Author: Rachel Moore, IB Psychology Teacher and Examiner
The IB Psychology Internal Assessment (IA) is an essential part of the course, offering students the opportunity to conduct an experiment, collect data, and analyze their results. Whether you’re at Standard Level (SL) or Higher Level (HL), your IA contributes significantly to your overall grade, and excelling in it requires careful planning, a clear methodology, and strong analytical skills.
In this guide, we’ll explore essential tips to help you ace your IB Psychology IA for the N24 and M25 sessions. From choosing the right study to structuring your report, these tips will ensure that you produce a high-quality IA.
The first step in your IB Psychology IA is to replicate a classic study. Your chosen study should be one that is feasible to replicate and relevant to the IB Psychology syllabus. Remember that you’re not expected to conduct a ground-breaking experiment; your goal is to replicate a study and analyze the results.
Pro Tip: Consult with your teacher to ensure that the study you choose is appropriate for replication and aligns with the IB Psychology curriculum.
A well-designed methodology is crucial for the success of your IA. Your methodology should clearly explain how you intend to replicate the study, including your participants, materials, and procedure.
Pro Tip: Write your methodology as though someone unfamiliar with your experiment would be able to replicate it exactly based on your description.
Once you’ve conducted your experiment, it’s time to analyze the data you’ve collected. Your analysis should go beyond simply reporting the results; it should include a discussion of what the data means in relation to the original study.
Pro Tip: Use statistical software, such as Excel or SPSS, to calculate statistical tests. Make sure your calculations are accurate and clearly presented in your IA.
A well-structured IA report is essential for earning top marks. The structure of your report should follow a logical order and include all the required sections.
Pro Tip: Use subheadings to organize each section of your report. This will make it easier for the examiner to follow your argument and award marks accordingly.
Before submitting your IA, it’s crucial to proofread your report and make any necessary revisions. This will help ensure that your IA is free from errors and presented in a professional manner.
Pro Tip: Ask a peer or teacher to review your IA before submitting it. A fresh pair of eyes can often spot mistakes or inconsistencies that you may have missed.
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Q1: How long should my IB Psychology IA be?
A: Your IA should be approximately 1,800-2,200 words, depending on whether you’re at SL or HL. Be concise but ensure that you fully address each section of the report.
Q2: Can I use my own study for the IB Psychology IA?
A: No, your IA must replicate an existing psychology study. The aim is to replicate and analyze, not to create a new experiment.
Q3: What statistical tests should I include in my IA?
A: Depending on your data, you might use a t-test, chi-square test, or other appropriate inferential statistics to determine whether your results are statistically significant.
Q4: Can I conduct my study online?
A: Yes, online experiments or surveys are allowed, but ensure that they meet the ethical guidelines of IB Psychology and that you can properly analyze the results.
Q5: How do I choose a good psychology study to replicate?
A: Choose a well-documented, classic study that is feasible for you to replicate and provides enough material for discussion and analysis.
Excelling in your IB Psychology IA requires careful planning, thorough data collection, and strong analytical skills. By choosing a study that aligns with the IB curriculum, structuring your methodology clearly, and presenting your findings effectively, you can produce a top-quality IA that earns high marks in the N24 and M25 sessions.
Good luck, and remember that the key to success is organization, clarity, and attention to detail!