6.1.1Inquiry Process
Exploring in Biology — IB Biology SL Revision Notes & Topical Questions
5 min read 5 parts Lesson 3 of 10
Part 1 of 5Finding a Focused Idea
Strong investigations often begin with a familiar practical that you adapt in a new way.
Starting point
- A surprising class result or a change to a standard practical, such as using a different organism, can lead to a good idea.
Real-world link
- Connecting a biological concept to a practical problem, such as salty soil and crop seeds, adds purpose and relevance.
One variable
- Investigate one independent variable and one dependent variable in depth rather than several factors at once.
Comparison
- Comparing two enzyme sources or two species can show insight into how structure and environment are linked.
Feasibility
- Check that the equipment, living material, safety rules and time available make the idea practical in a school laboratory.
Part 2 of 5Background Research
Research gives scientific context to the question and to the prediction.
1
List what you already know from notes, the textbook and the data booklet about the process you want to study.
2
Consult reliable sources such as scientific databases or journals, and record exactly where each fact came from.
3
Find accepted values or patterns, such as an enzyme's optimum pH, so that your results can later be compared.
4
Look at published methods to see how others measured the dependent variable and which problems they met.
5
Refine or even change your idea if the research shows that it is too broad, unsafe or not testable.
Part 3 of 5Research Question and Hypothesis
Research Question and Hypothesis
Research question
- It names the independent variable, the dependent variable, the organism or system and the range of values studied.
Too broad
- A question such as how abiotic factors affect plants is vague because it does not state what will be changed or measured.
Hypothesis form
- Write it as If the independent variable changes, then the dependent variable will change in a stated way, because of a mechanism.
Justification
- The because part must rely on biological principles such as enzyme structure, water potential or limiting factors, not on a hunch.
Part 4 of 5Worked Example
Question
- A student is interested in how salt affects plants.
- Turn this into a focused research question and hypothesis.
- Researchsalt in soil lowers the water potential outside the seed, which can reduce water uptake by osmosis.
- Narrow the systemuse one species, radish seeds, and one measure, final percentage germination after 7 days.
- Choose one independent variablesodium chloride concentration, 0 to 2.0 % in steps of 0.5 %.
- Write the questionWhat is the effect of sodium chloride concentration on the percentage germination of radish seeds after 7 days?
- Write the hypothesis with a reasonif concentration rises, germination falls,
- because lower water potential reduces osmotic water uptake that germination needs.
Answer A focused question with one independent and one dependent variable, plus a hypothesis justified by osmosis.
Part 5 of 5Exam Checklist & Tips
6.1.1 – Key Points for the Exam
- Research question A focused, testable question linking one independent variable to one dependent variable.
- Hypothesis A testable prediction of the outcome that includes a scientific reason for it.
- Independent variable The factor deliberately changed by the investigator.
- Dependent variable The factor measured to find the effect of the change.
- Feasibility Whether the investigation can realistically be done with the available time, materials and safety limits.
Common Mistakes
- Choosing a question that changes two or more independent variables at once, so the cause cannot be identified.
- Writing a prediction with no scientific reason after the word because.
- Using a research question so general that no measurable variable is named.
- Planning an experiment with living material that needs more time than is available.
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