IA Lab Final Draft Guide

Delete all the writing in italics/red & use the entire regular font/underlined as your section headings &
subheadings.

Formatting – font: 12pt, Times New Roman; between sections double spaced, within sections single spaced; every
diagram, table, figure must be given a number and title; pages numbered; decent size margins so I can leave
comments; written from 1st person perspective.

Note: Review “Reminders” at the end of this document.

IB Candidate Code: lqw325

How does the mass of an object affect its terminal velocity?

Research Design
● The research question is described within a specific and appropriate context. This means that
the RQ should contain reference to the dependent and independent variables or two correlated
variables, include a concise description of the system in which the RQ is embedded, and include
background theory of direct relevance.
● Methodological considerations associated with collecting relevant and sufficient data to
answer the RQ are explained. These would include the selection of the methods for measuring
the dependent and independent variables; the selection of the databases or model and the sampling
of data; 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); the
identification of control variables and the choice of method of their control; the recognition of any
safety, ethical or environmental issues that needed to be taken into account.
● The description of the methodology for collecting or selecting data allows for the
investigation to be reproduced. This means 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.

Background Information:
a) Try to include known values / expected results from literature/websites.
b) Include what you may have learned from a similar lab.
c) If you are going to include diagrams, make sure you give them a fig # and descriptive title.
d) Include references from articles or books.
e) Place your experiment in context. Why is it important to get to the bottom of this?

Research Question (aim or problem):

● Clearly state that you are investigating how your dependent variable relates to your independent
variable.

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Methodology (procedure):
a) Don’t forget to include trials!
b) Plan to collect between 5 and 10 replications.
c) Be specific, but do not include things like, “collect materials” or “prepare to collect data” or
“wash glassware after experiment”. These steps are part of every experiment.
d) Writing a paragraph is best; it is how scientists usually write. It is permissible to use a numbered
list if you so desire.

Table 1: Variables Selected for this Experiment (Sample table)

Units Range
Independent Variable
Dependent Variable

Control Variables Units (e.g., g, ºC, mm) Possible effect on results/how they will be controlled

Safety, ethical or environmental issues:

a) How might you or someone else be injured during your data collection?
b) Especially if you are using humans or any small animals, what steps are you going to take to
make sure that you will fully respect animal life and health?
c) If your experiment involves humans, remember that the experiment CANNOT in any way be
invasive. You will also need to include a blank copy of the release form that you used.
d) Will your experiment have an impact on the environment? How will you minimize/eliminate any
negative effects?
e) How will you safely/ethically dispose of used materials/organisms?

DATA ANALYSIS

● The communication of the recording and processing of the data is both clear and precise.
[Data refers to quantitative data or a combination of both quantitative and qualitative data.] 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.
● The recording and processing of data shows evidence of an appropriate consideration of
uncertainties.
● The processing of data relevant to addressing the RQ is carried out appropriately and
accurately. Major omissions, inaccuracies or inconsistencies impede the possibility of drawing a
valid conclusion that addresses the RQ. Significant omissions, inaccuracies or inconsistencies
allow the possibility of drawing a conclusion that addresses the RQ but with some limit to its
validity or detail.

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Raw Data
a. Headings and units are included and are correct.
b. Where relevant uncertainties are included in table headings.
c. Uncertainties are consistent (same number of decimal places) with the raw data.
d. There is no variation in the precision of the raw data e.g., decimal places are all the same & they
reflect the precision of the instrument.
e. Include observations that do not involve numbers, these are very important too☺

Table 2: Title of raw data table

Processing Raw Data

Processes the quantitative raw data correctly.
a. Processes raw data, if necessary, into a form suitable for graphical representation e.g., combing &
manipulating the data.
b. Plots a suitable ‘best-fit’ line graph or bar graph.
c. Recording & processing of data may be shown in the one table BUT they must be clearly
distinguishable.

Table 3: Title (should include the independent and dependent variables, printout from
Excel/Sheets/Word)

Presenting Processed Data

Presents processed data appropriately and, where relevant, includes errors and uncertainties.
a. If you are comparing a relationship between parameters then a graph will be most appropriate as it provides a
visual representation of the data.
a. Both axes labelled and include the correct units.
b. At least 70% of the graph paper is used.
c. Points are plotted accurately.
d. Error bars are drawn for at least one variable or line of best fit is included.
e. Include a short paragraph beneath the graph that describes any patterns or outliers and, if error bars are used,
explains what they represent.

Figure 1: Title (should include the independent and dependent variables)

Figure 2: etc

Conclusion

● A conclusion is justified that is relevant to the RQ and fully consistent with the analysis presented.
This required the interpretation of processed data including associated uncertainties and the use of these
data to support your conclusion.
● A conclusion is justified through relevant comparison to the accepted 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
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 detailed to allow these sources to be traceable.

EVALUATION

● The report explains the relative impact of specific methodological weaknesses or limitations.
Methodological refers to the overall approach to the investigation of the RQ as well as procedural steps.
● Realistic improvements to the investigation, that are relevant to the identified weaknesses or
limitations, are explained. Weaknesses could relate to issues regarding the control of variables, the
precision of measurement or the variation in the data. Limitations could refer to how the conclusion is
limited in scope by the range of the data collected, the confines of the system or the applicability of
assumptions made.

Strengths and Weaknesses

Evaluates weaknesses and limitations.
a. Comments on the overall ‘quality’ of the procedure used and data collected.
b. Significant weaknesses and limitations in the process, equipment used, and management of time are
identified.
c. Has some appreciation of the significance of each weakness.
d. Aim for identifying 3 weaknesses/limitations.

Improving the Investigation

Suggests realistic improvements in respect of identified weaknesses and limitations.

a. Weaknesses and limitations identified earlier are addressed.
b. Realistic improvements are suggested.
c. Suggestions state exactly what should be done to reduce random uncertainties or to improve the quality of the
data.
d. Suggestions on how to remove systematic uncertainties, if present, are made.

Bibliography

Make a list of any sources that you used. Use MLA or any acceptable citation method. 3 sources
minimum

REMINDERS –
a. The maximum overall word count is 3,000 words. The following are not included in the
word count:
a. Charts and diagrams
b. Data tables
c. Equations, formulas, and calculations
d. Citations/references *whether parenthetical, numbered, footnotes or endnotes)
e. Bibliography
f. Headers

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b. The following should be stated at the start of the report:
a. Title of the investigation
b. IB candidate code (alphanumeric, for example, xyz123)
c. IB candidate code for all group members (if applicable)
d. Number of words
c. There is no requirement to include a cover page or a contents page.
d. Follow the Command Terms used in the IB IA descriptors:
a. State: Give a specific name, value or other brief answer without explanation or
calculation.
b. Identify: Provide an answer from a number of possibilities.
c. Outline: Give a brief account or summary.
d. Describe: Give a detailed account.
e. Explain: Give a detailed account including reasons or causes.
f. Justify: Give valid reasons or evidence to support an answer or conclusion.
e. There can be no identifying names or marks on the submitted IA.