IB SPORTS EXERCISE AND HEALTH SCIENCES/BIOLOGY IA CHECKLIST

body and conclusion

Personal engagement [ /2 (8%)] □ The introduction includes an observation that leads to the research
□ Thinking, initiative or insight for investigating chosen topic is given. A question
statement of purpose. □ The hypothesis is given as a scientifically reasonable answer to the
□ Justification indicates personal interest, significance or curiosity for research question
chosen design & presentation is given □ The hypothesis is clearly justified and supported through a review of
□ Relationship with the real world scientific literature
□ Originality of the design of the method (choice of materials and
methods)
□ The quality of observations made & reflections on the quality of the data. □ All information is clearly supported with references
□ At least 3 appropriate sources with authors have been used
Exploration [ /6 (25%)] □ Both Internet and print sources are included
Research Question □ There is no plagiarism (this will give a zero)
□ A descriptive yet concise title is given
□ A grammatically correct question about a precise relationship is asked Methodology: Manipulation and Control of the Variables
□ A sufficiently detailed question to stand alone and be self-explanatory is □ An introduction establishes the methodology as a fair test of the
asked hypothesis
□ A specific measurable dependent variable is included □ The modification of procedures from other sources are clearly referenced
□ A specific independent variable to be manipulated is included in MLA format
□ Precise locations, measurements and Genus species names are given □ All materials are clearly listed with details (type, amount, size, volume,
concentration…)
Variables □ No kitchen terms (measuring cup, kitchen scale, etc.)
□ Independent and dependent variables are written exactly the same as in □ Diagrams and/or photographs clearly showing the setup of apparatus are
the question included as needed
□ A very brief description of how the independent variable is modified is □ Diagrams and photographs are referenced using MLA or
given (Drawing/Photograph by Author)
□ The range and/or intervals of the independent variable is given □ How the listed controlled variables were kept controlled in the
□ A very brief description of how the dependent variable is measured is experiment is described
given □ Safety is addressed as needed (gloves, eyewear, and appropriate
□ Controlled variables include all significant variables that could affect the chemical clean-up/disposal of waste)
dependent variable □ The use of consent forms in human physiology experiments is explained
□ A very brief description of why each controlled variable must be kept
constant is given Methodology: Collection of the Data
□ Uncontrolled variables identified and how they could impact results are □ Methods written in prose or recipe style
discussed □ The introduction establishes the data collected is valid for answering the
research question
Hypothesis □ The reliability of the methodology is established through sufficient
□ A grammatically correct answer to the research question is given repetition
□ The hypothesis can be supported through scientific research and □ How the dependent variable measurements were taken is precisely
reasoning explained
□ A precise relationship between the independent and dependent □ The number of dependent variable measurements and why this amount
variables is predicted is described
□ The size of the increments between each data point and why this was
Background acceptable is described
□ A well-organized essay with paragraphs is given with an introduction, □ The use of at least 5 repeats to calculate standard deviation for error
analysis is explained
□ Enough data is being collected (a minimum of 30 data points to process)
□ The collection of data from any other students or sources is clearly
explained and referenced
□ Qualitative data is recorded
Analysis [ /6 (25%)] □ The variation in results is reported, showing the strength of the
Data Collection conclusion
□ A short introduction is given to establish what data was collected and □ Scientific reasoning is used to show the validity of the relationship
why it is appropriate □ How far the conclusion can be generalized is discussed
□ 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 Evaluation [ /6 (25%)]
with uncertainties Evaluation
□ Qualitative data is recorded in the data table or separately as □ The appropriateness of the apparatus in obtaining relevant data is
appropriate commented on
□ Weaknesses in the methodology are discussed
Data Analysis: Processing Data □ The reliability of the data is commented on
□ A short introduction of how the data was processed is given □ The quantity of the data is commented on
□ The relevance of this data processing to answer the research question is □ The precision and accuracy of the data is commented on
given □ Outlier data or irregularities in the data are addressed
□ Calculations are carried out correctly and allow construction of an □ Standard deviation/error bars are discussed
appropriate graph
□ Sample calculations are demonstrated for the reader Suggested Improvements
□ Averages and standard deviation is determined and properly presented □ Where limitations are determined to be significant, specific
in data table improvements are proposed
□ Rate is also calculated if appropriate from experiment □ Improvements effectively address the limitations (not just to be more
□ Uncertainties are explained as necessary – limitations of instruments careful or if more time was provided)
chosen □ Improvements are given which are possible within the context of a
school laboratory
Data Analysis: Presenting Data
□ The dependent variable is appropriately graphed against the Further Research Questions
independent variable □ At least 2 research questions are stated with clear independent and
□ Graphs include descriptive titles of the variables and axis are labeled dependent variables
including units □ The research questions are an extension from the conclusion and
□ Error bars showing the uncertainties are included on the graph for evaluation
individual data points □ A short explanation for each question is given to establish its importance
□ Maximum and minimum lines of best fit are drawn if appropriate and relevance
□ Each graph has a paragraph discussing the relationship(s) and trends
shown – no conclusion. Communication [ /4 (17%)]
References (formatting)
Conclusion □ Parenthetical in-text references/citations are given in proper and
□ An introduction is given consistent format
□ A conclusion is clearly stated “In conclusion…” □ A Works Cited List with proper formatting is given at the end of the
□ The conclusion given is correct and clearly supported by the report
interpretation of the data
□ Key data from the analysis is given and trends in the data are discussed Overall Presentation
□ The extent to which the hypothesis is supported by the data is explained □ No spelling or grammar errors are present
□ There are clear headings for each section, with consistent formatting
□ Font size 12 font is used
□ No double spacing

*** Report must be 6-12 pages ***