Geography · IA research questions
Written and cross-checked by IB Diploma graduates: Alexander (41), Alejandro (40), Martina (40), Victoria (38), Martin (35), Maria (34)
· Checked against official IB guidance · Editorial policy
A strong Geography IA question is built around one clear relationship tested along a spatial or environmental gradient, with primary data you collect yourself. The best questions link a measurable driver to a measurable response and allow you to map or graph the trend across sites.
Scope: Aim for at least 6–10 sampling points along a transect or gradient, with repeats where feasible. Keep the survey method consistent across sites. Follow site-access and risk rules — avoid dangerous or protected locations. ~2,500 words.
Variables · IV: distance from centre along a transect. DV: building-height index or land-use intensity score. Control: time of day, weather, observer, side of street.
Variables · IV: slope angle. DV: soil depth with a probe and % vegetation cover in quadrats. Control: aspect, soil type, land use, sampling area.
Variables · IV: traffic count per interval. DV: NO₂ from diffusion tubes or a portable sensor. Control: time of day, wind direction, temperature, tube height.
Variables · IV: distance downstream. DV: dissolved oxygen (mg/L) and BMWP biotic index. Control: time of day, substrate, flow rate, season.
Variables · IV: distance from path centre. DV: penetrometer reading and species count per quadrat. Control: slope, aspect, quadrat size, time of year.
Variables · IV: land-use category. DV: runoff volume per unit area over a fixed storm. Control: storm intensity, antecedent moisture, catchment area, measurement method.
Variables · IV: altitude. DV: air temperature and relative humidity at each site. Control: time of day, cloud cover, shelter, instrument calibration.
Variables · IV: wave-energy proxy (fetch or measured wave height). DV: erosion rate from repeat cross-profiles or marker readings. Control: geology, beach width, tide state, storm history.
Variables · IV: distance from site. DV: metal concentration from soil samples or a field test kit. Control: soil type, depth, organic matter, sampling method.
Variables · IV: surface type (grass, tarmac, gravel, water). DV: air temperature 5 cm above surface at night. Control: time, cloud cover, wind, thermometer height.
Variables · IV: distance from open water / successional stage. DV: pH and nitrate/phosphate concentration. Control: depth, time of year, vegetation density, sample handling.
Variables · IV: distance from road / traffic volume. DV: dB level and user count per interval. Control: time of day, day of week, weather, green-space type.
Primary-source references used to verify key assessment facts on this page. Last source check: September 22, 2026.
These Geography ideas are original iBacalao starting points, not official IB research questions. Check the current Geography subject guide, your assessment session and your school's safety/ethics rules before committing to a question.
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