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?”
