IB Biology – The No-BS Guide to Getting a 7 in Your IA, by the7student on YouTube. 5 min 49 s.
- Video length
- 5 min 49 s
- Time to do it
- 3 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Start with a research question that names the independent and dependent variable and states the organism or system. Keep it narrow enough to measure in the time you have, for example the effect of light intensity on Elodea photosynthesis.
Write the background section. Define the key terms, explain the biology behind your variables, and finish with a clear hypothesis that predicts a direction and justifies it with accepted theory.
List your variables. Give the independent variable with at least five planned levels, the dependent variable with the exact units and instrument, and all controlled variables with how you will keep each one constant.
Describe your method in numbered past-tense steps so someone else could repeat it exactly. Include quantities, concentrations, temperatures, timings and the number of repeats for each level.
Add a safety and ethics paragraph. Note hazards such as glassware or chemicals and the precautions you took, plus any handling rules for living organisms or human participants.
Present raw data in a clearly titled table with units in the column headings and the correct number of significant figures. Keep raw data separate from processed data.
Process the data in a second table. Show a sample calculation, add uncertainty for each instrument, and use a suitable statistical test such as a t-test or chi-squared with the result stated.
Plot a graph with labelled axes, units, a fitted line or trend and error bars. Add a short caption that says what the graph shows rather than just repeating the title.
Write the conclusion by answering your research question directly and comparing your result to your hypothesis and to published values. Support every claim with a number from your data.
Finish with the evaluation. Name the specific weaknesses in your method, explain how each one affected the data, and suggest one realistic improvement for each. Then check your citations and page limit.
Tips and common mistakes
Decide how you will process the data before you collect it, or you may end up with numbers no statistical test can handle.
Carry uncertainties through every calculation instead of adding them at the end.
Write in the past tense and keep the report impersonal, avoiding phrases like I think or I feel.
Leave time to check the IA criteria point by point, since marks are awarded for each strand separately.
Questions
How long should the IB Biology IA be?
There is no fixed word count, but most reports run about 6 to 12 pages including tables and graphs. Check your teacher's limit, as schools often set their own.
How many data points do I need?
A common target is at least five levels of the independent variable with three repeats each, giving 15 or more measurements. More repeats make your statistical test stronger.
Can I use a topic the class has not covered?
Yes, as long as you can explain the biology in your background section. Choose something you can measure reliably with the equipment your school actually has.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
