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6.3.1Inquiry Process

Concluding in Biology — IB Biology SL Revision Notes & Topical Questions

5 min read 5 parts Lesson 9 of 10

📚 IB Biology SL Hub / Topical Revision
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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.
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Part 1 of 5Building a Conclusion

A conclusion is a short, focused summary of what the evidence shows, not a new discussion.

1
Begin with a direct answer to the research question, based on the trend found in the analysis.
2
Support the answer with key processed values, such as the optimum, the x-intercept or the means at the extremes.
3
State clearly whether the results support or refute the hypothesis, without hiding unexpected outcomes.
4
Link the finding to the biological principle that explains it, using ideas already analysed.
5
Introduce no new data or explanations that were not in the analysis.

Part 2 of 5Comparing with Accepted Science

Expected pattern
  • Expected pattern State the published pattern or value that your result should be compared with.
Source
  • Source Name the reliable source, such as a textbook, data booklet or paper, from which the comparison comes.
Percentage error
  • Percentage error Calculate |experimental − accepted| ÷ accepted × 100 to quantify the difference when a numerical value exists.
Consistency
  • Consistency Say whether your result agrees with the accepted value within the uncertainty of your measurements.

Part 3 of 5Effect of Uncertainty

Effect of Uncertainty
Small error bars
  • Small error bars If bars are small and do not overlap, the difference between conditions is more likely to be real.
Overlapping bars
  • Overlapping bars If bars overlap, the difference may be due to random error and the conclusion should be more cautious.
Inconclusive data
  • Inconclusive data If the spread is too large to support any trend, the conclusion must say that the data are inconclusive.
Refuted hypothesis
  • Refuted hypothesis A result that does not match the hypothesis is still a valid finding, to be discussed later in the evaluation.

Part 4 of 5Worked Example

Question

  • A student finds an isotonic point of 0.31 mol dm⁻³ for potato tissue.
  • Suppose a reference source gives 0.30 mol dm⁻³.
  • Calculate the percentage error and comment.

  1. Difference = 0.31 − 0.30 = 0.01 mol dm⁻³.
  2. Percentage error = 0.01 ÷ 0.30 × 100 = 3.3 %.
  3. The value is close to the accepted figure, suggesting good accuracy.
  4. The comment should also mention the standard deviations: small spread supports reliable data.

Answer The percentage error is 3.3 %, so the result agrees well with the accepted value.

Part 5 of 5Exam Checklist & Tips

6.3.1 – Key Points for the Exam

  • Conclusion A brief statement answering the research question using the evidence.
  • Hypothesis supported The data match the prediction made, within the uncertainty of the experiment.
  • Percentage error The difference between experimental and accepted values as a percentage of the accepted value.
  • Accepted value A value from a reliable source used as a comparison.
  • Inconclusive The data are too variable to show a clear trend.

Common Mistakes

  • Writing a long conclusion that repeats the method or adds new explanations.
  • Claiming more than the data show, for example stating a cause when only a correlation was found.
  • Forgetting to say whether the hypothesis was supported or refuted.
  • Comparing with literature but not naming the source of the value.

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