Why Choose a Statistics or Probability IA Topic?
Statistics and probability offer some of the most versatile and accessible IA topics. Whether you're in AI or AA, SL or HL, this branch of math allows you to:
- Apply math to real-world questions
- Use data to uncover trends and patterns
- Explore probability through simulation or modeling
- Score well through clear analysis and interpretation
Plus, in 2025, we’re surrounded by more data than ever—from finance and sports to genetics and global health.
What Makes a Great Stats/Probability IA Topic?
Before picking a topic, ask yourself:
- Are the variables measurable and clear?
- Is there enough data? (At least 30–50 data points is ideal)
- Can I apply IB-level math? (Descriptive stats alone won’t cut it for HL)
✅ Great IAs go beyond simple averages or percentages. They incorporate:
- Hypothesis testing
- Regression analysis
- Discrete or continuous probability models
- Simulation (Monte Carlo methods, etc.)
Top IB Math IA Topic Ideas for Statistics
📊 Social Media Trends
- Does the number of hashtags affect post engagement on Instagram?
- Analyzing tweet sentiment vs engagement rate on X (formerly Twitter)
- Comparing TikTok video length vs views using regression
🌍 Health and Climate
- Correlation between urban air quality and asthma cases
- Comparing daily temperatures over the years in your city
- Life expectancy vs healthcare spending across countries
⚽ Sports Analytics
- Predicting win probabilities in football based on past stats
- Analyzing player performance over a season using moving averages
- Relationship between player height and points in basketball
💼 Business and Finance
- Comparing inflation rates and stock market trends
- Correlation between consumer confidence and GDP growth
- Price variation across global markets for the same product
🎓 Education & Psychology
- Relationship between screen time and student GPA
- Exam scores vs study time analysis using linear regression
- How music genre affects student concentration (survey-based)
Top IB Math IA Topic Ideas for Probability
🎲 Game Theory & Board Games
- Probability of winning Monopoly depending on first roll
- Modeling dice probabilities in Dungeons & Dragons
- Exploring fairness in card games like Uno or Poker
🚀 Real-Life Risk and Uncertainty
- What's the probability of missing a flight connection?
- Rain probability and planning outdoor events
- Estimating insurance risk using expected value
🧬 Genetics & Health
- Predicting genetic trait inheritance using probability trees
- Modeling mutation chances over generations
- Exploring probability in vaccine effectiveness
🎰 Simulation Topics
- Using Monte Carlo simulation to model lottery outcomes
- Estimating the number of tries needed to win a scratch card
- Simulating COVID-19 spread in a population model
Data Sources You Can Use for IA Projects
- Our World in Data (climate, health, economics)
- Kaggle.com (machine learning & open data)
- FIFA, NBA, ESPN (sports statistics)
- National government statistics (e.g., census, weather)
- Self-designed surveys (use Google Forms or school-based experiments)
IB Math Tools and Techniques for Stats/Probability IAs
- Mean, standard deviation, boxplots
- Scatter plots with linear or non-linear regression
- Chi-square tests and hypothesis testing
- Normal and binomial distribution models
- Expected value and decision trees
- Monte Carlo simulations (especially for HL)
How to Structure Your Statistics or Probability IA
- Introduction: Define your question clearly.
- Data Collection: Explain where/how you got your data.
- Mathematical Process: Apply at least two types of analysis.
- Interpretation: What do the numbers say?
- Reflection: Include limitations and improvements.
- Conclusion: Summarize key findings and insights.
Tips for Maximizing Marks in a Stats/Prob IA
- Use graphs and visuals to support your math
- Always justify your method (why regression, why binomial, etc.)
- Add context—examiners love when data is interpreted meaningfully
- Explore multiple models if one doesn’t fit the data well
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Picking topics that are too basic (e.g., “average height of students”)
- Ignoring math—focus on interpretation only
- Using unclear or biased data sources
- Forgetting to explain reasoning behind math techniques
How RevisionDojo Supports IA Success
🔍 Explore RevisionDojo.com for:
- Ready-to-use topic banks with data sources
- 7-scoring IA exemplars with statistical focus
- Visual analysis tutorials (boxplots, histograms, regression)
- Guided IA templates with structure and reflection prompts
🎯 Ace your IB Math IA with clarity and creativity at RevisionDojo.com—designed for success in AI and AA.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use online data sources?
Yes—just cite them properly and explain your selection process.
2. Is regression enough for HL?
It’s a great start—but pair it with deeper analysis or a second method (e.g., chi-square, distribution modeling).
3. Should I use more than one type of analysis?
Ideally yes—it shows depth, comparison, and critical thinking.
4. How much explanation is required?
Every math step should be explained with logic, not just shown.
5. Can I collect my own data for stats IA?
Absolutely! This boosts personal engagement and originality.
6. Can simulations be used in AI SL?
Yes—especially if well-justified and clearly documented.
Conclusion
If you’re considering a stats or probability IA, you’re choosing one of the most flexible, real-world-connected, and data-rich paths available in IB Math. With the right topic, a clear structure, and robust math, you’re on track for a high score.
🎯 Ready to find your perfect topic? Explore curated IA examples, templates, and statistical IA guides at RevisionDojo.com—trusted by top IB students worldwide.
