Internal Assessment Data Collection

To complete your data collection, create a document in which you address the following tasks.  The more thorough and detailed you are in completing this step, the easier the compilation of your final paper will be!

You might find it helpful to review the most common feedback provided on data collection sections of the IA.  That way you can avoid making the same mistakes. 

Here are some examples of IA’s that scored a 7.  Check out what the data collection looks like in the final paper:

• Sample 1

• Sample 2

• Sample 3

PART A:  Photos

As you perform your investigation, take a picture of the following:

• Materials used in the investigation

• You performing the investigation (without showing your face)

• The manipulated variable/correlation variable #1

• The responding variable/correlation variable #2

For each picture, add a caption to describe what is shown in the image and how it relates to your experimental design.  For database and simulation based investigations, you can include screenshots for the variables. 

For example:  

WHAT IF YOU ARE USING A DATABASE OR SIMULATION BASED IA?

• Include screenshots to demonstrate how you collected data related to the variables you are investigating..

PART B:  MEASUREMENT UNCERTAINTY

For each tool used in your data collection, complete a row in a table like the one below.  You may add rows as necessary.  Click here for tips on how to determine measurement uncertainty.

Table 1:  Uncertainty of Tools used in Data Collection

WHAT IF YOU ARE USING A DATABASE OR SIMULATION BASED IA?

• You still need to address uncertainty in the data within the database/simulation. You’ll either report a stated uncertainty from the database or you’ll discuss how not knowing a stated uncertainty is itself a form of uncertainty.

PART C:  TABLE(S) OF QUANTITATIVE RAW DATA

Raw data is the data you collect directly from the measuring tool, without any calculations or processing.  Create table(s) to collect your raw data.  Your table(s) should include:

• A specific title

• Column headings with metric units

• Uncertainty of measurements in the column heading

• Consistent number of  digits for all measurements (ie all measurements to the same number of digits)

• Data related to the manipulated variable/correlation variable #1

• Data related to the responding variable/correlation variable #2

• Quantitative data related to the control of variables

• Adequate number of trials / data points

PART D:  TABLE(S) OF QUALITATIVE DATA

Create a table to present qualitative data related to your data collection.  Qualitative data can be written descriptions or photographs.

WHAT IF YOU ARE USING A DATABASE OR SIMULATION BASED IA?

• You likely will not have access to qualitative data.  You need to at least state that no qualitative data was available.