research question examples ia

50+ Chemistry IA Ideas with Research Question Examples

One of the biggest challenges facing students taking IB chemistry is coming up with a good Internal Assessment (IA) idea .

It’s got to be something suitably demanding for diploma-level study, it’s got to be something relevant to the chemistry syllabus, it’s got to be something you can’t just look up the answer to in a textbook, and crucially, it’s got to be a topic the student is personally engaged with.

Many students are unsure how to relate the IB chemistry topics to a real-world situation or problem that they can investigate. To help with this, I’ve produced a list of chemistry IA ideas, together with some example Research Questions (RQ).

I’ve grouped them together according to the main experimental technique or measurement method.

A big fat disclaimer

This is a list of ideas only , intended as a source of inspiration for students who are stuck for an idea.

It is a starting point for further research, not a list of off-the-shelf projects you can select from and take to your teacher.

Please do not just copy directly from this list!

There are several reasons why you shouldn’t do this:

Firstly, one of the internal assessment criteria is Personal Engagement. This is about how well you engage with the project and make it your own .

To achieve the maximum score “ The evidence of personal engagement with the exploration is clear with significant independent thinking, initiative or creativity. The justification given for choosing the research question and/or the topic under investigation demonstrates personal significance, interest or curiosity. There is evidence of personal input and initiative in the designing, implementation or presentation of the investigation. ”

It should be clear from these guidelines that you need to choose your own project and completely own it .

Secondly, some of the projects below are just plain bad for reasons I’ve outlined in my post about research questions .

These reasons include:

• The RQ is just a title
• The RQ is unfocused and unclear – impossible to understand what the aims are
• The RQ doesn’t include any variables
• Project is unimaginative
• Project has obvious outcomes
• Project is just a series of measurements or a synthesis, rather than an investigation

I’ve given a weaker and a stronger example research question for each category, but be aware that the stronger research question is not necessarily a good research question!

With that out of the way, here’s the list:

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12 comments.

Hello Sir, One of my students wants to conduct research about the amount of calcium in eggshells of different colors. However, He can’t explain to himself the relationship between water and calcium ion concentration. Could you please elaborate so I can explain him?

Hi, I’m not sure I understand the question – eggshell colour is due to the presence of pigments rather than Ca2+ ion concentration?

Egg shell is a finish – Like – Matt finish, Low sheen, Egg shell, Semi gloss, Gloss etc. Within the finish, there are many colours produced – depending on the paint company – from 100 to 10000. Most of them gives the colours through tinting platform – Base + tinter combination. There is a variation of CaCo3 between the bases. Hope it helps

Any ideas how I could incorporate something to do with seaweed?

Found so much value from your post! Thank you!!

Really a very helpful article thanks for sharing and keep on sharing!

My student wanted to do how peroxides can be a good preservation agent for milk

how better can he frame his RQ

Hello, I’ve been struggling for a while to come up with a type of question to be able to do an IA with. I’m interested in a topic having to do with pesticides but the thing is that I am not really sure how to convert it into an actual strong question. Can you please help? help/tips would be greatly helpful! Please and Thank you!

Hi, I wanted to determine protein content of something over different cooking time but I did some research on the google and I found that proteins are not affected by heating. So if I do this experiment, I will not see any difference in the protein content. Shoul I do this experiment? If I do this experiment and I write it as a IA, Will I get higher points? Will conclusion affect my point. Thank you

Hi, thanks for this nice article! I was thinking of investigating fragrance esters,specifically whether amount of unsaturation affects smell characteristics and volatility of the molecule? I am not sure how I can develop this up into an RQ. Any help you can give is appreciated. TIA

Hello Astridde, glad you find the article useful. The issue I can see to begin with is you have two dependent variables, volatility and smell characteristics. Volatility can be quantified and measured (e.g. vapour pressure) but ‘smell characteristics’ you would have to think how you can quantify and measure. Linking volatility and your independent variable (number of double bonds?) also sounds too simplistic to me as you can quite easily predict that relationship.

The earlier post I wrote on research questions will hopefully help.

[…] Don’t just copy an existing IA you found online, such as one from my list here! […]

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12 Examples and Tips for IB Biology IA

May 4, 2022 | IB subjects

IA is one of the many things IB students struggle with, but some might feel that writing the IA in Biology is especially confusing since it covers broad topics. This post is for those who are having a hard time coming up with a topic, are worried about writing the IA in Biology overall, or are interested in Biology but not so sure about taking it because of IA. An overview of the subject IB Biology can also be seen in a previous post: Exam Strategy for IB Biology (HL/SL) .

1. Overview of Biology IA

Both HL and SL students are expected to write an IA ( Internal Assessment ) in Biology which accounts for 20% of the final grade . The IA in biology is expected to be a 6-12 pages long report about an investigation a student carries out based on their own hypothesis.

1.1 IA Criteria

HL and SL share the same IA criteria and it’s important to understand the criteria before and while carrying out the investigation for your IA. (Reference: Biology Teacher Support Material )

2. Examples of Biology IA Topics

Many IB graduates have kindly answered an online survey by MakeSensei and given examples of IA topics in IB Biology. Some of them are RQs (Research Questions), so you might want to see the pattern of how they make RQs for your future IA.

• What is the effect of exposure to different concentration of sodium chloride solutions for different duration time on the germination percentage, mean germination time, and relative injury rate of Ipomoea aquatica?
• Lactic acid experiment in milk
• What is the effect of sodium chloride concentration (0.0, 0.4, 0.8, 1.2, 1.6, and 2.0 %) on the rate of hydrolysis of 1.0 % starch solution by 2.0 % ɑ-amylase (Bacillus subtilis), measured as the rate of decrease in absorbance value (Au s–1), using Spectrophotometer Vis at 434.2nm?
• Protein-digestive enzyme
• What is the effect of fertiliser quantity on evening levels of dissolved oxygen in river water samples over a period of two weeks?
• An Investigation into the Effect of Different Types and Concentrations of Pesticides (Orthoran Acephate, Kadan Safe, Kadan Plus DX) on Seed Germination: Observing Plant Growth of ErucaSativa, Brassica Oleracea, Lepidium Sativum and Perilla Frutescens
• An investigation into the effect of sodium chloride on plant germination and its growth.
• (Title: How to make delicious natto) RQ: What is the effect of pre-soaking time of soybeans, 0.00, 3.00, 6.00, 9.00, and 12.00 hours (±0.05 hours), on the length of threads between separated fermented soybeans (natto) measured by a clear plastic ruler (±0.1cm)?
• Effect of light intensity on the travel activity of a Physella acuta
• Investigating the effect of concentration of the salt solution on germination and growth of cotton and spinach seeds
• Investigating the correlation of the length of knee roots of a mangrove and the number of holes crabs make in the given area
• Effect of temperature on denaturation of albumin protein

3. Tips for Biology IA

3.1 Set Appropriate Independent/Dependent Variables

In order to carry out the investigation with sufficient sample size and trials, there needs to be independent and dependent variables that are both appropriate in terms of the purpose of your investigation. If you want to find out the relationship between X and Y (how X influences Y), then your independent variable should be X and your dependent variable should be Y. Both variables should be measurable , meaning quantitative, to allow various statistical analyses. But having qualitative data is valued in discussion as well.

3.2 The More Data, The Better

It is known that you should have at least 25 samples of data for your Biology IA, but let us explain why. While having multiple trials is necessary for the investigation, each trial should also have multiple samples. Therefore, 5 trials with 5 samples each make up 25 samples in total. Having said that, your sample size is up to you, and having more than 25 samples would only make your data more robust . But make sure you have enough time and energy to process the whole data.

3.3 Use Appropriate Secondary Sources

Doing background research on the field you’re focusing on in IA is required to back up your hypothesis, discussion, and conclusion. A lot of people use secondary sources (sources that are not first-hand) and most often through the internet. But, using Wikipedia or personal blogs would not be appropriate for your IA because they may not be reliable, accurate information. Instead, you might want to use these websites to search for previous academic articles and journals.

• Google Scholar
• The World Factbook  (provides you data about the country of your interest)

3.4 Don’t Forget Annotations and Citations

• Annotations

An annotation is a short comment written near an image to give an explanation. Annotations are necessary when the image and its title don’t give enough explanation to specific objects in the image and your word count is limited. For example, when you’re showing your method with an image of instruments, readers might not understand why you chose those instruments to carry out your experiment. To avoid such inconvenience, annotations provide more detailed information than the title and the main text.

A citation is a short version of the reference to your source and it needs to be in-text or footnote. Every time you mention something that is not original or first-hand, you need to put citation(s) to prove where that statement comes from. If you miss citations, it will be considered plagiarism and you could fail the IB. Therefore, citations are important!! You could use  Citation Machine  to create a reference list and citation for each reference (check which style is preferred by your teacher).

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• 50+ Sample IA research questions

50+ Sample IA research questionsGetting the research question (RQ) is vital to getting a good grade based on the assessment criteria. Students need to choose a real world and contemporary issue (phrased as a probing question) that:engages their interestis realistic in terms of access to relevant supporting document /resourcesis well focusedmeets the criteria for IB assessment

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IB ESS IA examples

Type a search phrase to find the most relevant ESS IA examples for you

Not sure what to search for? You can always look through our example Internal Assessments below for inspiration.

All ESS IA Examples

Filter exemplars, to what extent are different age groups at lorong melati permai, selangor aware of the impacts of the mass rapid transit (mrt) towards the carbon footprint , how does temperature variation influence wildfire frequency in portugal from 2001 to 2021, want to get full marks for your ia allow us to review it for you 🎯, is there a correlation between cattle production in the rainforest region of southern nigeria (abia, delta, cross-river) and tree-cover loss from 2011 to 2020, how does the concentration of atmospheric nitrogen dioxide (no2), effect the presence of specific lichen species on english oak (quercus robur) and sessile oak (quercus petraea) branches in the cambridgeshire area, determined by a lichen indicator score, to what extent does distance from a major touristic hotspot in lisbon, potrugal affect the water quality levels in the tagus river estuary, fast track your coursework with mark schemes moderated by ib examiners. upgrade now 🚀, how does proximity to roads impact the heavy metal concentrations found in soils in germany, to what extent does household income influence the level of awareness, in terms of knowledge and practice, on the disposal of medication wastage among the students of m college banting, how does the acidity of water, measured by ph, affect the growth of plants, measured by plant height and health, to what extent does gender affect one’s view of climate change’s existence and the threat it poses to humanity, to what extent do the socio-economic factors affect the generation of waste in mumbai, how do different amounts of dissolved nitrates affect the population size of decomposers in a freshwater lake in north america over a period of 90 months, ¿en qué medida existe una relación entre las edades entre los humanos de 16-25 a 50-60 años y el impacto ambiental generado mediante el uso del tamaño de su huella ecológ, to what extent does the pollution of heavy metals in a freshwater habitat affect asian clams (corbicula javanica) species, to what extent does the level of education influence the consumer choice of 3 types of lightbulbs in lima, peru , to what extent does different time of day relate to water quality in the tagus river estuary in lisbon, portugal, to what extent does estrogen (ethinylestradiol) and progesterone (drospirenone) waste from female birth control affect plant growth, what impact does age have on frequency, and environmental impact of food waste disposal methods, what effects will sea level rise brought on by climate change have on the royal bengal tiger population (panthera tigris tigris) at the sundarbans reserve forest (the largest contiguous mangrove forest in the world), which is adjacent to the bay of bengal and is situated in the southwest of bangladesh between the rivers baleswar and harinbanga., exploring the impacts of the intensity of human activity and land use on plant biodiversity, across different uses of land, in snowshill, uk, to what extent has the rapid urbanisation of bengaluru, affected the ph, dissolved oxygen content (ppm), and concentration of nitrates (mg/l) in the natural lakes (hadosiddapura lake, saul kere lake, kaikondrahalli lake, devarabisanahalli lake, and sheelavanthakere lake) located inside the city., to what extent do the different levels of income among jalan hassan, kampung sungai udang residents affect the level of awareness on the effects of using detergent on water pollution, how much does gender affect someone’s ecological footprint in bahrain in 2022, the relationship between human development index and number of internally displaced climate refugees, to what extent do the different genders of students in kolej mara banting are aware about the effect of animal-based food consumption on the carbon footprint, to what extent the level of awareness, among taman indah permai residents from different family income level on the effects of methane gas emission from gas stove on global warming, to what extent is there a relationship between generations and environmental literacy (in terms of knowledge, attitudes, and practices) of a set of peruvians older than 11 years old who are currently in school or who have already graduated, does water pollution in øresund vary significantly by the distance of øresund from kongens nytorv as measured using ph testing during the winter, studying the difference in plastic consumption in a family while buying plastic-alternative products and to what extent can this family reduce the amount of plastic they consume, to what extent are gdp per capita and total fertility rates correlated, to what extent does the ph level of acid rain affect the growth of adzuki beans, to what extent does age affect the environmental value systems of the vietnamese population in hanoi - the capital of vietnam, an investigation into different aspects of agri-environmental measures in countries of the european union and their status in macedonia: to what extent are agri-environmental measures implemented in macedonian agricultural practices, to what extent do age influence online shopping behaviour and their awareness of plastic waste, to what extent does australia’s meat consumption cause an increase in methane emissions, thus contributing to climate change, to what extent is the ecological footprint of a member of st clare’s college community affected by the age group they belong to, to what extent the evs of the population of huamanga varies due to different scenarios of the environmental issue of erosion (agricultural land, roads and housing), how does the waste cooking oil (wco) affect the overall do of water, what is maldonado’s most eutrophic lagoon, as per the net growth in cm2 of petroselinum crispum (parsley), to what extent do age and social status play a role in lima citizens’ environmental value system regarding air pollution in lima (2022).

70+ IB Physics IA Topics and Research Questions

Table of contents

• Writing Metier

Hey there, fellow IB Physics enthusiasts! I know that the world of Physics IA topics can be overwhelming, but worry not! I’m here to walk you through a handpicked selection of IA topics and research questions that will pique your interest and score impressive marks. 

No more long, boring introductions that have nothing to do with what you are here for. Let’s get straight to it, shall we?

Physics IA Topic Ideas and Research Questions

Mechanics and energy topics.

1. Angular Momentum

How does the angular momentum of a rotating object change with its mass distribution?

2. Energy Conservation in Simple Harmonic Motion

How is energy conserved in a simple harmonic oscillator, and how does the mass of the oscillator affect this?

3. Centripetal Force in Circular Motion

How does the radius of a circle affect the centripetal force required to keep an object in circular motion?

4. Efficiency of Machines

How does the efficiency of a simple machine (like a pulley) vary with the load applied?

5. Air Resistance and Terminal Velocity

How does the shape and size of an object affect its terminal velocity when falling through air?

6. Elastic and Inelastic Collisions

How does the type of collision (elastic vs inelastic) affect the conservation of momentum?

7. Buoyancy and Archimedes’ Principle

How does the shape of an object affect the buoyant force acting on it?

8. Pressure in Fluids

How does the depth of a fluid affect the pressure exerted at that depth?

Thermal Physics Ideas

9. Heat Transfer and Insulation

How does the type of material affect the rate of heat transfer through conduction?

10. Thermal Expansion

How does the coefficient of linear expansion vary for different materials?

11. Heat Engines

How does the efficiency of a heat engine vary with the temperature of the heat source?

12. Phase Changes and Latent Heat

How does the rate of phase change in a substance relate to the amount of latent heat supplied?

13. Blackbody Radiation

How does the intensity of blackbody radiation vary with temperature?

14. Thermodynamics of Gases

How does the pressure of a gas change with its volume (investigating Boyle’s law)?

15. Heat Capacity of Solids

How does the heat capacity of a solid vary with its mass and composition?

16. Radiative Heat Transfer

How does the distance between objects affect the rate of radiative heat transfer?

Oscillations and Waves Topics

17. Sound Waves and Resonance

How does the frequency of a sound wave affect the resonance in a closed tube?

18. Wave Speed and Medium

How does the speed of a wave vary with the properties of the medium through which it travels?

19. Interference Patterns

How does the spacing between slits affect the interference pattern produced in a double-slit experiment?

20. Doppler Effect

How does the speed of a source affect the observed frequency (investigating the Doppler effect)?

21. Polarization of Light

How does the angle of incidence affect the polarization of light passing through a polarizing filter?

22. Standing Waves

How does the length of a string affect the formation of standing waves?

23. Wave Reflection and Transmission

How does the angle of incidence affect the reflection and transmission of waves at a boundary?

24. Harmonics in Musical Instruments

How do different musical instruments produce harmonics, and how does this relate to the quality of sound produced?

Electricity and Magnetism Ideas

25. Magnetic Fields and Currents

How does the magnitude of a current affect the magnetic field produced around a wire?

26. Capacitance and Dielectrics

How does the type of dielectric material affect the capacitance of a capacitor?

27. Electromagnetic Induction

How does the rate of change of magnetic flux affect the induced electromotive force?

28. Electric Fields

How does the arrangement of charges affect the electric field produced in a region?

29. Faraday’s Law

How does the number of turns in a coil affect the induced voltage according to Faraday’s law?

30. RC Circuits

How does the resistance and capacitance in an RC circuit affect the time constant of the circuit?

31. Magnetic Forces on Moving Charges

How does the velocity of a charged particle affect the magnetic force experienced in a magnetic field?

32. Electromagnetic Waves

How does the frequency of an electromagnetic wave affect its propagation through different mediums?

Modern Physics IA Topics

33. Photoelectric Effect

How does the frequency of incident light affect the kinetic energy of emitted electrons in the photoelectric effect?

34. Nuclear Decay

How does the half-life of a radioactive material relate to the number of nuclei present?

35.Quantum Tunneling

How can quantum tunneling be demonstrated and what are its implications in modern technology?

36. Special Theory of Relativity

How does the special theory of relativity explain the behavior of objects moving at high speeds?

37. Quantum Entanglement

How can quantum entanglement be demonstrated, and what are its implications for modern physics?

38. Fusion and Fission

How do nuclear fusion and fission processes release energy, and how can this be measured?

39. Particle Physics

How can the properties of fundamental particles be investigated using particle accelerators?

40. Cosmology and the Big Bang Theory

How does the Big Bang theory explain the origin and evolution of the universe?

Optics and Light Physics Topics and RQs

41. Refraction and Snell’s Law

How does the angle of incidence affect the angle of refraction in various mediums?

42. Diffraction Patterns

How does the width of a slit affect the diffraction pattern observed on a screen?

43. Fiber Optics

How does the angle of light entry affect the total internal reflection in a fiber optic cable?

44. Polarization of Light

How does the angle of a polarizing filter affect the intensity of transmitted light?

45. Lenses and Focal Length

How does the curvature of a lens affect its focal length and image formation?

46. Color and Wavelength

How does the wavelength of light affect the perceived color?

47. Laser Light Properties

How does the coherence of laser light affect its behavior in various experiments?

48. Light Intensity and Inverse Square Law

How does the distance from a light source affect the intensity of light, and how can this be used to verify the inverse square law?

Astrophysics and Cosmology IA Ideas

49. Hubble’s Law and the Expanding Universe

How does Hubble’s law provide evidence for the expansion of the universe?

50. Stellar Spectroscopy

How can the composition of stars be determined through spectroscopy?

51. Galactic Rotation Curves

How do galactic rotation curves provide evidence for the existence of dark matter?

52 Solar Activity and Earth’s Climate

How does solar activity, such as solar flares and sunspots, affect Earth’s climate?

53. Exoplanets and Habitability

How can the habitability of exoplanets be assessed based on their atmospheric composition and distance from their star?

54. Cosmic Microwave Background Radiation

How does the cosmic microwave background radiation provide evidence for the Big Bang theory?

55. Gravitational Waves

How have gravitational waves been detected, and what do they reveal about the events that produced them?

56. Dark Energy and the Fate of the Universe

How does the concept of dark energy explain the accelerated expansion of the universe, and what implications does this have for the fate of the universe?

If you require expert physics paper writing assistance , Writing Metier is always ready to help.

Quantum Mechanics Topics

57. Quantum Superposition

How does the principle of superposition explain the behavior of particles in quantum mechanics?

58. Quantum Entanglement

How can quantum entanglement be experimentally demonstrated, and what implications does it have for information transfer?

59. Quantum Tunneling

How can quantum tunneling be demonstrated in a laboratory setting, and what are its applications in modern technology?

60. Wave-Particle Duality

How does the double-slit experiment demonstrate the wave-particle duality of light and matter?

61. Quantum Computing

How does quantum computing leverage the principles of quantum mechanics to enhance computational power?

62. Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle

How does the Heisenberg uncertainty principle limit the precision with which certain pairs of physical properties can be simultaneously known?

63. Quantum Teleportation

How does quantum teleportation work, and what are its potential applications?

64. Quantum Cryptography

How does quantum cryptography enhance the security of information transmission?

Environmental Physics IA Topics and RQs

65. Climate Change and Greenhouse Effect

How do greenhouse gases contribute to climate change, and what experimental evidence supports this?

66. Renewable Energy Sources

How can the efficiency of renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, be maximized?

67. Energy Conservation in Buildings

How does the design of buildings affect energy consumption, and what strategies can be employed to minimize energy use?

68. Physics of Earthquakes

How can the principles of physics be applied to understand the mechanisms of earthquakes and to develop strategies for minimizing their impact?

69. Oceanography and Sea Level Rise

How does the melting of polar ice caps contribute to sea level rise, and what are the potential impacts on coastal regions?

70. Atmospheric Physics

How do physical processes in the atmosphere influence weather patterns and climate?

71. Physics of Recycling

How can the principles of physics be applied to enhance the efficiency of recycling processes?

72. Noise Pollution and Acoustics

How does noise pollution affect the environment and human health, and what strategies can be employed to mitigate its effects?

Enough for today?

As you approach your IB Physics IA, it’s evident that physics encompasses a broad spectrum of topics ripe for exploration. 

Each category we’ve outlined offers a distinct avenue to investigate the complex and fascinating principles that govern our universe. I tried to provide a list that will be suitable for various IB subject combinations with your IA in Physics.

Whether your preference leans towards the intricacies of quantum mechanics or the grandeur of astrophysics, a research question awaits your scrutiny and analysis. 

More simillar articles with IA topic suggestions:

• Global Politics IA Ideas
• Math IA Topic Ideas
• Math AA Topics
• Bio IA Ideas
• Biology Research Paper Topic Ideas
• Chemistry IA Topics
• Economics IA Topic Ideas
• Business IA Ideas
• Business IA Topics
• Physics EE Topic Ideas

Now is the moment to engage fully with a project that aligns with your academic interests and aspirations.

Wrapping Up

We have now covered a wide range of potential topics and research questions for your IB Physics IA. The next step is yours to take. Remember, the most impactful projects stem from a genuine interest and a deep-seated curiosity about the chosen topic. 

Your dedication and enthusiasm for your selected topic will naturally translate into a rewarding and successful project. I wish you a productive and insightful experience in the captivating field of physics. 

Get assistance with IB Physics IAs

And if you need assistance with topic selection or writing a custom Physics IA, Writing Metier is here to land you a hand!

Free topic suggestions

Vasy kafidoff.

Vasyl Kafidoff is a co-founder and CEO at WritingMetier. He is interested in education and how modern technology makes it more accessible. He wants to bring awareness about new learning possibilities as an educational specialist. When Vasy is not working, he’s found behind a drum kit.

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35 IB Physics IA Ideas: Simple and Score High Marks

• Use different lengths of string and record the period of the pendulum swings for each
• A good technique for this would be to record the time for 5 periods then divide it by 5

Looking at how the intensity of a light source varies with distance

• You need a light source of constant power, a photometer or similar device, and a long bench
• Take measurements of the intensity of the light source at various distances away from it
• Graphing  I against r^-2  should give the gradient P/4π  where  is the power of the light source

How does the concentration of sucrose in a water solution affect the refractive index of the water?

• Fill a container with water in a bright room and shine a weak laser at it such that you can determine the angle of deflection due to the body of water
• Gradually fill the water container with sucrose, calculating the concentration each time, and measure how the deflection changes
• Plot these variables against each other to see if there is a relationship

Investigating how the frequency of a simple pendulum varies with string length

• Record the frequency of a simple pendulum, for example by counting how many oscillations it completes in 10 seconds
• Do this for pendulums of different string length
• Plot frequency against string length to see if there is a relationship

How does the frequency of oscillation of an object on a spring depend on the mass of the object?

• Attach a block of known mass to a spring and extend it on a slippery horizontal surface such that it starts oscillating
• Record the frequency, for example by counting how many oscillations it completes in 10 seconds
• Repeat this for blocks of different mass

Investigating how the refractive index of a liquid varies with temperature

• Fill a container with a given liquid, e.g. water
• Use a weak laser in a dark room to see how the angle of the light path changes as it passes through the liquid
• Hence use Snell’s law to calculate the refractive index
• Now use an electric heater to increase the temperature of the liquid – record this and repeat the measurement for different temperatures
• Plot the refractive index against the temperature to see if there is a relationship

How does the fundamental frequency of a standing wave on a string vary with string length?

• An example of this would be a guitar string, where “plucking” the string gives the fundamental frequency
• Use equipment such as a slow-motion camera to record the period of the string oscillation, and hence find the frequency
• Do this for strings of different lengths (always fixed at either end), and plot a graph to see if there is a relationship between frequency and length

Investigating the relation between temperature and speed of sound in a material (you choose the material!)

• Choose a material where sound can travel through, and which you a large enough sample of that sound diffracting around it will be negligible
• It also needs to be long enough for sound to take a measurable time to travel through it
• Use an oscilloscope or computer software that allows you to find the time taken for sound from a given source to travel between two microphones
• Put the microphones on either side of the material, measure the separation and hence find the sound speed
• Heat up the material, record its temperature and repeat the experiment
• Plot speed against temperature to see if there is a relationship

Investigating Snell’s law for more than one refraction at a time

• Put samples of two or more transparent materials (e.g. glass and water) next to each other and shine a weak laser through both
• Use Snell’s law for multiple refractions to determine the expected relationship between the entering and exiting angles of the light beam
• Repeat the experiment for a variety of angles and plot the result to see if the relationship holds

What is the relationship between the width of interference maxima and the number of slits illuminated in a diffraction grating?

• Use a diffraction grating and a stationary flashlight
• Move the flashlight closer or further away from the grating such that different numbers of slits are illuminated – calculate the number by measuring the fraction of the grating that is covered by light
• Use a piece of paper or a white wall to see the interference maxima, and measure their width using a ruler
• Plot maximum width against number of slits illuminated to see the relationship

ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM IB Physics IA ideas

Testing Ohm’s law for different electrical components

• Use components such as resistors, filament lamps, thermistors, and others that you would like to test
• Build a circuit containing a voltmeter and ammeter, and where you can toggle the voltage
• Record how the current changes as you change the voltage
• Plot the results for each component; if the V-I curve is linear, the component follows Ohms law and the gradient is R
• For the components that don’t follow Ohm’s law, try to fit other relationships

Finding the resistivity of a metal (you choose the material!)

• Choose a metal where you have access to several samples of similar shape but different lengths and/or cross-sectional areas
• Place one sample in the circuit at a time and record how the current changes with voltage – when you plot these against each other the resistance is the gradient of the graph
• After having done this for every sample, plot their resistances as a function of length and/or cross-sectional area (one at a time, keeping the other one constant) and use the relationship  R=ρL/A  to find the resistivity

How does the efficiency of an electric motor depend on temperature?

• Use a small electric motor for a task where you can calculate the energy output, e.g. lifting something up
• Feed the motor with electric power and calculate the efficiency it has with completing the task
• If you repeat this many times the motor will heat up due to energy lost to inefficiencies
• Record its temperature and see how its efficiency changes for a range of temperatures

How does the emf produced by rotating coils depend on the rotational speed of the coils?

• Do this only if your school has access to a permanent magnet large enough to create a constant and uniform magnetic field
• Connect a conducting coil to a voltmeter and a mechanism where you can rotate the coil at a desired speed (either by hand or electronically)
• Record how the peak readings of the voltmeter changes with rotational speed of the coils
• Predict the relationship theoretically using Faraday’s law, then plot your data to see if you get the same result

Finding the work function of metals

• You need a thin metal plate connected to an ammeter and EM wave sources/lasers with a wide range of available frequencies
• Record the maximal current produced when light of different frequencies is shone onto the plate, and relate this to the kinetic energy of the electrons
• On a graph of E against f, the y-intercept should be the negative of the metal’s work function

Investigating the relation between temperature and the efficiency of a transformer

• Calculate the efficiency of a small transformer by feeding it with current and measuring the output current using an ammeter
• If you repeat this many times the transformer will heat up due to energy lost to inefficiencies

How does the power output of a solar cell vary with thickness of cellophane laid over it?

• Choose a sunny day and bring a small solar cell out in the open
• Record the current or power output of the cell, and re-do the recordings while you continuously put thin layers of cellophane on top of the cell
• Plot the power output against thickness after you are done to see if there is a relationship

Finding out how the current magnetically induced in a solenoid depends on the number of coils

• Move solenoids with different numbers of coils through the magnetic field at the same speed and record the current produced in them using an ammeter
• Plot peak current against number of coils to see if there is a relationship

Investigating the efficiency of a diode rectifier as a function of temperature

• Build a diode rectifier circuit and investigate its efficiency by measuring the current ahead of and beyond the diode using ammeters
• If you leave the circuit for a while the diode will heat up due to energy lost to inefficiencies

Finding the internal resistance of a battery

• Construct a simple circuit containing a battery and a variable resistor
• Use an ammeter to measure the current and a voltmeter to measure the terminal potential difference for different values of resistance
• According to the relationship  V=ε-Ir , if you plot  V against I the gradient should be  -r where  r is the internal resistance

Finding the time constant of a capacitor

• Fully charge a capacitor by connecting it to a cell or battery, then disconnect the cell or battery and let the capacitor discharge through a resistor
• Measure either how the voltage changes with time using a voltmeter or how the current changes with time using an ammeter

So there we have it, 35 IB Physics IA ideas guaranteed to get you off on a great start.

Still not sure how to approach your IA as a whole?

Check out our comprehensive Physics IA guide  which gives you a step-by-step walkthrough!

Some other posts you might like:

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IB History IA: 60 Examples and Guidance

Charles Whitehouse

The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme program offers a variety of assessments for students, including Internal Assessments (IAs), which are pieces of coursework marked by students’ teachers. The History Internal Assessment (IA) is an essential component of the course and accounts for 20% of the final grade for Higher Level students and 25% for Standard Level students - although it is the same task for both levels.

In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about the IB History IA, including the structure, assessment criteria, and some tips for success.

What is the History IA?

The History IA is a historical investigation into a subject of the student’s choosing. History tutors suggest that it should be a maximum of 2,200 words, split between 3 separate sections.

Section 1 (suggested 500 words) - 6 marks In this section, you will critically analyse two key sources that are relevant to your research question. You must:

• Clearly state the research question you have chosen to investigate, phrased as a question.
• Provide a brief explanation of the nature of the two sources you have selected for detailed analysis, including how they are relevant to your investigation.
• Analyze the two sources in detail, considering their origins, purpose, and content. You should evaluate the value and limitations of the sources in relation to your research question.

Section 2 (suggested: 1,300 words) - 15 marks

In this section, you will conduct the actual investigation into your research question. The internal assessment task allows for a wide variety of historical investigations , such as:

• a historical topic or theme using written sources or a variety of sources
• a historical topic based on fieldwork, for example, a museum, archeological site, battlefields, places of worship such as mosques or churches, historical buildings
• a historical problem using documents (this could include newspapers)
• a local history study
• a historical study based on oral interviews
• a historical investigation based on interpreting a novel, film or work of art
• a historical investigation of cultural issues.

The investigation should be well-organised and clearly focused on the research question. While there is no specific format required, it should include critical analysis and a conclusion drawn from the analysis. You should use a variety of evidence to support your argument, including primary and secondary sources .

Section 3 (suggested: 400 words) - 4 marks In this section, you will reflect on the methods you used and challenges you faced during your investigation. You should relate your reflection specifically to your investigation and your experience as a historian, and then think more widely about how knowledge is produced in the discipline of history.

The IB suggests following these questions to inspire your reflection:

• What methods used by historians did you use in your investigation?
• What did your investigation highlight to you about the limitations of those methods?
• What are the challenges facing the historian? How do they differ from the challenges facing a scientist or a mathematician?
• What challenges in particular does archive-based history present?
• How can the reliability of sources be evaluated?
• What is the difference between bias and selection?
• What constitutes a historical event?
• Who decides which events are historically significant?
• Is it possible to describe historical events in an unbiased way?
• What is the role of the historian?
• Should terms such as “atrocity” be used when writing about history, or should value judgments be avoided?
• If it is difficult to establish proof in history, does that mean that all versions are equally acceptable?

Even A-Level tutors who specialise in A-Level History recognise the value of the History IA, appreciating its benefits and say that it should be a part of the A-Level curriculum as well to promote better learning.

Have a look at our comprehensive set of IB History Study Notes , IB History Past Papers and IB History Questions , developed by expert IB teachers and examiners!

What should I write my IA about?

It is important to note that formulating an appropriate research question is a crucial aspect of this section, which is why many students get the help of an IB History tutor to help witht the subject or even an IB English tutor to improve their essay writing skills. The six key concepts of the history course (causation, consequence, continuity, change, significance, and perspectives) can be a useful starting point for developing your research question.

Your IA can focus on something you’ve learnt about in class or develop a personal historical interest. It is best to choose a topic that you are familiar with and that you can easily access sources about.

Here are over 60 examples of potential questions and investigations compiled by IB tutors which could inspire your History IA, depending on the historical topics which you are familiar with and interested in:

1 - How justified was appeasement as a policy in the 1930s? 2 - How influential was nationalism in Germany before 1848? 3 - How decisive was Bismarck’s role in German unification? 4 - How far did the financial crisis of 1789 cause the French Revolution? 5 - How successful was the League of Nations in the 1920s? 6 - How far was the League of Nations a humanitarian success? 7 - Were technological developments the most important factor in determining the outcome of WW2? 8 - To what extent did the legal rights of women improve in Britain, 1860-1900? 9 - How central was education to Nazi Germany? 10 - To what extent can Nixon’s Vietnamization policy be considered a success? 11 - How important was the Yalta conference to the start of the Cold War? 12 - Investigating the impact of the Industrial Revolution on working-class living conditions in a specific country. 13 - How did the Cold War shape foreign policy decisions in a specific country? 14 - Can the impact of the American Civil War on slavery and race relations be analyzed using primary sources? 15 - Investigating the social and economic impacts of colonialism on a specific region or country. 16 - How did World War I shape the geopolitical landscape of Europe in the 20th century? 17 - Can the impact of the Vietnam War on American society be analyzed using popular culture as primary sources? 18 - Investigating the impact of the Russian Revolution on the formation of the Soviet Union. 19 - How did the Women's Suffrage Movement impact political participation and representation in a specific country? 20 - Can the impact of the Civil Rights Movement on race relations in America be analyzed using primary sources? 21 - Investigating the impact of the Great Depression on political and economic policies in a specific country. 22 - How did the Renaissance shape art, literature, and intellectual thought in Europe? 23 - Can the impact of the Holocaust on Jewish communities and survivors be analyzed using primary sources? 24 - Investigating the social and cultural impacts of the Harlem Renaissance on African American communities. 25 - How did the Space Race shape scientific exploration and international relations during the Cold War? 26 - Can the impact of the Chinese Cultural Revolution on Chinese society and politics be analyzed using primary sources? 27 - Investigating the impact of the French Revolution on European politics and society in the 19th century. 28 - How did the Arab-Israeli conflict shape Middle Eastern politics and international relations? 29 - Can the impact of the Cuban Missile Crisis on US foreign policy and Cold War tensions be analyzed using primary sources? 30 - Investigating the impact of the Protestant Reformation on religious and political institutions in Europe. 31 - How did the Civil Rights Movement impact political and social changes in a specific country? 32 - Can the impact of the Spanish Inquisition on Spanish society and politics be analyzed using primary sources? 33 - Investigating the social and political impacts of the British Empire on colonized countries and regions. 34 - How did the Enlightenment shape intellectual thought and political institutions in Europe? 35 - Can the impact of the Indian Independence Movement on Indian society and politics be analyzed using primary sources? 36 - Investigating the impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade on African communities and diaspora. 37 - How did the American Revolution shape American politics and identity in the 19th and 20th centuries? 38 - Can the impact of the Rwandan Genocide on Rwandan society and politics be analyzed using primary sources? 39 - Investigating the social and cultural impacts of the Civil Rights Movement on African American communities in a specific country. 40 - How did the rise of Nazism and Fascism shape European politics and international relations before World War II? 41 - Can the impact of the Haitian Revolution on Caribbean society and politics be analyzed using primary sources? 42 - Analyzing the causes and consequences of the American Civil Rights Movement. 43 - Investigating the impact of colonization on the culture and society of indigenous peoples. 44 - Examining the role of women in the suffrage movement and the fight for equal rights. 45 - Analyzing the causes and effects of the Cuban Revolution on Cuban society and politics. 46 - Investigating the impact of the Renaissance on art, science, and humanism. 47 - Examining the role of nationalism in the unification of Italy and Germany in the 19th century. 48 - Analyzing the causes and effects of the Industrial Revolution on society and the economy. 49 - Investigating the impact of the French Revolution on the rise of democracy and liberalism. 50 - Examining the role of propaganda in shaping public opinion during World War II. 51 - Analyzing the causes and effects of the Cold War on global politics and international relations. 52 - Investigating the impact of imperialism on the economy and society of colonial powers and colonies. 53 - Analyzing the causes and effects of the Black Death on medieval Europe. 54 - Investigating the impact of the Enlightenment on political thought and revolution. 55 - Examining the role of human rights activism in the struggle for social justice and equality. 56 - Analyzing the causes and effects of the Mexican Revolution on Mexican society and politics. 57 - Investigating the impact of the Mongol Empire on Eurasian trade and cultural exchange. 58 - Examining the role of slavery in the development of the Atlantic economy and global trade. 59 - Analyzing the causes and effects of the Russian Revolution on Russian society and politics. 60 - Investigating the impact of the Transatlantic Slave Trade on African societies and cultures. 61 - Examining the role of protest and civil disobedience in social and political change. 62 - Analyzing the causes and effects of the Protestant Reformation on European society and religion. 63 - Investigating the impact of the Silk Road on trade and cultural exchange in Eurasia. 64 - Examining the role of ideology in the rise of totalitarian regimes in the 20th century. 65 - Analyzing the causes and effects of the Spanish-American War on Spanish and American society and politics. 66 - Investigating the impact of the Crusades on European and Middle Eastern societies and cultures. 67 - Examining the role of technology in warfare and military strategy throughout history. 68 - Analyzing the causes and effects of the Partition of India on South Asian society and politics. 69 - Investigating the impact of the Age of Exploration on global trade and cultural exchange. 70 - Examining the role of revolutions in the development of modern nation-states and democracy.

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What are the assessment criteria?

Before starting the IA, you should remind yourself of the marking criteria from the IB. Paying close attention to hitting each criterion will allow you to maximise your score.

Criterion A: Identification and evaluation of sources (6 marks)

To score highly, the student should:

• Clearly state their research question
• Identify and select relevant sources
• Clearly explain how the sources relate to the research question
• Perform a thorough analysis and evaluation of the two sources
• Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of the sources in relation to the research question, specifically considering the sources' origins, purpose, and content

Criterion B: Investigation (15 marks) The investigation should:

• Be clear, coherent and effectively organized
• Contain well-developed critical analysis that is focused clearly on the stated question
• Use evidence from a range of sources effectively to support the argument
• Evaluate different perspective
• Argue to a reasoned conclusion that is consistent with the evidence and arguments provided

Criterion C: Reflection (4 marks)

The reflection should:

• Be clearly focused on what the investigation highlighted to the student about the methods used by the historian
• Demonstrate clear awareness of challenges facing the historian and/or limitations of the methods used by the historian
• Clearly connect the reflection to the rest of the investigation

What sources should I use for Section 1?

You could use primary or secondary sources for Section 1. Primary sources provide a first-hand account of an event or time period. Secondary sources are interpretations and analyses based on primary sources.

The important things to consider are that the sources directly relate to your research question and give you interesting things to analyse for their values and limitations. For example, it may be useful to choose a primary source from someone who had a vested interest in depicting a certain version of a historical event. You should then reference the sources you choose for Section 1 in your Section 2 investigation. Once you have chosen your sources, you need to explicitly analyse the values and limitations of each source, for each of: origin, purpose, and content. This can be effectively structured in two paragraphs from each source: one for values and one for limitations.

How is the IA graded?

It is graded by the student’s teacher, who is trained and certified by the International Baccalaureate organization. The report is then sent to a moderator, who will check that the report adheres to the IB guidelines and that the grade awarded is appropriate.

Source: IB History HL Subject Brief

In conclusion, to do well in the IB History Internal Assessment (IA), it is essential to develop a strong research question that is focused on a historical issue or problem. Selecting appropriate and relevant sources, conducting a thorough analysis, writing a clear and well-structured conclusion, and providing a reflective statement on the research process are all critical components of a high-scoring IA. Additionally, it is important to follow the guidelines and formatting instructions, review, edit and proofread the IA multiple times, and seek feedback from your school teacher or tutor. By following these guidelines and approaches, students can ensure that their IA is well-researched, well-written, and effectively communicates their understanding of the historical issue or problem.

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Written by: Charles Whitehouse

Charles scored 45/45 on the International Baccalaureate and has six years' experience tutoring IB and IGCSE students and advising them with their university applications. He studied a double integrated Masters at Magdalen College Oxford and has worked as a research scientist and strategy consultant.

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IA Research Questions

Sometimes thinking of the right question is the hardest  part, eh?

The importance of the research question

The most important part of the IA in Business Management is of course the research question.  It is important to first consult the IB guide for this course, but here are some of my own tips on how to settle on a good question. If you are a student, you’ll want to ask your teacher for the sections of the subject guide on the IA, and the annual subject report, if they have not already done so.  The subject published every year is a fantastic resource in which the IB team gives specific guidance on strengths and weaknesses that they tended to see in the last exam session’s IAs.  

Most of my students go through multiple rounds of consultation with me before they settle on a question that is viable.  If your question is problematic in any way, a student will likely end up wasting a lot of time and effort pursuing a path that is fruitless or must be significantly altered.  It is therefore much better to spend more time than you want nailing down a good question rather than having to fix it later.  

Should I do a backward-looking or forward-looking question?

The question can be forward-looking or backward-looking, as long as you remember for backward-looking questions that there is a three-year limit on sources and that the question needs to be evaluative and not simply report and/or analyze what happened.  A student may not use source material that is dated more than three years before their IA submission.  I personally often advise my students that writing a forward-looking IA question is usually easier, giving the question a binary either/or choice for the firm.  However, it is quite possible to do a backward-looking question, and many students evaluate something like how successfully a firm has been able to implement a choice, or to what extent it was the right decision.

Examples of good questions

Should Nintendo stop making Rated M games and focus on kid-friendly games?

Should Alphabet acquire a smart TV manufacturer?

How can Google best adapt their search engine to the emergence of AI chatbots?

To what extent should the Coca-Cola company change its bottling to be more sustainable? 

Should International Paper change its marketing mix to a more sustainable brand image in response to the growing eco-friendly movements?

To what extent should Ferrari produce more cars to increase profits?

Should the Walt Disney company continue to compete in the streaming service market with all of their current platforms?

Most of these questions narrow the firm’s options down to a clear set of options that can be addressed adequately within the word limit.

Types of questions

"Should" questions 

For most students, I often find that “should” questions end up being the easiest for the students to narrow down their focus into a scenario in which they can apply course tools, techniques, and theories.  It tends to lead to a simple binary choice of “yes or no,” or “Option A or Option B.”

"Can" questions 

This is similar to a “should” question in the sense that the answer is clearly going to be yes or no.  For example, “Can Exxon successfully increase revenues by adding electric car charging ports to its gas stations?”

"To what extent" questions 

Another option is to go with “to what extent.” For instance, to what extent is a product line, marketing campaign, strategy, or so on impacting the firm in a positive way (profitability, competitive advantage, productivity, etc.).   While the conclusion could be a bit more fuzzy than in a “should” question, it’s still pretty straightforward to conclude if the answer is to a limited, moderate, or great extent.

"How Effective" questions 

As long as this addresses an issue that is ongoing and not solely in the past, this can be a good way of evaluating the merits of a firm’s objectives, strategies, tactics, and so on.  For example, “How effective is Gold's Gym's use of social media promotional techniques?”  

What makes a BAD question?

There are many things that can lead to a bad research question, but here are a few things I commonly see in students’ first iteration of their questions: 

Considers too many aspects of the business functions

Is about the industry, not the firm

Requires info that you don’t have access to [for this reason, I highly recommend that students do a publicly traded company so that they can get access to financial info]

Has already been answered

Is very likely to be answered/irrelevant long before you submit your draft

Has an obvious answer

Examples of bad questions from prior students

"Should Nike cut back on advertisement/ marketing money and focus it on new tech products?"

This could work, but so often the student doesn't have a really good idea of what "tech products" they envision Nike getting into.  Nike is a company that mostly sells sporting goods and apparel.  What kind of tech products would they do?  Upon questioning, the student was unable to come up with concrete examples other than NFTs, and they were unable to explain Nike's potential creation of NFTs further.  Students need to have a clearer idea of what they're proposing.

"How did the transgender bathroom policy impact Target's profits?"

I doubt you’re going to be able to prove whether or not it had any impact on their profits; teasing out the cause and effect there is likely to be way too difficult, and you will not have firm data to point to in order to justify a conclusion. This essay will thus be highly speculative.  Also, the way the student has phrased this question, it’s entirely in the past and they're running the danger of writing a report on facts and ahve no true evaluation.  If the student wants to investigate whether this will have an ongoing or future impact on the business, then this should be rephrased.  

"What impact will the recent move of Wilson Sporting Goods' headquarters have on the mobility of jobs within the workforce of the company?"

This is a mouthful.  I’m not entirely sure what the student means by mobility of jobs within the workforce of the company, and the student clearly didn’t either when we chatted.

"How can Wendy's revamp the public's outlook on the service and attitude of the staff?"

Firstly, I generally advise against questions beginning with “how.”  Too often, there are far too many possibilities to explore, so a “how” question is too broad to be covered well within the word count limit. Secondly, the student is assuming that Wendy’s has a problem with the public perception of service and staff attitudes.  In this case, the student was never able to come up with reliable data showing that these were even problems to begin with. 

"Should Amazon invest in private label brands?"

They already are, so this question is irrelevant.

"Should Sony expand its electronics sales into new markets?"

Sony is a huge company, and I don't know what market they could potentially get into that they're not currently in.  Also, does the student mean geographic markets, new product markets, etc?  The student was never really able to answer these questions for me.

"What new features can Spotify add to better compete with Apple Music?"

Maybe this could work if it were more specific, but the student wasn't really able to clearly lay out what options he had in mind.  Consequently, without narrowing it down to specific features or at least types of features, the question was too broad and wasted a lot of the student's time before he switch

How do I integrate a key concept?

The important thing is that you are constantly bringing the IA commentary back to your key concept so that it truly revolves around the concept, rather than it being an add-on that doesn't really work together with the rest of the commentary. 

Consider doing the following: 

- Define the key concept in the intro or first body paragraph

- Consider the key concept both from an internal lens, under the firm's control, and an external lens, happening or likely to happen in the market/industry/society around them.

- Think of your IA concept in multiple different ways (see concept charts below). This is particularly important with sustainability, which includes social, financial, and environmental sustainability

- Ask yourself, "Are there areas in which I have  implied  a link to the concept but have not analyzed it directly?"

- Use this chart to describe possible connections between your key concept and the syllabus BEFORE you write your IA. 

Change Creativity Sustainability Ethics

Early iterations of the AI applications we interact with most today were built on traditional machine learning models. These models rely on learning algorithms that are developed and maintained by data scientists. In other words, traditional machine learning models need human intervention to process new information and perform any new task that falls outside their initial training.

For example, Apple made Siri a feature of its iOS in 2011. This early version of Siri was trained to understand a set of highly specific statements and requests. Human intervention was required to expand Siri’s knowledge base and functionality.

However, AI capabilities have been evolving steadily since the breakthrough development of  artificial neural networks  in 2012, which allow machines to engage in reinforcement learning and simulate how the human brain processes information.

Unlike basic machine learning models, deep learning models allow AI applications to learn how to perform new tasks that need human intelligence, engage in new behaviors and make decisions without human intervention. As a result, deep learning has enabled task automation, content generation, predictive maintenance and other capabilities across  industries .

Due to deep learning and other advancements, the field of AI remains in a constant and fast-paced state of flux. Our collective understanding of realized AI and theoretical AI continues to shift, meaning AI categories and AI terminology may differ (and overlap) from one source to the next. However, the types of AI can be largely understood by examining two encompassing categories: AI capabilities and AI functionalities.

1. Artificial Narrow AI

Artificial Narrow Intelligence, also known as Weak AI (what we refer to as Narrow AI), is the only type of AI that exists today. Any other form of AI is theoretical. It can be trained to perform a single or narrow task, often far faster and better than a human mind can.

However, it can’t perform outside of its defined task. Instead, it targets a single subset of cognitive abilities and advances in that spectrum. Siri, Amazon’s Alexa and IBM Watson are examples of Narrow AI. Even OpenAI’s ChatGPT is considered a form of Narrow AI because it’s limited to the single task of text-based chat.

2. General AI

Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), also known as  Strong AI , is today nothing more than a theoretical concept. AGI can use previous learnings and skills to accomplish new tasks in a different context without the need for human beings to train the underlying models. This ability allows AGI to learn and perform any intellectual task that a human being can.

3. Super AI

Super AI is commonly referred to as artificial superintelligence and, like AGI, is strictly theoretical. If ever realized, Super AI would think, reason, learn, make judgements and possess cognitive abilities that surpass those of human beings.

The applications possessing Super AI capabilities will have evolved beyond the point of understanding human sentiments and experiences to feel emotions, have needs and possess beliefs and desires of their own.

Underneath Narrow AI, one of the three types based on capabilities, there are two functional AI categories:

1. Reactive Machine AI

Reactive machines are AI systems with no memory and are designed to perform a very specific task. Since they can’t recollect previous outcomes or decisions, they only work with presently available data. Reactive AI stems from statistical math and can analyze vast amounts of data to produce a seemingly intelligent output.

Examples of Reactive Machine AI  

• IBM Deep Blue: IBM’s chess-playing supercomputer AI beat chess grandmaster Garry Kasparov in the late 1990s by analyzing the pieces on the board and predicting the probable outcomes of each move.
• The Netflix Recommendation Engine: Netflix’s viewing recommendations are powered by models that process data sets collected from viewing history to provide customers with content they’re most likely to enjoy.

2. Limited Memory AI

Unlike Reactive Machine AI, this form of AI can recall past events and outcomes and monitor specific objects or situations over time. Limited Memory AI can use past- and present-moment data to decide on a course of action most likely to help achieve a desired outcome.

However, while Limited Memory AI can use past data for a specific amount of time, it can’t retain that data in a library of past experiences to use over a long-term period. As it’s trained on more data over time, Limited Memory AI can improve in performance.

Examples of Limited Memory AI  

• Generative AI: Generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Bard and DeepAI rely on limited memory AI capabilities to predict the next word, phrase or visual element within the content it’s generating.
• Virtual assistants and chatbots: Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, Cortana and IBM Watson Assistant combine natural language processing (NLP) and Limited Memory AI to understand questions and requests, take appropriate actions and compose responses.
• Self-driving cars: Autonomous vehicles use Limited Memory AI to understand the world around them in real-time and make informed decisions on when to apply speed, brake, make a turn, etc.

3. Theory of Mind AI

Theory of Mind AI is a functional class of AI that falls underneath the General AI. Though an unrealized form of AI today, AI with Theory of Mind functionality would understand the thoughts and emotions of other entities. This understanding can affect how the AI interacts with those around them. In theory, this would allow the AI to simulate human-like relationships.

Because Theory of Mind AI could infer human motives and reasoning, it would personalize its interactions with individuals based on their unique emotional needs and intentions. Theory of Mind AI would also be able to understand and contextualize artwork and essays, which today’s generative AI tools are unable to do.

Emotion AI is a theory of mind AI currently in development. AI researchers hope it will have the ability to analyze voices, images and other kinds of data to recognize, simulate, monitor and respond appropriately to humans on an emotional level. To date, Emotion AI is unable to understand and respond to human feelings.  

4. Self-Aware AI

Self-Aware AI is a kind of functional AI class for applications that would possess super AI capabilities. Like theory of mind AI, Self-Aware AI is strictly theoretical. If ever achieved, it would have the ability to understand its own internal conditions and traits along with human emotions and thoughts. It would also have its own set of emotions, needs and beliefs.

Emotion AI is a Theory of Mind AI currently in development. Researchers hope it will have the ability to analyze voices, images and other kinds of data to recognize, simulate, monitor and respond appropriately to humans on an emotional level. To date, Emotion AI is unable to understand and respond to human feelings.

Computer vision

Narrow AI applications with  computer vision  can be trained to interpret and analyze the visual world. This allows intelligent machines to identify and classify objects within images and video footage.

Applications of computer vision include:

• Image recognition and classification
• Object detection
• Object tracking
• Facial recognition
• Content-based image retrieval

Computer vision is critical for use cases that involve AI machines interacting and traversing the physical world around them. Examples include self-driving cars and machines navigating warehouses and other environments.

Robots in industrial settings can use Narrow AI to perform routine, repetitive tasks that involve materials handling, assembly and quality inspections. In healthcare, robots equipped with Narrow AI can assist surgeons in monitoring vitals and detecting potential issues during procedures.

Agricultural machines can engage in autonomous pruning, moving, thinning, seeding and spraying. And smart home devices such as the iRobot Roomba can navigate a home’s interior using computer vision and use data stored in memory to understand its progress.

Expert systems

Expert systems equipped with Narrow AI capabilities can be trained on a corpus to emulate the human decision-making process and apply expertise to solve complex problems. These systems can evaluate vast amounts of data to uncover trends and patterns to make decisions. They can also help businesses predict future events and understand why past events occurred.

IBM has pioneered AI from the very beginning, contributing breakthrough after breakthrough to the field. IBM most recently released a big upgrade to its cloud-based, generative AI platform known as watsonx.  IBM watsonx.ai  brings together new generative AI capabilities, powered by foundation models and traditional machine learning into a powerful studio spanning the entire AI lifecycle. With watsonx.ai, data scientists can build, train and deploy machine learning models in a single collaborative studio environment.

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Staff Council

Lab week at the state hygienic lab.

The State Hygienic lab (SHL) celebrated Medical Laboratory Professionals Week or Lab week on April 15-19 th 2024, to show appreciation to its hardworking staff. It is a week where laboratorians and all lab staff take a break from the demands of the job to participate in fun activities and events. The SHL is Iowa’s official public health lab, and its work directly impacts the life of every Iowan. 

Did you know? In 1956, the SHL was one of 40 nuclear surveillance systems chosen to measure radioactivity in the air and rivers in Iowa. SHL fulfilled this role again in 1986 in the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster.

Established in 1904 by the Iowa code in response to the typhoid and smallpox epidemics, the SHL started as the Bacteriological Laboratory (part of the UI College of Medicine). The lab would continually expand in both scope and locality. The SHL currently has 3 sites: Coralville, Ankeny and Lakeside (Milford). Consistent with the core functions of a public health lab, the SHL performs testing for food safety, lead levels in blood, drinking water and air quality (Environmental health), newborn screening (NBS), maternal prenatal screening, disease control (monitoring and testing), emergency preparedness and response (chemical and biological threats), training and research.

Did you know? During the HIV/ AIDS epidemic in the 80’s the SHL received national recognition for its work in developing HIV testing standards.  

Though a national celebration, Lab week at SHL has a distinct flair and is organized annually by volunteers from SHL HR and the SHL staff council. This year saw various activities for staff to participate in, such as a wellness walk, virtual bingo, Wordle, informative SHL-related presentations and food & clothing drives. There was a significant increase in prizes and giveaways compared to previous years. Staff were treated to pizza for lunch on the penultimate day of lab week and a ‘snack of the day’, with goodies on offer such as: granola bars, donuts, cookies, cupcakes, and popcorn.

Did you know? The SHL was at the forefront of flood water surveillance during the great Iowa flood of 1993.

Another event called ‘SHL Field trips’, was born from staff suggestions and occurred at the Ankeny lab. Participants were able to meet their colleagues from different sections. They learned about the 50 disorders screened for by newborn screening (NBS); the water, air quality and blood lead testing done by the Environmental section; and were shown fascinating examples of the organisms found in rivers and lakes by the Limnology section. These tours elicited so much interest and questions from attendees, that they ran twice as long as originally scheduled. 

Did you know? After Hurricane Katrina devastated LA in 2005, the NBS lab in Ankeny began testing samples from LA newborns and continued doing so for 3 years? Also, the lab is currently contracted to perform NBS testing for AK, ND and SD babies.

However, the highlight of SHL’s lab week was the annual Bags/ Cornhole tournament, which was moved indoors owing to rain. The Coralville lab had a very genteel tournament that saw the ‘ Kornholers’ beat ‘ The Big Bag Theory ’ to clinch the trophy in a nailbiter of a final. In the Ankeny lab however, Bags mean war! Team ‘ Hold my Drinks ’ entertained the crowd with their trash-talk and showed off their prowess in the art of psychological warfare. This was followed by a thrilling semifinal that saw the reigning champs suffer a shock defeat at the hands of the opposing team. The final however, set up yet another Environmental vs NBS showdown. In the end, Team ‘ Bags of steel ’ showed their mettle and defeated team ‘ Baggin’ & Braggin ’ to clinch the trophy for the Environmental section. However, NBS will be seeking redemption, so next year’s tournament will be a can’t miss event. 

Did you know? The SHL played a critical role in identifying biological threats in Iowa during the West Nile virus epidemic, the SARS, H1N1 and anthrax scares and the COVID-19 pandemic? 

As SHL looks forward to next year’s Lab week, the important work does not stop. From the air you breathe, to the water you drink, to saving the lives of Iowa’s babies, rest assured that the SHL will be working 365 days a year to ensure the safety and health of the Iowans they serve. Learn more about the SHL  here .

IB History IA Ideas - 40+ RQs Elaborated To Rock Your Scoring Game

Unlock the secret to acing your IB History IA with 40+ meticulously researched RQs. Score top marks and stand out from the crowd with our insider tips. Start your journey now!

Table of content

Choosing your ancient history ia topic, 42 fantastic ib history ia ideas to make things easier for you, sources for your ib history ia, how will your ib history ia make the cut, what to avoid when writing your ib history ia, don’t forget to have fun.

Those pursuing IB History will understand precisely that the IA (internal assessment) is the most terrifying of all the horrors.

All History students, regardless of whether they are studying HL or SL, must make a cut.

If you're an HL scholar, the IB History IA is valued at 20% of the overall marks and

If you're an SL scholar, it's worth 25%.

As a result, it accounts for a significant portion of your final rating!

Since the History Internal Assessment is an inquiry into a topic or theme of your choice and interest, you must pick something that intrigues you deeply. This will do writing and perfecting your study much simpler.

Bide your time thinking about and polishing up your IB History IA topics since it will affect how your effort is evaluated and, as a result, your grade.

Identification and assessment of sources, investigation, and reflection are the three components of a History IA. This gives your IA some framework, and it is highly suggested to label these three parts explicitly in your writing. This will make it easier for the reviewer to understand your IA and demonstrate that you understand what each piece is about! To know more about the structure, check out  IB History IA: This Ultimate Guide Will Get You A 7.

Today we'll review numerous factors to give you some helpful IB History IA ideas. Things we'll be covering today are:

• 42 Fantastic IB History IA Ideas to Make Things Easier for You
• IB History IA Ideas for Sources
• How will Your IB History IA Make the Cut?
• What to Avoid When Writing Your IB History IA
• Don't Forget to Have Fun

Almost invariably, a poor research topic contributes to a flawed study. When selecting a research purpose, exercise extreme caution. The IA is a research project in the past. Choose a topic that has sparked controversy among historians. Questions with apparent solutions should be avoided. Also, keep an eye out for issues that aren't conducive to the investigation. In addition, your topic theme should have the following:

• Been in the field of history
• Should be at minimum 10 years old
• Ought to be a matter which can be appropriately addressed in about 2,200 words
• Should be a subject for which you seem to have enough references
• Has to be related to something you're entirely involved or interested in.

Now that you know what to remember when picking your topic let us give you a sneak peek into 42 IB History IA Ideas exclusively compiled for you! However, keep one thing in mind- these are simply suggestions to open a pathway of ideas for you. You can always jazz up the argument but stick to the theme or vice versa.

Also, remember to consult your teacher throughout the topic-picking process because they're your real mentors.

Now let's get you started!

• The reasons for the genesis and expansion of Islam in the pre-historic years
• The impact of significant intellectual, social and aesthetic breakthroughs during the seventeenth century
• This is a vast topic where you can discuss Cuban nationalism.
• Cover its political, economic, social, and cultural policies.
• Highlight the treatment of opposition parties
• Fidel Castro's successes and failures.
• Origins of the Arab–Israeli confrontation of 1945 to 1979
• The Mexican revolution of 1884
• The causes and repercussions of railroad building in modern nations
• The 26/11 attack on Taj Palace Mumbai
• The influence of neo-colonialism and reliance on global and cross-American commerce growth.
• You can pick any other country of your choice.
• Discuss the reasons for their rise to power
• What was their impact on the country's economic and social policies?
• Highlight the repression and treatment of the opposition.
• The Greenham Common Peace Protesters
• Your central topic theme could revolve around political bias, thus making your IB History IA a socio-political report.
• Reasons for the communism crisis of 1976 and 1989
• African and Asian nationalist and liberation struggles
• Post-World War II Eastern and Central European republics
• Carry out an examination of the idols glorified by the Western press and Deng Xiaoping's martyrs of the Tiananmen Square incident
• Analyze the evolution and significance of the labour trades unions during the nineteenth century in a European country
• Impact of India and Pakistan's partition in 1947 on both the countries
• What was the starting point?
• What triggered the allies?
• Who acted as a catalyst for the resolution?
• Role of protagonists and antagonists
• Reasons underlying the Boston massacre of 1776
• How did Lenin's and Trotsky's involvement in the Soviet Union's growth change between 1918 and 1924?
• How and why did Eastern European communist governments break apart during the late 1980s?
• Is George Grosz's artwork relevant to Weimar German historians?
• Significant circumstances aided Hitler's ascension to dominance in 1933
• The attack of 9/11 on the twin towers
• You can take any attacked city/town.
• What were the effects on its citizens?
• Discuss the irreversible damages (if any)
• Piedmont-Sardinia's key role in Italian unification between 1850 and 1861.
• The accomplishments and shortcomings of Napoleon III's domestic policy.
• This topic can be moulded as per your needs.
• Cover why it was significant.
• You must write in a way that analyses multiple aspects of this topic.
• During the Cultural Revolution, how did Chinese communists utilize Chinese theatre as publicity or to propagate certain ideologies?
• During 1846 and 1880, why did Disraeli perform such a significant role in British politics?
• How well can the Teutoburg Forest fight be replicated using archaeological field research?
• For this topic, keep it narrow.
• Include a niche discussion aspect; otherwise, it may be too broad and fragmented, with too many things to convey.
• When it came to reporting on the Soviet and American governments throughout the Cuban Missile Crisis, how did the American press, The Wall Street Journal, The British Daily and The Times differ?
• How did the construction and operation of the Palace of Versailles express respect for the Italian Baroque style and Greek mythology?
• Discuss her rise
• Explore the reasons through which she gained prominence.
• During the Third Reich, how effective was Hitler's promotion of the family's optimal outcome?
• You can take any historic monument construction.
• Explore the impact of these architectural developments on the city
• Factors like trade, commerce, population, awareness, and recognition can be considered.
• The impact of attacks on such monuments can also be highlighted.
• What impact did the trading system have on Norwich's advancement?
• This question has a great scope of driving critical thinking, so make sure you do not leave any stone unturned.
• How did tabloid accounts of Kennedy's assassination differ, and how trustworthy were they?
• How did the British and Argentine media portray the Falklands/Malvinas War differently?
• How did British World War II soldiers who served in Europe contrast to those who served in the Pacific?

You should always utilize recognized and factual evidence for your IA. Some sources on the internet suit the bill, but you should always be cautious and observant while using internet sites. That isn’t to say you can’t quote stuff from the internet; it just means you must cautiously assess the websites you utilize. You can always check Wikipedia pages, but you must never cite it in your IA. If the Wikipedia material is accurate, seek the primary sources of information mentioned at the end of the page and find them in a bookstore or digitally. Read the report, ensure the origin is trustworthy, double-check the data, and then reference the primary author.

Remember, your primary sources of knowledge should be trustworthy publications and peer-reviewed scholarly papers and not some random blogs.

Be on the lookout for various relevant, credible sources that can assist you in answering your history IB topic. Try to get at least 8 to 10 high-quality references. Employing intelligent and practical search terms is critical while conducting internet research.

A lot of marks also revolve around how you discover reliable and authentic channels. Thus, it’s not enough to Google it!

The internal assessment is beneficial since it enables individuals to be creative and conduct more profound research on a topic in history that they are interested in. An excellent IA should show that you are passionate about the subject. It should also indicate that the learner has studied and can reflect on how much they have understood.

On the other hand, a high-quality IA can be a simple and sophisticated piece of art. A good score will be earned by a student with a well-defined and clearly addressed research topic, follows a systematic framework, and has transparent personal participation that exhibits expertise.

• Do not structure it like an average research paper:   The history of internal assessment is a scientific study of the past. This is different from your average research paper. Fundamentally, you'll offer the reader a historical topic and then lead them through the steps a historian would take to address it. While it is a beneficial practice, it is just a contrived format you will rarely encounter again during your academic journey. It is essential to understand that the IA is not scored objectively. As a result, it's critical to use subheadings to properly distinguish each component. Another significant distinction between the IA and an average research article is that Section 1 does not constitute a thesis declaration. You provide a research topic in Section 1. As you progress into the other sections, your suggestions and answers to that topic will progressively take shape.  
• Do not exceed the word limit:   The IA should be at least 2,000 but at most 2,200 words long. Excessive use of the phrase cap results in a two-point penalty in Part F. Although there is no compulsory consequence for IAs falling under 2,000 words, IAs that fall under the word limit lack the information needed to be displayed and, thus, do not welcome a good score. It is recommended that you place the word count of each section at its end and the total word count on the first page itself. This figure needs to include citations or a bibliography. The majority of word processors will tally the words for you.  
• Do not skip the proofreading stage:   Make sure you give yourself enough time to perform this task. We propose that you focus on it progressively during the session. Do not try to complete the writing task in less than 24 hours! Make every effort to finish your draft version long before the timeframe. Request somebody to proofread your work, such as a colleague, an English or History teacher, or even your family. Though they may need to become more familiar with the structure or scoring method, they will be able to pinpoint grammatical errors, readability issues, and confusing sections of the text.  
• Refrain from compromising your bibliography:  Every research must contain a bibliography and proper citing of all materials, although they are not counted as part of the total word limit. As you proceed, jot down your bibliography. Going back and searching where your data comes from takes time and effort. You must cite your sources whenever you utilize their words, ideas, or material in your writing. This implies you must offer a citation if you use an author's precise language, rephrase them, or summarise their thoughts. You might be charged with plagiarism, and your work could be rejected if you don't reference your sources. MLA is the standard reference style for students in all departments; however, certain subjects/departments prefer different formats, so double-check with your teacher to be sure.

Regardless of whether you have fun with history or despise it, if you devote serious thought to composing your IB History IA, you will rise up as a fan of the subject since it entices you to test the envelope, explore areas lying further than the academic concepts you've learned in class, and also use critical reasoning abilities required to start investigating an event in history.

So, have fun with this assessment and make sure you follow this advice to the letter to get the most significant scores. Nail IB is here to have your back, so if you need help, you have to get in touch with our professionals, who will help you out.

Let's get writing!

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