A strong research question is the foundation of a successful IB Digital Society internal assessment (IA). Even well-chosen topics can underperform if the research question is unclear, too broad, or poorly framed. In IB Digital Society, the research question must guide analysis, conceptual application, and evaluation, not just description.

This article explains how to write a strong IB Digital Society IA research question and how to avoid the most common mistakes.

Why the Research Question Matters

The research question determines:

• The direction of the investigation
• Which concepts can be applied
• Whether evaluation is possible
• How focused the IA remains

Examiners do not assess the topic alone — they assess how effectively the research question enables analysis of a digital system and its impacts on people and communities.

A weak research question limits what students can demonstrate, even if the topic is interesting.

What Makes a Good Digital Society IA Research Question?

A strong IA research question is:

• Focused on a specific digital system
• Analytical rather than descriptive
• Linked to people and communities
• Open to evaluation and judgment

The question should encourage exploration of how, why, or to what extent, rather than simply asking what something is.

Start With a Clearly Defined Digital System

The research question must clearly identify the digital system being investigated. Vague references to “technology” or “social media” weaken analysis.

Strong research questions:

• Refer to a specific system or feature
• Make the system’s role clear
• Avoid broad technological categories

If the system cannot be clearly explained in one or two sentences, the research question is likely too broad.

Focus on Impacts, Not Just Features

Digital Society IAs are not system descriptions. The research question should guide analysis of impacts on people and communities.

Effective questions ask:

• How does this system affect individuals?
• How does it affect communities differently?
• What consequences arise from its use?

Questions that focus only on system design or functionality tend to become descriptive.

Include Space for Conceptual Analysis

A strong research question allows for consistent application of IB Digital Society concepts such as power, ethics, identity, change, or systems.

Before finalizing a question, students should ask:

• Which concepts will I apply?
• Does the question naturally invite conceptual thinking?

If concepts feel forced, the research question likely needs revision.

Ensure the Question Allows Evaluation

Evaluation is essential for high marks. A strong research question makes judgment possible.

Good research questions:

• Invite assessment of benefits and risks
• Allow ethical evaluation
• Encourage balanced conclusions

Questions that can be answered with simple explanation or agreement do not support evaluation.

Use Analytical Language

The wording of the research question matters. Analytical language signals higher-level thinking.

Effective phrasing often includes:

• “To what extent…”
• “How does… influence…”
• “In what ways does… affect…”

Avoid phrasing that suggests description, such as “What is” or “How does it work.”

Avoid Overly Broad or Ambitious Questions

Students often weaken their IA by trying to address too much at once.

Avoid research questions that:

• Involve multiple systems
• Cover global impacts without focus
• Attempt to solve large societal problems

A narrow, well-analyzed question scores higher than a broad, superficial one.

Common Research Question Mistakes

Students often struggle with:

• Questions that are too descriptive
• Questions that lack a clear system
• Questions that ignore community-level impacts
• Questions that do not allow ethical evaluation

Identifying these issues early saves time and frustration.

Testing Your Research Question

Before committing, students should test their research question by asking:

1. Can I analyze impacts on both individuals and communities?
2. Can I apply at least one concept consistently?
3. Can I evaluate implications or ethical concerns?

If the answer to any question is “no,” the research question needs refinement.

Revising and Refining the Question

Strong research questions often emerge through revision. Narrowing scope, clarifying language, or refocusing on impacts can dramatically improve quality.

Students should view revision as a strength, not a failure.

The Role of Teacher Feedback

Teacher feedback is especially valuable at the research question stage. Small adjustments early can significantly improve the final IA.

Students should actively seek guidance before finalizing their question.

Why the Research Question Sets the IA Ceiling

The research question defines what is possible in the IA. A clear, analytical question creates space for strong conceptual analysis and evaluation.

A weak question limits achievement, regardless of effort.

Final Thoughts

Writing a strong IB Digital Society IA research question is about clarity, focus, and analytical potential. The best questions center on a specific digital system, explore impacts on people and communities, and invite conceptual and ethical evaluation. By carefully crafting and refining the research question, students lay the foundation for a focused, insightful, and high-scoring internal assessment.