The Internal Assessment

Introductions HL should use a “funnel down approach” to developing the introduction - that is, from general to specific. Finish with the study you are replicating.

Introductions The procedure of the original study should be outlined in as much detail as possible. This is important for the discussion section.

Introductions Even at SL, the aim should be written with regard to an IV and DV - not simply “we will replicate Loftus & Palmer’s original study.” Remember to note the target population!

Introductions Simply writing the dates of the studies is not sufficient citation in most cases. You can use textbooks - but use secondary citation (Chi, Pirolli & Pitkow, 2000, as cited in Crane & Hannibal, 2009).

Design & Participants A significant number of students earn zero marks for B & C.

Design & Participants Replications should be done under “controlled conditions.” If you do your work in hallways or at lunch tables, this is inappropriate for IA. Here you may lose marks in procedure as well as design.

Design & Participants The design and sampling method must be “justified.” This means that you need to explain why you chose your design and sampling method.

Design & Participants The IV and DV must be operationalized. Both need to be very clearly defined and it needs to be clear how the DV will be measured.

Design & Participants Ethics must be discussed and all documentation must be included. Often parental consent is not included for participants under 16. Also, debriefing notes are often forgotten. This means a zero for criterion B.

Procedure There should be a list of materials prior to the procedure. May be bulleted, but should be in complete sentences. Should refer to appendices.

Results There should be only one graph which clearly reflects the aim or hypothesis. The IV and DV should be clearly represented.

Results Do not graph raw data.

Results Descriptive stats must also address variance of data. SL should avoid nominal data. HL may apply chi squared.

Discussion Discussions should start by explaining the results section and comparing the results to the original study (SL) or the background literature (HL).

Discussion The discussion should be one of the most significant parts of your paper. Many students write very short discussions and only “state the obvious.”

Discussion The rubric says that students should discuss the “limitations of the design and procedure.” Too many students discuss the nature of the sample. This does not earn any marks.

Discussion Modifications should be linked to the limitations that were identified.

Discussion Strong discussions link theory to the study.

Presentation Citation is the number one reason that students lose marks in this criterion. It is also important that appendices be appropriately labeled.

Checklist Title (IV and DV noted) – An investigation into the effects of noise on memory recall Same referencing style Abstract needs results in it. 2/3 lines on each section and a conclusion Intro HL 3 studies, SL 1 – Justify why based on gaps in previous research. Target population must be in design Discussion HL relate to all 3 studies in the intro.