Lab Research Report Checklist
for IB Sciences

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This checklist is a summary of everything that a good report should contain. You should use this as a guide, in conjunction with the Rubric, while writing your Lab Research Reports in IB Sciences. When you have finished your report, you may use it to check that you haven't missed anything.

Research Report in IB Sciences Quick Checklist Exploration & Personal Engagement Introduction Introduction & Personal Engagement The topic/phenomenon/situation being studied is introduced and discussed and the research question in general is introduced Personal Engagement with the investigation is demonstrated through: independent thinking, initiative or creativity personal significance, interest or curiosity Justification is given for choosing the RQ Any special processes being studied are described and discussed, if appropriate Research Question Research Question is clearly and precisely stated Independent and dependent variables are specifically identified Several controlled factors are identified Background Theory Relevant information/theory is introduced and used to place the RQ within the scientific context Predicted results are stated and explained, based on the background information/theory/equations Authoritative sources from which you get any background information/theory are cited Methods Procedure Equipment set-up is clearly explained. Labeled diagram is included, where appropriate Each quantity that must be measured, how it was measured, how it was varied, and how many different points taken/what range covered is described. Important factors/quantities which must be controlled in the set-up and procedure are identified.  Techniques used to control each factor/quantity are described. Appropriate measurement techniques have been selected Data collected relates directly to the Research Question Range of values of the independent variable to be tested is stated A sufficient range of the independent variable is tested An appropriate number of trials are carried out   Safety, Environmental & Ethical Concerns Safety, Environmental & Ethical concerns have been clearly identified, as appropriate The method for addressing all identified concerns has been clearly described Analysis Data Quantitative data, including uncertainties, is presented fully and appropriately Correct units and uncertainties are given for all data All raw data is recorded to the correct level of precision (correct number of significant figures) An appropriate format has been used to display the raw data Table has a meaningful title and column headings that allow for easy interpretation of the data Units and Uncertainties are given with column headings Table captions should explain how the uncertainty values were derived (if you don’t do so elsewhere) Qualitative data is presented fully and appropriately (if necessary) Data Processing All manipulation and processing of data needed is clearly shown, including: Data are processed using an appropriate technique/type of calculation Calculations are done correctly (including units and uncertainties) Calculations are to the correct level of precision uncertainty rounded to 1 sigfig (where appropriate) data rounded to the decimal place where uncertainty starts Sample calculations are shown for every type of calculation carried out Samples of all uncertainty calculations performed are shown Sample graphs showing how data were obtained from computer-generated graphs are shown, if appropriate Percent Error calculated, where appropriate Results & Interpretation Processed data results are presented appropriately (graph, table, figure…) An appropriate format is selected to display processed data and to show patterns and relationships titles, labels and captions are included, as appropriate presented results directly answer the RQ Percent Error calculated where appropriate If presented in a graph, results show a clear trend: Uncertainty bars are included Curve-fit used correctly describes the trend, where appropriate Graph axes are manipulated (1/x, x2, etc)  to obtain a straight line graph, where appropriate Graph showing uncertainty in slopes and intercepts is shown, where appropriate Equation derived from graph is presented with uncertainties, as appropriate Results are interpreted to enable a conclusion addressing the RQ Meaning of final results/equation is fully discussed   Evaluation Conclusion Results are clearly stated and discussed Conclusion directly answers the RQ An equation(s), with uncertainties, relating the variables is shown, where appropriate Trends and patterns are identified/ compared and explained Conclusion is justified by using several representative data points to show that the conclusion is supported by the data Experimental values are compared to literature values, where possible Any literature consulted is correctly referenced Levels of confidence in the conclusions are discussed with reference to: relative size of uncertainty in the data quality of curve fit to the data, where appropriate agreement with theory, where appropriate The range and situation to which the conclusions may be applied is noted, where appropriate Evaluation Strengths of the investigation (1-2 of most important) are discussed Specific weaknesses (about 4) in the design and conduct of the experiment (processes, techniques, equipment etc) are identified At least one methodological issue (limitation of range sampled, issues with experimental design, etc) is identified Several procedural issues (errors in variables' or controlled factors' measurements) are identified The effect of each identified weakness on the results is discussed (random or systematic, and if systematic, which direction it will skew your results, if appropriate) Specific suggestions to improve/avoid each identified weakness are given (including modifications to experimental techniques) Suggestions may include how to reduce random error, remove systematic error, and obtain greater control of variables Suggestions are realistic and specific Suggestions for further research are given Communication Writing and Presentation Language is concise, clear, familiar, and precise Name and date, Title, Subtitles, included Font and style consistent throughout the report for section headings, subheadings, and text Tables/Figures/Graphs & Captions not split across pages Report is well structured and clear Report is no more than 12 pages long

Proofread your report aloud! It's the best way to catch mistakes in your own writing.

 

Here is a pdf version of the checklist.

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