New IB Paper 3

  • 1 hour 45 minutes
  • The paper is out of 30 so around 3.5 minutes per mark.
  • Four compulsory applied research methods questions based on source four sources, three of which appear in a separate resource booklet.
  • The sources will relate to one of the three HL extensions; motivation, technology and culture.

Question 1: Interpreting graphs

  • Maximum mark = 3, spend roughly 10 minutes and write around 200-250 words
  • You will be presented with a graph, e.g. a bar graph, box and whisker plot, distribution curve (showing normal or skewed distribution, histogram, line graph, scatterplot
  • You will need to carefully study the title, axis labels, trends ad any outliers
  • You will the be asked to explain an issue that limits the interpretation of the graph.
  • To score well on this question you must…
    • identify and describe a relevant issue
    • explain how and why this issue could limit the conclusions that can be drawn from this investigation.

Question 2: Analysing descriptive and inferential statistics

  • Maximum mark = 6, , spend roughly 21 minutes and write around 400-500 words
  • Source 2 will include a set of quantitative findings, e.g.
    • summary table(s) of measures of central tendency and dispersion
    • frequency table(s),
    • a graph/chart (see example above)
    • correlation coefficients
  • You will need to analyse the findings and draw a conclusion that is linked to the claim at the start of the booklet
  • To score well on this question you must…
    • present a detailed analysis
    • make explicit links between your conclusion and specific findings.

Question 3: Analysing qualitative data

  • Maximum mark =6, spend roughly 21 minutes and write around 400-500 words
  • Source 3 will include a set of qualitative findings, e.g. emergent themes derived form an inductive content analysis (a specific way of conducting a thematic analysis), section of an interview transcript
  • You will be asked to discuss either…
    • how credibility of the findings could be improved
    • how bias could be avoided
    • the extent to which the findings are transferable
  • To score well on this question you must…
    • demonstrate relevant, accurate and detailed knowledge and understanding
    • make explicit links to the source throughout the answer

Question 4: Synthesising data

  • Maximum mark = 15, spend roughly 50-55 minutes, write around 1000-1200 words
  • You will be asked to combine knowledge and understanding of one of the three HL extensions with information from at least three of the sources from the resource booklet
  • The question will ask you to discuss the validity of the claim stated at the beginning of the source booklet (and will be included in the question).
  • The command term could be to what extent, evaluate, discuss or examine
  • To score well on this ERQ, you need to…
    • Focus on and address the question
    • Provide relevant, accurate and detailed knowledge and understanding relating to the claim
    • Discuss at least three sources ensuring that all points are linked back to the claim
    • Present competing arguments, i.e. arguing for and against the claim
    • Evaluate the arguments presented, i.e. strengths and weaknesses of this argument?
    • State a reasonable and clear conclusion that is consistent with the arguments presented in the ERQ