Section 1
Question
Write down your hypothesis.
Explain why you made this hypothesis.
Identify two sources that you used for
your research.
Marks
Mark scheme
There is a hypothesis that
3
identifies the independent and dependent
variables.
3
The hypothesis is explained clearly.
Two relevant sources are clearly identified.
The usefulness of both sources is
explained and a comparison made.
Which of these sources did you fi nd the
more useful?
Comments
Make sure you put as much detail into
your dependent and independent
variables (eg. not just time taken but time
taken for chemical x to go clear)
An identified source is referred to by title
and author or for websites at least the
name of the website should be quoted.
Remember to compare the two sources,
not just comment on one.
Why was this source better than the
other source?
From the research that you have done,
describe in detail how you are going to
do your investigation.
9
Most of the necessary equipment is
stated.
Remember to not only include the hazards
but how you would control for them
The method described will enable valid
results to be collected.
State the independent, dependent and
control variables
The measurements to be made are stated
and the significant control variables are
clearly identified, with details of how they
will be monitored or controlled.
Any significant hazards are identified,
together with an assessment of the
associated risks and corresponding
control measures.
The answer is coherent and written in an
Include units and all the measuring
equipment
organised, logical sequence, containing a
range of relevant specialist terms used
correctly.
Name one variable that you will need to
control.
3
The answer shows almost faultless
spelling, punctuation and grammar.
Identifies an appropriate control
variable.
Describe briefly how you will control this
variable.
Explains that controlling variables
ensures results are valid.
You should also explain why it is
important to control this variable.
It is better to repeat each measurement
at least three times.
Describes how the variable should be
controlled.
Enables a check for consistency to be
made or anomalous results to be
detected
3
To check that results are similar
Identify anomalous results
Explain why this is likely to give a more
accurate result.
and
Calculate a mean
2
You will be awarded up to two marks for
your table.
enables a mean to be calculated which
minimises the effect of random errors.
Correct headings and units present for all
measured variables.
It is often the units that are forgotten in the
tables that are submitted
Section 2
Do your results support the hypothesis
that you investigated?
You should use any pattern that you can
3
A valid statement is made about whether
or not the results support the hypothesis.
The answer includes a reference to a
Its important that you put some data
examples from your own results
pattern and some examples from the
results.
see in your results to support your
answer.
You should include examples from your
results.
Some members of your class may have
done an investigation to test the same
hypothesis.
3
An explanation is given that if the same
pattern or trend is present/not present in
others’ results, the investigation is
reproducible/possibly not reproducible.
Explain how using the results of other
people may help you to decide if your
investigation is reproducible.
Did you get any anomalous results?
A statement is made that results should be
compared to see if they are similar.
3
An explanation is given that the
investigation must use the same
variables.
There is a correct statement as to whether
or not there are any anomalous results
Its important again that actual examples
from the data are given in your answer
Explain your answer.
and a statement or implication that
anomalous results are ones that do not fit
the pattern.
Your explanation should include
examples from your results.
Describe in detail how you could use
repeated readings to obtain more
accurate results.
3
Some examples from the results are
given to support this, eg. by specifying
results that are considered to be
anomalous or by referring to the fact that,
eg all results are very close to a line of
best fit.
A statement is made that a mean
should be calculated, by adding the results
together and dividing by the number of
values.
A statement is made that either
Its key that you describe how the mean is
calculated, and what to do with any
anomalous results
anomalous results are discarded before
calculating a mean
What was the independent variable in
the investigation that you did?
3
Correctly states the range of the
independent variable.
What was the range of the independent
variable?
Explains whether or not the range is
suitable.
Explain why this was or was not a
suitable range.
Most investigations contain errors or
uncertainties.
or a graph is plotted and a best fit line
is drawn ignoring anomalous points.
Correctly states the independent variable.
3
Identifies a suitable error or uncertainty.
Suggests a way of reducing the error or
uncertainty given.
What do you think was the cause of the
largest error or uncertainty in your
investigation?
Explains how the way suggested will
reduce the error or uncertainty.
What could you do to reduce the size of
this error or uncertainty if you were to
repeat the investigation?
Eg. if you are discussing an experiment
looking at light intensity (using a lamp) and
effect on photosynthesis….
A suitable error might be that there were
other light sources affecting the
investigation.
A suitable way of reducing this might be to
do the investigation in a darkened room.
A suitable explanation might be that this
will ensure the only light affecting
photosynthesis is that from the lamp.
Draw a sketch graph of the results in
Case Study 1.
2
Both axes labelled with the variables
(ignore any units given)
and an appropriate line drawn.
No need to draw on any scales, the marks
are for the axis being labelled and the line
drawn correctly
Explain whether or not the results in
Case Studies 1, 2 and 3 support the
hypothesis stated above
3
To what extent do the results support the
gardener’s hypothesis? Explain your
answer.
3
How could the results from your
investigation be useful in the context that
you have researched?
You will be awarded up to four marks for
your chart or graph.
3
4
Correct statements are made about both
Case Studies 1, 2 and 3, supported by a
more detailed explanation of both Case
Studies 2 and 3.
There is a simple statement saying
whether or not the results in Case study x
support the hypothesis and this
is supported by some quantitative
information quoted.
There is also a statement that makes clear
the limitations of the results in supporting
the hypothesis.
Results from the investigation or an idea
from the research has been related to the
context.
There is a detailed explanation of how the
results or idea can be applied and used in
the context.
X axis: suitable scales chosen and
labelled with quantity and units.
Y axis: suitable scales chosen and
labelled with quantity and units.
Points or bars plotted correctly to within ±
1 mm.
Suitable line drawn on graph or bars
correctly labelled on bar chart.
The key in this question is detail….the
more detail in relation to the figures in the
case studies the more likely 3 marks
This means putting in data from the case
studies but also…
Stating why the results may also show
some limitations in supporting the
hypothesis
Its important that you fill this part of the
CRN in in as much detail as possible – the
more detail you can put in at this stage,
the easier this question is to complete.
How does the investigation link to an
application in the “real world”?
If the independent variable is:
 categoric, should draw a bar chart.
 continuous, should draw a best fit line.