Research and rationale

Have you:
Spoiler:

• chosen your hypothesis so it is soundly based on an A-level biology theory?

• discussed your choice of investigation with your teacher?
• chosen a hypothesis that is clear, simple and does not attempt to investigate multiple
variables?
• looked at a range of sources of information, not just websites?
• chosen the information carefully so that it helps to explain why you formed your
hypothesis?
(Remember you have a 3300-word limit so keep it relevant.)
• found an academic source of information?
• listed your sources of information accurately and included the date you accessed the
websites?

Planning
Have you:
Spoiler:

• described the apparatus you propose to use and explained why you chose it?
• considered the level of accuracy of any methods or apparatus you propose to use?
• described exactly what you are going to measure?
• considered how your results are to be analysed?
• explained why the number and type of measurements you propose to take is suitable?
• listed the variables that might affect your investigation?
• explained how you propose to control or monitor these variables?
• carried out a short pilot experiment?
• reviewed your plan using information from your pilot study?
Observing and recording
Have you:
• designed and drawn a table of results labelled clearly with suitable units?
• recorded at least five sets of measurements?
• repeated measurements if appropriate?
• used a consistent and suitable number of significant figures?
• explained any changes to your planned procedure?

Interpreting and evaluation

Have you:
Spoiler:

• processed your data to make it easier to identify trends and patterns?

• carefully identified trends and patterns in your data?
• carried out a suitable statistical test that is matched to your hypothesis?
• set out the calculation of your statistical test clearly?
• interpreted the results of your statistical test using a null hypothesis and a 5% (p=0.05)
confidence level if appropriate?
• drawn overall conclusions from your data and expressed them in writing or numerically
where
possible?
• used A-level biology to explain your actual results?
• commented on limitations of your experimental design and suggested modifications or
further development?

Communicating
Have you:
Spoiler:

• organised your report in the form of a scientific paper?

• used sub-headings to organise your report in a logical order?
• numbered each page?
• included a word count page by page?
• checked to make sure you have not exceeded 3300 words (including any appendices)?
• plotted a graph to help you to compare two sets of data?
• chosen the correct form of graph which is clearly labelled with units?
• made sure your graph is large enough to be clear and show all the plotted points, has
accurately
labelled axes and a clear key to identify your plots?
• read through your work and checked you have attempted to address all the criteria?
• listed all your sources in a bibliography and made it clear in your report where you have
used the
information?
• made some attempt to assess the scientific credibility of your chosen source.