESTION CONTEXT
A research question with context should contain reference to the dependent (manipulated) and independent (responding)
variables or two correlated variables, include a concise description of the system in which the research question is
embedded, and include background theory of direct relevance.

Research Question
❏ The research question is clearly stated and precisely formulated at the beginning of the paper
❏ The research question is clearly biology in focus
❏ The research question includes clear and specific manipulated and responding variables or two correlated
variables
❏ The research question includes the scientific name(s) of the organism (Genus species), if relevant

Description of the System

❏ The need/importance/relevance of the research question is clear
❏ The appropriate/accurate/relevant background biology of the phenomena being investigated is described
❏ The context includes the scientific name of the organism (Genus species), if relevant
❏ The context includes appropriate/accurate/relevant information about the variables being investigated
❏ Citations relevant to the contextual information are provided

Theory of Direct Relevance

❏ The context includes a description of the known relationships/effects of the variables being investigated
❏ There is a scientifically accurate hypothesis predicting the relationship between the variables, if relevant
❏ Citations relevant to the contextual information are provided

METHODOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS
Methodological considerations include: 1) the selection of the methods for measuring the dependent and independent
variables, 2) the selection of the databases or model and the sampling of data, 3) the decisions regarding the scope,
quantity and quality of measurements (e.g. the range, interval or frequency of the independent variable, repetition and
precision of measurements), 4) the identification of control variables and the choice of method of their control and 5) the
recognition of any safety, ethical or environmental issues that needed to be taken into account.

Selection of Methods
❏ The background information about the methodological approach is well described
❏ The methods for measuring the variables are justified, if relevant
❏ The selection of the database or model are justified, if relevant

Collecting Relevant Data

❏ The manipulated variable(s) is correctly identified with units and levels
❏ There is justification for how the levels of the manipulated variable were were chosen, if relevant
❏ A quantifiable responding variable(s) is correctly identified with units
❏ There is justification for how the responding variable(s) was chosen
❏ The important/relevant control variables are identified, with the potential impact of each discussed
❏ There is justification/explanation for a positive and/or negative control group, if relevant
❏ There are sufficient validity measures to ensure the method measures what it is intended to measure
Collecting Sufficient Data
❏ The number and range of levels of the manipulated variable are suitable, if relevant
❏ The interval or frequency of measuring the responding variable is suitable, if relevant
❏ The sample size is appropriate for the investigation and allows for statistical analysis, if relevant
❏ The number of repeats of responding variable measurements are suitable to ensure reliability and allow for
statistical analysis
❏ The precision of measurements of variables are suitable for the investigation and allow for statistical analysis

Safety, Ethics and Environmental Considerations

❏ The safety issues are fully considered, including safe handling of chemicals and equipment
❏ The reasonable consumption and use of chemicals/materials is addressed
❏ There is use of human consent forms, if relevant
❏ There is adherence to the IBO animal experimentation policy, if relevant
❏ The environmental impact of the investigation is fully considered (such as disposal of chemicals)
❏ There is description and justification of approaches used to minimize the impact of the investigation on field sites

DESCRIPTION OF METHODOLOGY
The description of the methodology refers to presenting sufficiently detailed information (such as specific materials used
and precise procedural steps) while avoiding unnecessary or repetitive information, so that the reader may readily
understand how the methodology was implemented and could in principle repeat the investigation.

Method for Collecting/Selecting Data

❏ There is a list or photograph of apparatus and materials used in the investigation; including size, graduation and
uncertainty
❏ There is a clear description of preliminary trials, if completed
❏ The method used to change and measure the manipulated variable is full, clear and detailed (including tools,
units and uncertainty)
❏ The method used to measuring the responding variable is is full, clear and detailed (including tools, units and
uncertainty)
❏ The collection of data with other students or from outside sources is explained and referenced, if relevant
❏ The method used to maintaining and measuring controlled variables is full, clear and detailed (including tools,
units and uncertainty)
❏ The is a detailed description of what measures were used to ensure experimental measurements are valid and
consistent
❏ Citations relevant to the methodological information are provided
❏ There are captioned photographs of the investigation setup and data collection, which are references within the
text
ANALYSIS
This criterion assesses the extent to which the student’s report provides evidence that the student has recorded,
processed and presented the data in ways that are relevant to the research question.

ASPECT
MARK Clear and Precise Consideration of Appropriate and Accurate
Communication Uncertainty Data Processing
0 The students report does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

The recording and processing of The recording and processing of Some processing of data
the data is communicated but is data shows limited evidence of relevant to addressing the
1-2 neither clear nor precise. the consideration of research question is carried out
uncertainties. but with major omissions,
inaccuracies or inconsistencies.

The communication of the The recording and processing of The processing of data relevant
recording and processing of the data shows evidence of a to addressing the research
3-4 data is either clear or precise. consideration of uncertainties question is carried out but with
but with some significant some significant omissions,
omissions or inaccuracies. inaccuracies or inconsistencies.

The communication of the The recording and processing of The processing of data relevant
recording and processing of the data shows evidence of an to addressing the research
5-6
data is both clear and precise. appropriate consideration of question is carried out
uncertainties. appropriately and accurately.

CLEAR AND PRECISE COMMUNICATION

Clear communication means that the method of processing can be understood easily. Precise communication refers to
following conventions correctly, such as those relating to the annotation of graphs and tables or the use of units, decimal
places and significant figures.

Clear Communication of Data:

❏ Narrative text references figures and tables
❏ Graphs, tables and images included as close as possible to its first reference
❏ Raw data is clearly presented for the range of levels and number of repeats described in the methodology
❏ Data to show consistency of controlled variables is clearly presented
❏ Tables and graphs do not break across pages
❏ Insightful and thorough qualitative data is presented (maps, sketches, observations and/or photos with
annotations)
❏ Clear explanation with justification for the descriptive analysis (central tendency and spread of data)
❏ Clear explanation with justification for the inferential analysis (statistical significance testing)
❏ Statistical test(s) include null and alternative hypothesis and probability levels (p values).
❏ Clear explanation with justification for the type of data visualization/graph, including use of trendlines
❏ All data, graphs and images are relevant to the research question

Precise Communication of Data

❏ Graphs/tables/images are sequentially titled (i.e. “Figure 1…”)
❏ Metric measurement units are used
 ❏ Tables are well organized, with specific and clear titles, headings and units
❏ Data tables are well organized either by groups or types of data
❏ Table column headers are present and correct (MV in first column)
❏ Correct and consistent number of decimal places
❏ Correct number of significant digits
❏ Graph is well organized, with specific and clear title, labeled axis (with unit) and appropriately scaled axis

CONSIDERATION OF UNCERTAINTY

Measurement Uncertainty:
❏ Correct uncertainty of all measuring device(s) reported for raw measurements
❏ Uncertainties of measuring device(s) justified and/or explained
❏ Uncertainty of measurement(s) indicated in the column header of the data table
❏ Discussion of the size of measurement uncertainties compared to the data collected

Variation within Raw Data:

❏ Variation within the data collected is described with reference to outliers, skew, standard deviation and/or
interquartile range
❏ Variation within the data is visualized as error bars on the graph(s)

APPROPRIATE AND ACCURATE DATA PROCESSING

“Major omissions” = inaccuracies or inconsistencies impede the possibility of drawing a valid conclusion that addresses
the research question.

“Significant omissions” = inaccuracies or inconsistencies allow the possibility of drawing a conclusion that
addresses the research question but with some limit to its validity or detail.

Appropriate Data Processing:

❏ Per trial calculations to determine RV, if necessary (i.e. rate or percent change)
❏ Skew or outlier analysis is performed, if relevant
❏ Appropriate measure of central tendency (mean, median, mode) is calculated, if relevant
❏ Appropriate measure of variation (SD, IQR, range) is calculated, if relevant
❏ Appropriate inferential test is performed, if relevant
❏ Correct conclusion of significance is drawn
❏ Appropriate type of graph is selected for data visualization
❏ Appropriate trendlines are added to the graph, if relevant

Accurate Data Processing:

❏ Per trial calculations to determine RV are mathematically correct, if relevant
❏ Skew or outlier analysis is mathematically correct, if relevant
❏ Measure of central tendency calculation is mathematically correct, if relevant
❏ Measure of variation calculation is mathematically correct, if relevant
❏ Inferential test calculation is mathematically correct, if relevant
❏ Formula, Excel formula, worked example or screenshot of calculations given
CONCLUSION
This criterion assesses the extent to which the student successfully answers their research question with regard to their
analysis and the accepted scientific context.

ASPECT
MARK
Conclusion Scientific Context

0 The students report does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

A conclusion is stated that is relevant to the The conclusion makes a superficial comparison
1-2 research question but is not supported by the to the accepted scientific context.
analysis presented.

A conclusion is described that is relevant to the A conclusion is described that makes some
3-4 research question but is not fully consistent with relevant comparison to the accepted scientific
the analysis presented. context.

A conclusion is justified that is relevant to the A conclusion is justified through relevant

5-6 research question and fully consistent with the comparison to the accepted scientific context.
analysis presented.

CONCLUSION
A conclusion that is fully consistent requires the interpretation of processed data including associated uncertainties.

Conclusion Statement:
❏ State the most important outcome of the investigation
❏ The conclusion refers back to the research question
❏ The conclusion avoids being too definitive or over-generalizing
❏ The extent to which the hypothesis is supported by the data is explained
❏ Avoid reference to “proof” of “proves”

Consistency with Analysis:

❏ The conclusion 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

SCIENTIFIC CONTEXT
Scientific context refers to information that could come from published material (paper or online), published values,
course notes, textbooks or other outside sources. The citation of published materials must be sufficiently detailed to
allow these sources to be traceable.

❏ Scientific explanation for the results is described

❏ Comparison is made with published data and theoretical texts (with citations)
❏ Evidence from published material is utilized for comparison
EVALUATION
This criterion assesses the extent to which the student’s report provides evidence of evaluation of the investigation
methodology and has suggested improvements.

ASPECT
MARK
Weaknesses or Limitations Improvements

0 The students report does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.

The report states generic methodological Realistic improvements to the investigation are
1-2
weaknesses or limitations. stated.

The report describes specific methodological Realistic improvements to the investigation that
3-4 weaknesses or limitations. are relevant to the identified weaknesses or
limitations, are described.

The report explains the relative impact of Realistic improvements to the investigation, that
5-6 specific methodological weaknesses or are relevant to the identified weaknesses or
limitations. limitations, are explained.

WEAKNESSES OR LIMITATIONS
Weakness/ limitations are specific to the methodology of the investigation
Explain how the investigative design may have introduced limitations/weaknesses
Explain the impact of weakness/limitations of procedural steps, if relevant
Explain the impact of weakness/limitation in the control of variables, if relevant
Explain the impact of weakness/limitation in the sample size or number of repeated measures/trials, if relevant
Explain the impact of weakness/limitation in the number of level of manipulation, if relevant
Explain the impact of the appropriateness of the apparatus in obtaining relevant data, if relevant
Explain the impact of variation of the data on strength of the conclusion, if relevant
Explain the impact of systematic errors, if relevant
Explain the impact of random errors, if relevant
❏ Explain the impact of outlier data or irregularities in the data, if relevant

SUGGESTIONS
❏ Improvements are realistic
❏ Improvements are specific
❏ Improvements are relevant to the identified weaknesses/limitations