DP Physics Internal Assessment & Lab Investigation Rubric (FE2025)
Name: Date:
Topic: Level:
Research Design (D) Data Analysis (A) Conclusion (C) Evaluation (E) Total Score DP Grade
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Research Design (D)
Communicates the background information and methodology to answer the stated research question within a specific context
Incomplete Developing Refining Mastering
D1 The research question is described
D1 The research question is stated without D1 The research question is outlined
within a specific and appropriate
context within a broad context
context
The report does 1 2 3 4 5 6
not reach a
D2 Methodological considerations D2 Methodological considerations D2 Methodological considerations
standard
associated with collecting data relevant to associated with collecting data relevant associated with collecting data relevant
described by
the research question are stated to the research question are described to the research question are explained
the criterion
descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6
D3 The description of the methodology
D3 The description of the methodology for D3 The description of the methodology
for collecting or selecting data allows for
collecting or selecting data lacks detail to for collecting or selecting data allows for
the investigation to be reproduced with
allow for the investigation to be reproduced the investigation to be reproduced
few ambiguities or omissions
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Clarifications for Research Design:
● Research question (RQ) with context should contain some reference to: IV & DV, description of the system, and theory
● Methodological considerations include how variables are measured or controlled, decisions on quantity of measurements,
and the recognition of safety, ethical or environmental issues
● Description of methodology refers to presenting sufficient information, while also avoiding unnecessary and repetitive content
Data Analysis (A)
Evidence that the data is correctly recorded, processed, analyzed and presented towards answering the research question
Incomplete Developing Refining Mastering
A1 The recording and processing of the A1 The communication of the recording A1 The communication of the recording
data is communicated but is neither clear and processing of the data is either clear and processing of the data is both clear
nor precise or precise and precise
1 2 3 4 5 6
The report does
A2 The recording and processing of data
not reach a A2 The recording and processing of data A2 The recording and processing of data
shows evidence of a consideration of the
standard shows limited evidence of the shows evidence of an appropriate
uncertainties but with some significant
described by consideration of uncertainties consideration of uncertainties
omissions or inaccuracies
the criterion
descriptors 1 2 3 4 5 6
A3 The processing of data relevant to
A3 Some processing of data relevant to A3 The processing of data relevant to
addressing the research question is
addressing the research question is carried addressing the research question is
carried out but with some significant
out but with major omissions, inaccuracies carried out appropriately and
omissions, inaccuracies or
or inconsistencies accurately
inconsistencies
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Clarifications for Data Analysis:
● Clear communication means that the method of processing can be understood easily
● Precise communication refers to following conventions correctly (e.g. annotating graphs, use of units, significant figures)
● Consideration of uncertainties is outlined in the Skills in the Study of Physics and during formative lab investigations
● Significant omissions still allow the possibility of drawing valid a conclusion and answering the research question
● Major omissions impede and do not allow the possibility of drawing a valid conclusion nor answering the research question
Created by Mike Poirier, adapted from DP Physics Teacher Support Material (2023). This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
DP Physics Internal Assessment & Lab Investigation Rubric (FE2025)
Conclusion (C)
Provides a conclusion relevant to the research question, which is justified and consistent with data analysis and scientific context
Incomplete Developing Refining Mastering
C1 A conclusion is described that is C1 A conclusion is justified that is
C1 A conclusion is stated that is relevant to
relevant to the research question but is relevant to the research question and
The report does the research question but is not supported
not fully consistent with the analysis fully consistent with the analysis
not reach a by the analysis presented
presented presented
standard
described by 1 2 3 4 5 6
the criterion C2 The conclusion makes superficial C2 The conclusion is described that C2 The conclusion is justified through
descriptors comparison to the accepted scientific makes some relevant comparison to relevant comparison to the accepted
context the accepted scientific context scientific context
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Clarifications for Conclusion:
● A conclusion that is fully consistent requires the interpretation of processed data including associated uncertainties
● Scientific context refers to: published material, literature values, course notes, textbooks, or other outside sources
● The citation of any published materials must be sufficiently referenced and detailed to allow these sources to be traceable
Evaluation (E)
Evaluates limitations of the investigation, as well as suggests realistic improvements and extensions for further inquiry
Incomplete Developing Refining Mastering
E1 The report describes specific E1 The report explains the relative
E1 The report states generic
The report does methodological weaknesses or impact of specific methodological
methodological weaknesses or limitations
not reach a limitations weaknesses or limitations
standard
1 2 3 4 5 6
described by the
criterion E2 Realistic improvements to the E2 Realistic improvements to the
descriptors E2 Realistic improvements to the investigation, that are relevant to the investigation, that are relevant to the
investigation are stated identified weaknesses or limitations, identified weaknesses or limitations,
are described are explained
0 1 2 3 4 5 6
Clarifications for Evaluation:
● Generic is not specifically relevant to the methodology of the investigation being evaluated
● Methodological refers to the overall approach to the investigation of the research question, as well as procedural steps
● Weaknesses could relate issues pertaining to both accuracy (systematic errors) and precision (random errors)
Student Prediction & Academic Honesty Agreement
✓ Additional Student Requirements
The report is under 3,000 words (not including: data tables, sketches, graphs, headings, references or bibliographies)
If large amounts of data are collected, only a sample is included, and any remaining data has been included in an Appendix
Broadly accepted facts or theories are clearly noted, but citations are not required (e.g. suvat equations, Newton’s Laws)
Any information used from outside sources must have in-text citations and a works cited reference detailing where it came from
Research Design (D) Data Analysis (A) Conclusion (C) Evaluation (E) Total Score DP Grade
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I hereby affirm that the work presented is entirely my own, and any external sources used are properly cited. I have not engaged in
any form of plagiarism, unauthorized collaboration, or any other violation of academic integrity standards. I understand the
consequences of academic dishonesty, and acknowledge that the IB will instigate an inquiry regarding any suspected malpractice.
__________________________________ __________________________________ __________________
Student Name Student Signature Submission Date
Created by Mike Poirier, adapted from DP Physics Teacher Support Material (2023). This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0.
