Investigation 5: Metabolism of yeast at different temperatures

Moderator comments
Criterion D DCP CE
Achievement level awarded 5
Achievement of aspects c, c, p
Assessment
Design
Not assessed. The teacher decided not to assess this criterion having given the students a lot of
guidance on the method to be used.
Data collection and processing
The raw data (tables and graphs) are simply cut and pasted from the Loggerpro screen. This makes DCP
inappropriate for assessment.
Conclusion and evaluation
Concluding
Complete
Although the conclusion could be fuller, the conclusions made by the student are well argued and are
supported by the data. The discussion is supported by reference to literature and the source documents
are cited at the end of the report.
Evaluating procedure(s)
Complete
The evaluation shows an understanding of most of the major limitations of the methods used in this
investigation. The evaluation is supported by the data and the performance of the material used. The
error in the control of the temperature is spotted, and the student considers the fact that there was only
one trial concluding that this is insufficient.
Improving the investigation
Partial
The student suggests only some realistic improvements to the weaknesses identified. The student does
not consider extra temperatures within the range, which is important when investigating the effect of
temperature on a reaction.





Investigation 6: Leaf adaptations of holly (Ilex aquifolium)
Moderator comments
Criterion D DCP CE
Achievement level awarded 4 5 3
Achievement of aspects p, p, c c, c, p p, p, p
Assessment
Design
Defining the problem and selecting variables
Partial
The research question stated in the aim is well focused. The independent variable, the location and
number of the chosen branches on the tree, is stated, as is the dependent variable, the number of
prickles on the leaves surveyed. However, only some of the important control variables are mentioned.
There are many omissions. For example, the selection of the sampling site and the tree, and the method
used to sample the branches and leaves are not mentioned.
Controlling variables
Partial
Many of the variables that should be controlled are not listed and the methods for their control are not
described. For example, what height above the ground were the branches that were sampled? What
criteria were used to select the leaves to be sampled?
Developing a method for the collection of data
Complete
Even though only a single tree is surveyed in this investigation the method describes how much data is to
be collected and the results table shows that 270 leaves were sampled. This is enough data to enable
detailed analysis and reliable conclusions to be drawn.
Data collection and processing
Recording raw data
Complete
Plenty of data is collected. It is clearly presented in a neat table with appropriate row and column
headings. Uncertainties are stated.
Processing raw data
Complete
The data is processed well. Means are calculated and frequency distribution bar charts are drawn. A
students t-test is carried out. The processing is appropriate.
Presenting processed data
Partial
The processed data is presented clearly. However the bar charts in their present form do little to aid
interpretation of the data. The students t-test was carried out well and informed the conclusions drawn
but more explanation about why this test was carried out would have been helpful.
Conclusion and evaluation
Concluding
Partial
There is a valid conclusion but some of the justification for the statements made is based on
assumptions. That there is a direct link between number of prickles and leaf surface area seems little
more than conjecture. Several other interpretations of the results are possible. Some of the statements do
not really make sense.
Evaluating procedure(s)
Partial
The evaluation is weak. Only the sample sizeone treeis commented on. That other abiotic factors
might be important here is commented on but there is no attempt to state what these factors might be.
Many more points could have been made here.
Improving the investigation
Partial
The suggestions for improvement are simplistic.














Investigation 7: Measuring the relative densities of invertebrates
along a line transect
Moderator comments
Criterion D DCP CE
Achievement level awarded 5 5
Achievement of aspects p, c, c c, c, p
Assessment
Design
As this is an investigation set by the teacher it is inappropriate to assess it for design. It is classed as
data logging within a narrowly focused task.
Data collection and processing
Recording raw data
Partial
The student has recorded appropriate data and associated qualitative data. Uncertainties and units are
given where relevant. The number of decimal places used is consistent but they do not always agree with
the degrees of precision stated for the probes. It would have been appropriate to see more associated
qualitative data such as time of day, weather conditions, and orientation of the transect.
Processing raw data
Complete
A very thorough analysis is carried out on the raw data. Statistics such as mean, standard deviation and
correlation coefficient are standard calculations in the MS Excel

functions menu. Examples of written

calculations are not expected here.
Presenting processed data
Complete
The data is clearly presented and the conventions for graphing are respected. The presenting of the
invertebrate data as a smooth line graph could be criticized, a bar chart or straight lines between the data
points would perhaps be more appropriate The titles of the graphs are precise and unambiguous.
Uncertainties are given where relevant.
Conclusion and evaluation
Concluding
Complete
The trends observed in the data are discussed. The interpretation of the results agrees with the data.
Evaluating procedure(s)
Complete
Several important sources of error are listed in a summary at the end. Their importance with respect to
the data is made in the body of the discussion.
Improving the investigation
Partial
The suggested improvements are weak. Some simple improvements in the sampling method and the
materials could have been suggested (for example, using a tape measure rather than a marked string to
improve precision).