International Section Investigation Mark Scheme

Student Name:

Investigation Title:

Criteria / Total / Percentage / Grade
Exploration / Analysis / Evaluation / Communication
/22 / %
Available / 6 / 6 / 6 / 4
Exploration
This criterion assesses the ability of the student to state the research question, background information to the investigation and clearly describe the method. Where applicable the appreciation of safety, ethics and environmental issues will also be assessed.
Mark / Aspect
Research Question / Background / Method / Safety, ethics and environmental issues
0 / The report does not match any of the descriptors below.
1-2 / The topic is identified but the research question is unclear. / Background material is provided but it is of limited relevance. / The methodology has weaknesses but can address the research question. / The report shows limited awareness of safety, ethical and environmental issues.
3-4 / The topic is identified and the research question is stated although it may not be focussed. / The background information is relevant and aids the understanding of the investigation. / The methodology is appropriate and makes some attempt to ensure that quality data is collected. / The report shows a satisfactory awareness of safety, ethical and environmental issues.
5-6 / The topic is clearly identified and the research question includes the dependent and independent variable. / The background information is entirely relevant and greatly enhances understanding of the experiment. / The methodology is highly appropriate and minimises factors that may affect the quality of the data. / The report shows an excellent awareness of safety, ethical and environmental issues.
Analysis
This criterion assesses the ability of the student to select, process and interpret data.
Mark / Aspect
Raw Data / Data Processing / Assessing uncertainty, reliability and accuracy / Interpretation of processed data
0 / The report does not match any of the descriptors below.
1-2 / The report has insufficient data to answer the research question. / Basic data processing is carried out with some errors. A graph is present with major errors. / There is no mention of uncertainty, reliability or accuracy. / The conclusion is invalid or incomplete.
3-4 / The report has sufficient data to partially answer the research question. / Basic data processing is carried out accurately e.g. means are calculated correctly. A graph is present with minor errors. / Some attempt is made to discuss uncertainty, reliability or accuracy. / The conclusion is generally valid but is incomplete or has major gaps.
5-6 / The report has sufficient data to support a fulland detailed answer to the research question. / Appropriate and accuratedata processing is carried out accurately e.g. standard deviation, rate of production. A graph is present with no errors. / An attempt to discuss uncertainty, reliability and accuracy is made. / The conclusion is valid and generally complete.
Evaluation
This criterion assesses the ability of the student to select, process and interpret data.
Mark / Aspect
Conclusion / Scientific context / Limitations of data / Suggestions for improvements and extensions
0 / The report does not match any of the descriptors below.
1-2 / A conclusion is outlined but may not be entirely relevant. / The conclusion is makes superficial links to the scientific context. / At least one strength and weakness of the investigation are given. / Unrealistic improvements or extensions are outlined.
3-4 / A conclusion is described which is relevant to the research question. / The conclusion makes relevant links to the scientific context. / Strengths and weaknesses of the investigation are fully described. / Realistic improvements of extensions are described.
5-6 / The conclusion is fully described and justified. It is relevant to the research question and is supported by data. / The conclusion makes relevant links to the scientific context including references. / Strengths and weaknesses of the investigation are fully described and the impact of the weakness is discussed. / Improvements that would improve the quality of data are fully described. Extensions are also described.
Communication
This criterion assesses whether the investigation is presented and reported in a way that supports effective communication.
Mark / Aspect
Presentation / Structure / Focus / Terminology and conventions
0 / The report does not match any of the descriptors below.
1-2 / Presentation is unclear making it difficult to understand. / The report is not well structured. / Inappropriate or irrelevant information obscures the investigation. / There are major errors in the use of subject specific terminology and conventions.
3-4 / Presentation is clear and errors do not hamper understanding. / The report is well structured in a coherent manner. / Information is generally relevant and concise. / Use of subject specific terminology and conventions is appropriate.