CHECKLIST FOR INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
DESIGN(D)
ASPECT 1: DEFINE PROBLEM / SELECT VARIABLES
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Introduction(optional)
Focused, clearly stated research question
Hypothesis(optional)
All variables identified*
*independent variable(manipulated)
*dependent variable(measured)
*controlled variables
ASPECT 2: CONTROLLING VARIABLES
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Design a method for effective control of
variables
Each controlled variable and independent
variable discussed
List of materials and apparatus provided
Sketch or picture of apparatus
provided(optional)
Details of how measurements will be taken
provided
ASPECT 3: DEVELOPING A METHOD FOR DATA
COLLECTION
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Amount of data to be taken discussed
Method includes reference to repeated
measurements of relevant data
DATA COLLECTION &
PROCESSING(DCP)
ASPECT 1: RECORDING RAW DATA
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Descriptive title for tables(include brief
descriptive caption – FIG. 1…)
 Columns clearly labeled
 Columns include units and uncertainties
 Consistent with significant figures when
recording data and uncertainties
 Data recorded is correct
 Include detailed qualitative observations after
raw data tables
*Suggestion: do not include processed data in your raw
data table
ASPECT 2: PROCESSING RAW DATA
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Show a clear sample calculation
Present processed data so that all stages to the
final result can be followed
Use appropriate measure of uncertainty
Use appropriate number of decimal
places/significant figures
Double check calculations and notation for
simple errors
ASPECT 3: PROCESSING RAW DATA
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Descriptive title for graph(s) (include brief
descriptive caption – FIG. 4…)
Choose the appropriate type of graph(s)
Label axes, units, appropriate scale
Plot processed data accurately
Appropriate trend line with associated stats
Clear legend (colour is better than dotted lines or
hash marks)
Error bars if appropriate
CONCLUSION &
EVALUATION(CE)
ASPECT 1: CONCLUDING
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Clearly state the conclusion(as it relates to
the hypothesis)
Support the conclusion with your
results(refer to your processed data)
Support the conclusion with calculated
statistics
Justify the conclusion by describing the
theoretical mechanism
Justify the conclusion with reference to
literature(if applicable)
ASPECT 2: EVALUATING PROCEDURE
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Clearly describe several weaknesses or
limitiations of the procedure
For each, clearly why it is a weakness of
limitation
No “human error” unless it is due to poor
procedure or measuring devices
ASPECT 3: IMPROVING THE INVESTIGATION
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Suggest a specific and practical
improvement for each limitation
Be realistic about what is practical in a
high school setting
Provide enough detail so that it could
actually be implemented in this course