6.1.1Inquiry Process
Exploring in Biology — IB Biology HL Revision Notes & Topical Questions
5 min read 4 parts Lesson 153 of 160
Curriculum Equation Key قوانين الرقم الهيدروجيني والاتزان الأيوني - pH & Acid-Base Equilibrium FormulasFast Exam Solution
pH = -log[H⁺] | pOH = -log[OH⁻] | pH + pOH = 14 | [H⁺][OH⁻] = 10⁻¹⁴
Word Equation & Conditions: الرقم الهيدروجيني = -لوغاريتم تركيز أيون الهيدروجين | pH + pOH = 14
Location & Specifications: الاتزان الأيوني، كيمياء 3 ثانوي، التحصيلي، و AP Chemistry.
Part 1 of 4From Topic to Research Question
1
Begin with a biological topic that interests you and that links to the syllabus, so that you can use your knowledge to design and interpret the work.
2
Read widely from reliable sources such as textbooks, review articles and journals, and note exactly what is already known about the topic.
3
Narrow the topic to a specific, measurable question that names the independent variable, the dependent variable and the organism or system.
4
Check that the question can be investigated with the equipment, time and safe procedures available to you.
5
Write the question in a form such as 'How does the temperature of the water affect the rate of ...?' to keep it clear and focused.
Part 2 of 4Hypothesis, Prediction and Background
Hypothesis
- Hypothesis A testable explanation based on biological theory,
- such as 'enzyme activity increases with temperature up to an optimum because collisions are more frequent'.
Prediction
- Prediction A specific, measurable outcome that follows from the hypothesis, for example 'the rate will increase between 10 °C and 40 °C'.
Null hypothesis
- Null hypothesis A statement that there is no relationship between the variables, which a statistical test is used to challenge.
Background information
- Background information Relevant biology explained concisely, with cited sources, shows why the question matters and supports the hypothesis.
Personal engagement
- Personal engagement Choosing a question that interests you, or links to your own experience, shows initiative and curiosity.
| Weak question | Improved question |
|---|---|
| Does temperature affect enzymes? | How does temperature (10 to 50 °C) affect the rate of catalase activity in potato extract? |
| Do plants need light? | How does light intensity affect the rate of photosynthesis in Elodea? |
Part 3 of 4Sources, Safety and Ethics
Sources, Safety and Ethics
Reliable sources
- Reliable sources Peer-reviewed articles, university sites and established textbooks are more trustworthy than blogs or unreferenced websites.
Referencing
- Referencing All ideas and data from other people are acknowledged with a consistent referencing style.
Safety
- Safety Identify hazards linked to the chemicals, organisms and equipment you plan to use.
Ethics and environment
- Ethics and environment Consider consent, welfare of organisms and the impact on the habitat before settling on the plan.
Part 4 of 4Exam Checklist & Tips
6.1.1 – Key Points for the Exam
- Research question A focused, testable question that names the variables.
- Hypothesis A testable explanation based on biological theory.
- Prediction A specific, measurable outcome expected if the hypothesis is correct.
- Independent variable The factor deliberately changed by the investigator.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing a research question that is too broad to test within the time available.
- Writing a hypothesis with no scientific explanation behind it.
- Using one unreferenced website as the only source of background information.
- Omitting the organism and conditions from the research question.
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