Research Methodology
Criterion B · 6 marks · ~500 words
What is the Research Methodology section?
The research methodology section requires you to justify your choice of research method, explain your procedure in detail, and address the ethical considerations relevant to your investigation. Examiners are looking for a clear rationale — not just a description of what you will do, but why you have chosen to do it that way.
The section should be approximately 500 words. Every methodological decision must be explicitly linked back to your aim and population of interest.
Acceptable Research Methods
Your proposal must use one of the following IB-approved research methods:
True experiment or quasi-experiment. Involves manipulation of an independent variable and measurement of a dependent variable.
Structured, semi-structured, or focus group. Involves direct questioning of participants to gather qualitative data.
Naturalistic or controlled; overt or covert; participant or non-participant. Involves systematic recording of behaviour.
A set of standardised questions administered to a sample. Can gather both quantitative and qualitative data.
Required Elements
1. Justification of the choice of research method
Explain why your chosen method is the best fit for your investigation. For example: "A survey allows broad data collection on social media use among students and is practical given the sample size required." Simply naming the method is insufficient — you must justify why it is appropriate.
2. A full explanation of the procedure
The procedure refers to all decisions about planning and carrying out the investigation. Examiners reward clarity and detail. Your procedure must address:
- Sampling technique — e.g., opportunity sampling, random sampling, purposive sampling
- Sample characteristics — e.g., age range, gender, school year, relevant demographics
- Design — if experimental: independent groups, repeated measures, or matched pairs
- Setting — where the study will take place and why
- Process — step-by-step account of how the study will be conducted
3. Relevant ethical considerations, explicitly linked to the investigation
Do not simply list ethical principles — explain how they apply to your specific study and what steps you will take to address them. Particular attention should be paid to working with vulnerable populations or sensitive topics. For example: "Anonymity will be ensured by removing all identifying information, which will also reduce social desirability bias in responses."
IB Marking Scheme — Criterion B: Research Methodology
| Marks | Level Descriptor |
|---|---|
| 0 | The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below. |
| 1–2 |
|
| 3–4 |
|
| 5–6 |
|
Tips for Scoring 5–6
Justify, don't just describe: Explain why this method is the best fit for your specific investigation, not just what the method involves.
Detail every procedural step: Examiners reward clarity. Walk through your procedure step by step — sampling, setting, process, design.
Link ethics to your study: Don't just list ethical principles. Show how you will address them — e.g., "anonymity will reduce social desirability bias in self-report data."
Address vulnerable populations: If your sample includes minors, people with mental health conditions, or other vulnerable groups, explain the specific ethical steps you will take.
Connections to IB Psychology Concepts
When selecting your research method, you explore the complexity of causality and consider how your chosen methodology investigates different types of relationships between phenomena.
You are required to consider how personal biases may have influenced your research design, including gender, culture, or personal experience.
Designing responsible research while balancing the needs of participants and meeting ethical standards is central to this section.
Your choice of method determines how you will measure behaviour — this section lays the groundwork for the data collection tool you will design.