Psychology · Research Proposal (IA)
IB Psychology Internal Assessment
Upload your Research Proposal (IA) and get examiner-level feedback on every criterion — scored against the official IB Psychology internal assessment (research proposal) criteria (first assessment 2027). Free to try, no account required.
Assessment criteria — 24 marks total
Your Research Proposal (IA) is graded against 4 criteria. iBacalao scores each one and tells you exactly where to gain marks.
Introduction
A clearly stated and focused aim or research question, a real-life problem described with its impact on the population of interest explained, and the findings and key conclusions of two pieces of relevant research explained and linked to the investigation.
Research Methodology
The choice of research method (experiment, interview, observation, or survey/questionnaire) explained and justified; the procedure — sampling technique, sample characteristics, design, setting and process — explained; and relevant ethical considerations described and explicitly linked to the investigation.
Data Collection
An appropriate and effective data collection tool (e.g. questionnaire, Likert scales, observation checklist or interview schedule, with at least five items, copy in the appendix); the decisions made in creating it explained and relevant to the aim; and potential data-collection challenges (researcher bias, demand characteristics, validity…) explained and relevant to the investigation.
Discussion
Potential findings described in detail with their implications for policy and/or practice explained; a discussion of how researcher bias (personal history, values, relation to participants) may affect the investigation; and one additional research method discussed with reference to how it would increase understanding of the topic.
Common mistakes to avoid
Introduction
Aim too broad or not focused on the population of interestReal-life problem stated but its impact on the population never explainedOnly one background study included, or two summarized without linking them to the proposalProcedural details of background studies included where only findings/conclusions are needed
Research Methodology
Method named but the choice never justified for this aimProcedure missing sampling technique or sample characteristicsGeneric ethics checklist not linked to this study or populationVulnerable-population or sensitive-topic issues ignored where relevant
Data Collection
Data collection tool missing from the appendix or under five itemsTool doesn't actually measure the behaviour in the aim (operationalization gap)Design decisions listed but not explained or justifiedChallenges discussed generically (not tied to this tool and population)
Discussion
Potential findings described but policy/practice implications skippedResearcher bias mentioned without connecting it to this investigationAdditional method named but its added value never discussedReflection on personal influence missing entirely
Common questions
How is the IB Psychology Research Proposal (IA) marked?
Your Research Proposal (IA) is marked against 4 criteria totalling 24 marks using the official IB Psychology internal assessment (research proposal) criteria (first assessment 2027). Your teacher marks first, then the IBO moderates a random sample from your school — so your mark may be adjusted up or down if the moderator consistently disagrees with your teacher.
What is the most important criterion in the IB Psychology IA?
All criteria matter, but the highest-weighted criterion — worth the most marks — is "Introduction". Focus on what the mark band descriptor says for the top score and make sure every element it mentions is present in your submission.
Can I use AI to help with my Psychology IA?
The IBO allows AI for feedback and research support, but the submitted work must be entirely your own. iBacalao gives criterion-by-criterion feedback on your draft — the same kind of comment your teacher would give — without generating any text for your IA.