Introduction
Every IB student must complete an Internal Assessment (IA) for each subject, but not all IAs are created equal. The approach, structure, and expectations vary greatly depending on whether your subject is in the sciences or the humanities. A science IA typically relies on experiments and data, while a humanities IA emphasizes sources, interpretation, and critical analysis.
In this guide, we’ll break down the key differences between science and humanities IAs, explain what examiners look for in each, and share strategies for success. To see what high-scoring IAs look like in both categories, you can study RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars.
Quick Start Checklist: Science vs Humanities IAs
- Science IA: Experiment-based, quantitative data, focus on methodology and evaluation
- Humanities IA: Source-based, qualitative analysis, focus on interpretation and argument
- Both require a clear research question, strong analysis, and critical evaluation
Core Structure of a Science IA
A typical science IA (Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Environmental Systems) includes:
- A focused research question linked to an experiment
- Hypothesis or prediction
- Clear methodology with controlled variables
- Data collection and processing (tables, graphs, statistics)
- Analysis of trends and results
- Evaluation of limitations and errors
- Conclusion linked to the research question
Science IAs are judged heavily on experimental design and data interpretation.
Core Structure of a Humanities IA
A typical humanities IA (History, Geography, Psychology, Economics) includes:
- A clear, narrow research question or case study
- Context or background for the investigation
- Source collection and evaluation
- Structured analysis with multiple perspectives
- Interpretation of evidence
- Conclusion based on reasoned argument
Humanities IAs are judged heavily on source evaluation and quality of argument.
Key Difference #1: Evidence Type
- Science IAs: Evidence comes from data — measurements, graphs, statistics.
- Humanities IAs: Evidence comes from sources — documents, texts, case studies.
This difference shapes everything about how the IA is written.
Key Difference #2: Methodology
- Science IAs: Methodology is detailed and replicable, focusing on variables and control.
- Humanities IAs: Methodology is about research strategy — how sources are chosen, evaluated, and interpreted.
Key Difference #3: Analysis Style
- Science IAs: Analysis interprets numerical data, identifying trends and testing hypotheses.
- Humanities IAs: Analysis interprets perspectives, biases, and interpretations in sources.
Key Difference #4: Evaluation
- Science IAs: Evaluation highlights experimental errors, limitations, and possible improvements.
- Humanities IAs: Evaluation emphasizes reliability, bias, and limitations of sources.
Key Difference #5: Writing Style
- Science IAs: Objective, precise, and concise. Focuses on results and data.
- Humanities IAs: Argument-driven, interpretive, and analytical. Focuses on meaning and implications.
Examples of Strong IA Approaches
- Science IA Example: “How does caffeine concentration affect the heart rate of Daphnia?” → Requires careful experimental design, multiple trials, and statistical analysis.
- Humanities IA Example: “To what extent did propaganda posters influence British civilian morale during World War II?” → Requires source evaluation, thematic analysis, and discussion of perspectives.
Both examples demonstrate focus but handle evidence differently.
Common Mistakes in Science IAs
- Poor experimental design with uncontrolled variables
- Insufficient trials or unreliable data
- Overly descriptive data presentation without analysis
- Ignoring sources of error in evaluation
Common Mistakes in Humanities IAs
- Choosing a research question that’s too broad
- Over-reliance on secondary sources without primary evidence
- Descriptive summaries instead of analytical arguments
- Failing to evaluate bias or reliability of sources
How Exemplars Help
If you’re unsure how to approach your IA depending on your subject, reviewing strong examples is invaluable. RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars feature IAs across both sciences and humanities, showing exactly how top students adapt their writing to meet subject expectations.
FAQs on Science vs Humanities IAs
1. Which type of IA is harder: science or humanities?
Neither is inherently harder — success depends on choosing a strong research question and meeting the subject-specific rubric.
2. Can I use both qualitative and quantitative evidence in my IA?
Yes, but the balance depends on your subject. Science IAs prioritize quantitative data, while humanities IAs rely on qualitative interpretation.
3. How detailed should my methodology be?
In science IAs, it should be detailed enough to replicate the experiment. In humanities IAs, focus on how you selected and evaluated sources.
4. How do examiners judge evaluation differently?
Science IAs emphasize experimental limitations; humanities IAs emphasize source reliability and bias.
5. Where can I find examples of both science and humanities IAs?
You can study RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which showcase top-scoring IAs across all IB subjects.
Conclusion
The differences between science and humanities IAs lie in evidence, methodology, analysis, evaluation, and writing style. Science IAs prioritize experimental design and data interpretation, while humanities IAs emphasize source evaluation and argument. Both, however, require focus, clarity, and critical thinking. For models of success in both categories, check out RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars, which showcase real IAs that examiners rewarded highly.
Call to Action
Want to see the best examples of both science and humanities IAs? Explore RevisionDojo’s coursework exemplars today and learn how to adapt your approach to your subject.
