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Concordian International School

IBDP Physics (2025): Internal assessment

This guide is for the DP Physics syllabus with first assessments in 2025

Internal assessment

General

Marks Level descriptor
5-6
  • The research question is described within a specific and appropriate context.
  • Methodological considerations associated with collecting relevant and sufficient data to answer the research question are explained.

  • The description of the methodology for collecting or selecting data allows for the investigation to be reproduced.

Further clarifications:

A research question with context should contain reference to the dependent and independent variables or two correlated variables, include a concise description of the system in which the research question is embedded, and include background theory of direct relevance.

Methodological considerations include:

  • the selection of the methods for measuring the dependent and independent variables

  • the selection of the databases or model and the sampling of data

  • the decisions regarding the scope, quantity and quality of measurements (e.g. the range, interval or frequency of the independent variable, repetition and precision of measurements)

  • the identification of control variables and the choice of method of their control

  • the recognition of any safety, ethical or environmental issues that needed to be taken into account.

The description of the methodology refers to presenting sufficiently detailed information (such as specific materials used and precise procedural steps) while avoiding unnecessary or repetitive information, so that the reader may readily understand how the methodology was implemented and could in principle repeat the investigation.

Marks Level descriptor
5-6
  • The communication of the recording and processing of the data is both clear and precise.
  • The recording and processing of data shows evidence of an appropriate consideration of uncertainties.

  • The processing of data relevant to addressing the research question is carried our appropriately and accurately.

Further clarifications:

Data refers to quantitative data or a combination of both quantitative and qualitative data.

Communication

  • Clear communication means that the method of processing can be understood easily.

  • Precise communication refers to following conventions correctly, such as those relating to the annotation of graphs and tables or the use of units, decimal places and significant figures.

More details for consideration of uncertainties in Physics is given here [insert link in September] 

Major omissions, inaccuracies or inconsistencies impede the possibility of drawing a valid conclusion that addresses the research question.

Significant omissions, inaccuracies or inconsistencies allow the possibility of drawing a conclusion that addresses the research question but with some limit to its validity or detail.

Marks Level descriptor
5-6
  • A conclusion is justified that is relevant to the research question and fully consistent with the analysis presented.

  • A conclusion is justified through relevant comparison to the accepted scientific context.

Further clarifications:

A conclusion that is fully consistent requires the interpretation of processed data including associated uncertainties.

Scientific context refers to information that could come from published material (paper or online), published values, course notes, textbooks or other outside sources. The citation of published materials must be sufficiently detailed to allow these sources to be traceable.

Marks Level descriptor
5-6
  • The report explains the relative impact of specific methodological weaknesses or limitations.

  • Realistic improvements to the investigation, that are relevant to the identified weaknesses or limitations, are explained.

Further clarifications:

Generic is general to many methodologies and not specifically relevant to the methodology of the investigation being evaluated.

Methodological refers to the overall approach to the investigation of the research question as well as procedural steps.

Weaknesses could relate to issues regarding the control of variables, the precision of measurement or the variation in the data.

Limitations could refer to how the conclusion is limited in scope by the range of the data collected, the confines of the system or the applicability of assumptions made.

Introduction and samples