Introduction
The methodology section is one of the most important parts of your Internal Assessment (IA). It tells examiners how you approached your investigation, whether through experiments, data collection, or source selection. A clear IA methodology demonstrates organization, academic rigor, and transparency. Without it, examiners may question the validity of your results and lower your marks.
In this guide, we’ll explain how to write a strong IA methodology section, outline what examiners expect, and share common mistakes to avoid. For polished examples of methodology sections that scored highly, you can study RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Quick Start Checklist: A Strong IA Methodology
- Clearly describes procedures or source selection
- Identifies independent, dependent, and controlled variables (for sciences)
- Explains why the method is appropriate
- Includes enough detail to be replicable
- Notes ethical considerations or limitations
Why the IA Methodology Matters
The methodology is the foundation of your IA’s credibility. Examiners look for:
- Clarity: Can they understand what you did?
- Replicability: Could someone repeat your IA with your description?
- Justification: Did you choose your method for a good reason?
- Critical awareness: Do you recognize possible limitations?
Without a strong methodology, your IA risks being seen as incomplete.
Step 1: State Your Research Question First
Begin your methodology by restating your IA research question. This ensures clarity and shows examiners that your methods are aligned with your purpose.
Example:
- “This IA investigates how sugar concentration affects the rate of yeast fermentation.”
From here, every step of your methodology should connect back to this focus.
Step 2: Describe Your Procedures Clearly
- Science IA: Detail your experimental design step by step. Include equipment, materials, and procedures.
- Math IA: Explain your mathematical approach or models.
- Humanities IA: Describe how you selected and evaluated sources.
Clarity is key — examiners should be able to replicate your work.
Step 3: Identify Variables (for Sciences)
For science IAs, be explicit about variables:
- Independent variable: What you change (e.g., sugar concentration).
- Dependent variable: What you measure (e.g., CO₂ production).
- Controlled variables: Factors kept constant (e.g., temperature, yeast type).
Strong IAs often include a short table of variables for extra clarity.
Step 4: Justify Your Choices
Examiners want to know why you chose your method. For example:
- “Yeast was chosen because it produces measurable CO₂ when fermenting, making it a reliable indicator of fermentation rate.”
- “Primary sources were selected to provide first-hand accounts of civilian life during wartime, ensuring authenticity.”
Justification strengthens the credibility of your IA.
Step 5: Address Ethics and Limitations
Strong methodology sections acknowledge potential challenges. For example:
- Ethics: “Care was taken to ensure that the experiment did not harm any living organisms.”
- Limitations: “While the sample size was limited, repeating the experiment multiple times improved reliability.”
Examiners appreciate honesty and reflection.
Common Mistakes in IA Methodology Sections
- Being too vague (e.g., “I conducted an experiment” without details)
- Forgetting to explain why a method was chosen
- Ignoring controlled variables in science IAs
- Overloading with irrelevant details (e.g., exact room temperature every second)
- Skipping ethical considerations when relevant
Why Exemplars Are Helpful
If you’re unsure how much detail to include or how to balance clarity with conciseness, reviewing models is the best approach. RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars showcase methodology sections from high-scoring IAs, giving you a reliable template to follow.
FAQs on IA Methodology
1. How long should the IA methodology section be?
It varies by subject, but usually 300–500 words is enough. Focus on clarity and justification without unnecessary detail.
2. Do I need to include diagrams in my methodology?
Yes, if they help explain your procedure. Diagrams can make your IA clearer and more professional.
3. Should I include failed methods in my IA methodology?
No, only describe the method you ultimately used. Failures can be discussed in your evaluation or reflection.
4. How detailed should my description be?
Detailed enough that another IB student could replicate your IA, but not overloaded with irrelevant information.
5. Where can I see examples of strong IA methodology sections?
Check RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which feature clear, examiner-ready methodologies.
Conclusion
A clear IA methodology section shows examiners that your investigation was structured, valid, and thought through. By restating your research question, describing procedures clearly, identifying variables, justifying your choices, and acknowledging ethics and limitations, you’ll produce a methodology that strengthens your IA overall. For polished models, study RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars to see how top students present their methods.
Call to Action
Ready to write a methodology that impresses examiners? Explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars today and model your IA on proven high scorers.
