IB Chemistry Internal Assessment guide

What this criterion assesses

A research question described within a specific and appropriate context: variables (or correlated variables), the system it sits in, and directly relevant background theory. Methodological considerations explained — how variables are measured, scope and quality of the data, control variables, and safety/ethical/environmental issues. Enough procedural detail that the investigation could be reproduced.

Mark band descriptors

Criterion A: Research design (0–6):
- 0: The report does not reach the standard described by the descriptors below.
- 1–2: The research question is stated without context. Methodological considerations associated with collecting data relevant to the research question are stated. The description of the methodology for collecting or selecting data lacks the detail to allow for the investigation to be reproduced.
- 3–4: The research question is outlined within a broad context. Methodological considerations associated with collecting relevant and sufficient data to answer the research question are described. The description of the methodology for collecting or selecting data allows for the investigation to be reproduced with few ambiguities or omissions.
- 5–6: The research question is described within a specific and appropriate context. Methodological considerations associated with collecting relevant and sufficient data to answer the research question are explained. The description of the methodology for collecting or selecting data allows for the investigation to be reproduced.
Note: A research question with context should contain reference to the dependent and independent variables (or two correlated variables), a concise description of the system in which the research question is embedded, and background theory of direct relevance.

What this criterion assesses

Recording and processing of data communicated both clearly and precisely — correct conventions for tables, graphs, units, decimal places and significant figures — with appropriate consideration of uncertainties, and processing relevant to the research question carried out appropriately and accurately.

Mark band descriptors

Criterion B: Data analysis (0–6):
- 0: The report does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
- 1–2: The recording and processing of the data is communicated but is neither clear nor precise. The recording and processing of data shows limited evidence of the consideration of uncertainties. Some processing of data relevant to addressing the research question is carried out but with major omissions, inaccuracies or inconsistencies.
- 3–4: The communication of the recording and processing of the data is either clear or precise. The recording and processing of data shows evidence of a consideration of uncertainties but with some significant omissions or inaccuracies. The processing of data relevant to addressing the research question is carried out but with some significant omissions, inaccuracies or inconsistencies.
- 5–6: The communication of the recording and processing of the data is both clear and precise. The recording and processing of data shows evidence of an appropriate consideration of uncertainties. The processing of data relevant to addressing the research question is carried out appropriately and accurately.
Note: "Clear" means the method of processing can be understood easily; "precise" means conventions are followed correctly (annotation of graphs and tables, units, decimal places, significant figures).

What this criterion assesses

A conclusion justified by the analysis — including the interpretation of processed data and its uncertainties — that answers the research question, and is justified through relevant comparison to the accepted scientific context (published values, theory), with traceable citations.

Mark band descriptors

Criterion C: Conclusion (0–6):
- 0: The report does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
- 1–2: A conclusion is stated that is relevant to the research question but is not supported by the analysis presented. The conclusion makes superficial comparison to the accepted scientific context.
- 3–4: A conclusion is described that is relevant to the research question but is not fully consistent with the analysis presented. A conclusion is described that makes some relevant comparison to the accepted scientific context.
- 5–6: A conclusion is justified that is relevant to the research question and fully consistent with the analysis presented. A conclusion is justified through relevant comparison to the accepted scientific context.
Note: A fully consistent conclusion requires the interpretation of processed data including associated uncertainties. Scientific context refers to published material, published values, course notes or textbooks, cited in enough detail to be traceable.

What this criterion assesses

Specific methodological weaknesses and limitations explained — including their relative impact on the results — with realistic improvements that directly address the identified weaknesses.

Mark band descriptors

Criterion D: Evaluation (0–6):
- 0: The report does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below.
- 1–2: The report states generic methodological weaknesses or limitations. Realistic improvements to the investigation are stated.
- 3–4: The report describes specific methodological weaknesses or limitations. Realistic improvements to the investigation, that are relevant to the identified weaknesses or limitations, are described.
- 5–6: The report explains the relative impact of specific methodological weaknesses or limitations. Realistic improvements to the investigation, that are relevant to the identified weaknesses or limitations, are explained.
Note: "Generic" means general to many methodologies rather than specific to this investigation. Weaknesses could relate to the control of variables, the precision of measurement or the variation in the data; limitations could refer to the range of data collected, the confines of the system or the applicability of assumptions made.