Introduction
The research question is the backbone of your Internal Assessment (IA). A strong research question gives your IA direction, while a weak or vague one can derail the entire project. Examiners judge the quality of your IA largely by how clearly you define and answer your question.
In this guide, we’ll explore how to refine your IA research question so it is clear, focused, and aligned with IB expectations. To see how top-scoring students shaped their questions, you can review RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Quick Start Checklist: A Strong IA Research Question
- Narrow and specific, not broad or vague
- Directly linked to the subject’s scope
- Feasible within available resources and time
- Analytical rather than descriptive
- Answerable with evidence, data, or analysis
Why the Research Question Matters
Your IA research question:
- Shapes the entire structure of your IA
- Determines what data or sources you need
- Defines what kind of analysis you’ll carry out
- Helps examiners judge clarity and focus
Without a clear research question, your IA risks being unfocused and descriptive.
Step 1: Start Broad, Then Narrow
Many students begin with a broad idea, which is normal. The key is refining it into something manageable.
Examples:
- Broad (History IA): “How did propaganda influence World War II?”
- Refined: “To what extent did British propaganda posters affect civilian morale during World War II?”
- Broad (Biology IA): “How does light affect plants?”
- Refined: “How does blue LED light affect the growth rate of basil plants compared to red LED light?”
The refined questions are specific, measurable, and focused.
Step 2: Ensure It’s Analytical, Not Just Descriptive
Examiners want analysis, not description.
- Descriptive: “What were the events leading to the Cold War?”
- Analytical: “To what extent did the Marshall Plan contribute to escalating tensions in the Cold War?”
Analytical questions require evaluation and argument, which earn higher marks.
Step 3: Check Feasibility
Ask yourself:
- Do I have access to the data or sources needed?
- Can I realistically carry out the experiment or research?
- Will I be able to finish within the IA timeline?
If the answer is no, refine your question further.
Step 4: Keep It Subject-Specific
Each IA subject has unique requirements:
- Science IA: Research questions must focus on testable variables.
- History IA: Research questions should focus on narrow historical events or sources.
- Math IA: Research questions should explore mathematical concepts, not just simple calculations.
Make sure your question fits the subject’s expectations.
Step 5: Test Your Question
A good test is to try answering your research question in one sentence. If it feels vague, it needs refining.
Example:
- Research Question: “To what extent does caffeine affect human reaction time?”
- Possible Answer: “This IA found that caffeine reduced average reaction times by 15% in students aged 16–18.”
This clarity shows the question is focused enough.
Common Mistakes in IA Research Questions
- Being too broad (“How does technology affect society?”).
- Being too simple (“Does salt affect boiling point?”).
- Being outside the subject scope (“How did WWII affect the world economy?” for a science IA).
- Using yes/no questions instead of analytical ones.
- Forgetting feasibility (choosing topics that require inaccessible data).
Why Exemplars Are Helpful
Seeing how successful students refine their IA research questions is the best way to learn. RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars showcase clear, focused questions that meet examiner expectations.
FAQs on IA Research Questions
1. How long should my IA research question be?
Usually one sentence. Long enough to be specific, but not wordy.
2. Can I change my IA research question later?
Yes, but it’s best to finalize early. Changing late can weaken your analysis.
3. Should my IA research question include variables?
Yes, especially in science IAs. Clearly state the independent and dependent variables.
4. Can my IA research question be too narrow?
Yes — if your question is so narrow that you can’t develop analysis, you may need to broaden slightly.
5. Where can I see examples of strong IA research questions?
Check RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which feature refined questions across different subjects.
Conclusion
Refining your IA research question is the first step toward a high-scoring Internal Assessment. By narrowing broad ideas, ensuring analysis, checking feasibility, and keeping it subject-specific, you’ll create a focused question that examiners reward. For real examples of well-crafted IA research questions, review RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Call to Action
Need help refining your IA research question? Explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars today and learn from high-scoring IB students.
