Writing the analysis and evaluation sections
This is the second article in a series about writing the IA in IB Psychology. (See also The IA in IB Psychology: Writing the introduction and the exploration sections)
In this article, we will provide some advice about the last two sections and also a PowerPoint that takes you through each element of these two sections.
Analysis (6 marks)
Include descriptive statistics to highlight the variability and spread of the data and inferential statistics to draw a conclusion about the significance of the data generated in terms of supporting your hypotheses.
Tips
Outline your results through written statements, a table and a correctly presented graph.
Explain why you used particular measures of central tendency and dispersion.
Explain why you used a particular test of significance.
Explicitly link your findings to the hypothesis.
Include a clear statement of whether the hypothesis is accepted or rejected.
Evaluation (6 marks)
Include a discussion of the findings that link to the background theory you explained in the Introduction. Describe the strengths and limitations of your design, sampling and procedures. Suggest modifications.
Tips
You can identify simple mistakes that were made in the experiment but limitations also need to focus on the design and the sampling methods.
Modifications can focus on how more data or more effective data could be generated to arrive at a firmer conclusion. You can take one or both of the following approaches: link the modifications to the limitations you identified or suggest a whole new approach to the experimental design.
Download the PowerPoint Writing the IA Report- Analysis and Evaluation here:
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