The Internal Assessment (IA) consists of one task (the scientific investigation) which serves as a cornerstone of the IB Sports, Exercise and Health Science (SEHS) programme.
It accounts for 24% of the final grade across all four assessment components (Paper 1A, 1B, 2, and the IA).
The IA provides a unique opportunity for students to apply scientific and biological concepts to areas of personal interest, allowing them to explore topics in depth and creativity, without the time pressures and restrictions of a written examination.
Note
This component is internally assessed by the teacher and externally moderated by the IB at the end of the course.
Criterion
Research design
Data analysis
Conclusion
Evaluation
Total
Number of available marks
6 (25%)
6 (25%)
6 (25%)
6 (25%)
24 (100%)
Why the IA Matters for Students:
Real-World Application: Students connect projects, experiments, and data-based research to diverse situations and other fields of knowledge, fostering adaptability and problem-solving skills.
Ethical Awareness: Encourages appreciation for the moral, social, and ethical implications inherent in SEHS, with a global perspective.
Types of Investigation
The different types of data collection and/or analysis suitable for the scientific investigation are:
Hands-on practical laboratory work
Fieldwork
Use of a simulation
Use of a spreadsheet for analysis and modelling
Extraction and analysis of data from a database
Secondary sources analysis (i.e., peer-reviewed investigations and scientific papers)
Of these, the first two are the most common and will produce primary data (data collected directly by the student).
A simulation also produces primary data, while a database provides secondary data.
If a simulation is used, it must show variability in the data.
Simulations that give identical results each time, or that choose variables for the student, are not suitable.
Students considering this method should discuss it with their teacher to confirm its suitability.
Tip
Data from a database or simulation can support a hands-on investigation, but should not be the main source of data.
Note
A spreadsheet should be used for data analysis, such as plotting graphs and determining best-fit lines.
Group Work
Depending on resources, students may work in groups during data collection. The rules are:
Maximum group size: three students.
Each student must have their own research question.
A student may use the same independent variable as others, but with a different dependent variable, or vice versa.
Students cannot use the same raw data as another member; however, they may use a different subset of data collected in a larger group effort.
Each student must submit an individual report, clearly stating group collaboration. A group report is not allowed.
Large-scale class collaborations are possible, with data treated as if it came from a database.
Hint
Because of the complexity of these rules, students should always confirm group work plans with their teacher to ensure compliance with academic honesty requirements.
Required Sections
The scientific investigation is assessed through a written report.
Although the IB offers no specific guidance as to the structure of the report, it is recommended that it be written in the form of a laboratory report (lab report).
Tip
The following is a recommended structure, however, it is by no means mandatory that students follow this structure.
Title that reflects the aims or purpose of the investigation
Candidate’s personal code (and all group members’ personal codes, if applicable)
Word count
Introductory paragraph that introduces the reader to the investigation
Research Question (RQ)
Background context or research
Hypothesis
Experimental variables (independent, dependent, and control)
Procedure or method (including a list of apparatus and chemicals)
Risk assessment
Raw data
Processed data
Graph(s)
Conclusion
Evaluation
Bibliography
The following details should be stated at the start of the report:
Title of the investigation
Candidate's personal code (alphanumeric, for example, xyz123)
All group members' personal codes (if applicable)
Number of words
Note
There is no requirement to include a cover page or a contents page.
Appendices are recommended but they will not be read by the examiner.
Any relevant information must be included within the main body of the report.
If the report contains excess raw data, a sample of data at relevant intervals should be included.
Word Count
The internal assessment report has a maximum word count of 3200 words.
Note
If a report exceeds 3200 words, the examiners are not required to read the entire report.
The following are not included in the word count:
Charts and diagrams
Data tables
Equations, formulae, and calculations
Citations/references (whether parenthetical, numbered, footnotes or endnotes)
Bibliography
Headers
Tip
The IB recommends that if large amounts of data have been collected, students should include only a sample of the data.
The whole data may be presented in an appendix.
Academic honesty
The IB takes academic honesty very seriously.
Any work or ideas that are not the student’s own must be clearly referenced.
This also includes any images or figures used in the report.
The report should also include a list of cited works.
Note
The style of referencing used can be determined by the student (or the school) but must be consistent throughout the report.
View Sports, exercise and health science (SEHS) IA Exemplars
And thousands of other examples from high-scoring students.