INSERT TITLE HERE
1. EXPLORATION
1.1 RESEARCH QUESTION
Insert research question here (make sure it is fully focussed)
1.2 INTRODUCTION
Insert introduction here. It should be at least half a page and include:
§ Background theory that references scientific literature (either footnotes or in-text citations)
§ Evidence of a relevant application for the investigation (demonstrates personal engagement)
1.3 AIM
Include a brief aim (less detailed than the research question – basically established the link between the IV and DV)
1.4 HYPOTHESIS
Make a prediction with a justification (should relate to what was discussed in the introduction)
1.5 VARIABLES
INDEPENDENT VARIABLE:
State what it is and identify the range of values selected (with a justification as to why that range was chosen)
DEPENDENT VARIABLE:
State what it is and how it will be measured
CONTROLLED VARIABLES:
Table 1.5.1: Controlled variables and their method of control
Controlled Variable Significance Method of Control
UNCONTROLLED VARIABLES:
Table 1.5.2: Uncontrolled variables and their effect on results
Uncontrolled Variable Potential Impact
1.6 MATERIALS AND METHOD
REQUIRED MATERIALS:
Insert material here
§ Include quantities required for entire experiment (i.e. all trials)
§ Where appropriate, include uncertainties for measurement devices
§ May choose to separate equipment and consumables (purely a preference decision)
METHODOLOGY
Insert methodology as numbered steps (could divide into sections for ease of communication)
§ Set up (outline preparation of any reaction mixtures)
§ Conducting experiment (outline steps taken as part of methodology)
§ Collecting data (outline how dependent variable is quantitated)
LABELLED DIAGRAM
Entirely optional
2. ANALYSIS
2.1 QUALITATIVE DATA
Insert qualitative observations here (may not be much to say, but it doesn’t hurt to include!)
2.2 QUANTITATIVE DATA
RAW DATA
Table 2.2.1: Insert appropriate title
Dependent Variable
Independent
Variable Standard
Trial 1 Trial 2 Trial 3 Trial 4 Trial 5 Average
Deviation
Be sure to include sample calculations as appropriate (or refer to the appropriate Excel function)
OUTLIERS
Table 2.2.1: Insert appropriate title
Independent Variable Q1 Q3 IQR Upper Bound Lower Bound Outlier
Be sure to include sample calculations for Q1, Q3 and IQR – also include an explanation of what constitutes an outlier
PROCESSED DATA
Insert an appropriate graph, including:
§ Error bars (± one standard deviation)
§ Trend line (should be consistent with the trend suggested in the hypothesis)
§ Correlation coefficient (use Pearson’s for linear trendlines and Spearman’s for non-linear trendlines)
2.3 DISCUSSION
Discuss the entirety of the data
§ Summarise the trends (as per the graph) and explain the results according to the established theory
§ Identify and discuss any anomalous data points or unexpected patterns
§ Assess the relevance of the data in terms of both accuracy and precision (error bars and t-test data)
3. EVALUATION
3.1 STRENGTHS
Insert strengths of the design here
§ Obvious ones include the use of repeats, negative control (and control variables), low measurement uncertainty
3.2 LIMITATIONS
Insert limitations and suggested improvements here (may use table format, but will depend on available space)
Limitation Impact on Results Suggested Improvement
3.3 CONCLUSION
Include a brief conclusion (less detailed than the discussion – basically determines if hypothesis is supported or rejected)
3.4 EXTENSION
Suggest avenues for further investigation (not design improvements – those should be in the limitations section)
4. REFERENCES
Include all references here (use the Harvard referencing system)
NOTE:
The following sections will still need to be included in your final IA report (undertaken next year):
• Percentage Uncertainties – this will allow you to better assess the accuracy of your measurements
• Safety Considerations – including environmental and ethical considerations (if appropriate)
• Statistical Processing – this may involve use of a t-test to determine if a trend is statistically significant
