IB Group 3 History, Internal Assessment, Historical Investigation on a Topic of Choice

What This Is and Why It Matters for IB

The Historical Investigation (HI) is a core component of the IB Diploma Programme, where students investigate a historical topic of their choice. It appears in the History syllabus, specifically in the Internal Assessment (IA) section. Students often get it wrong by failing to address the assessment criteria, leading to lost marks. Understanding the HI is crucial, as it accounts for 20% of the total marks in the History IA.

Where It Appears in the IB Syllabus

History syllabus, Internal Assessment section, IA1: Historical Investigation.

Key Command Terms

• Analyse: Break down complex information into smaller parts to understand the relationships between them.
• Evaluate: Assess the value or worth of historical evidence, arguments, or interpretations.
• Discuss: Present a balanced argument, considering multiple perspectives and evidence.

Step-by-Step Understanding

1. Choose a topic: Select a historical event, process, or phenomenon that interests you.
2. Develop a research question: Formulate a specific question that guides your investigation.
3. Conduct research: Gather primary and secondary sources, taking notes and verifying information.
4. Organize your findings: Create a clear and logical structure for your investigation.
5. Avoid common misconceptions: Don't confuse correlation with causation, and be aware of bias in sources.

Assessment Criteria Connection

Real Student Mistakes

Example 1

A student wrote a HI that failed to address the research question, instead presenting a general overview of the topic. This lost marks for criterion 1.1. Correct approach: Clearly define the research question and focus on answering it throughout the investigation.

Example 2

A student included irrelevant information and failed to organize their findings logically. This lost marks for criterion 1.3. Correct approach: Ensure that all information is relevant to the research question and organize it in a clear and logical structure.

Exam Technique (Paper-specific)

For the History IA, allocate 20 minutes for the introduction, 40 minutes for the body, and 20 minutes for the conclusion. Use the PEEL structure (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link) to organize your argument.

Internal Assessment / Extended Essay Relevance

The HI is closely related to the Extended Essay (EE). Students can apply the research skills and critical thinking developed in the HI to the EE. The EE can also inform the HI by providing a broader understanding of the historical context.

TOK Connections (if applicable)

The HI can be connected to the Ways of Knowing (WOK) of history, as it involves the use of historical evidence and the evaluation of historical interpretations. A sample TOK discussion question could be: "How do historians use evidence to construct historical narratives?"

Quick Check (Self-Assessment Questions)

1. What is the purpose of the research question in a Historical Investigation?
   • Model answer: To guide the investigation and ensure focus on a specific aspect of the topic.
2. What is the difference between primary and secondary sources?
   • Model answer: Primary sources are original materials from the time period, while secondary sources are interpretations or analyses of those materials.
3. What is the significance of historical context in a Historical Investigation?
   • Model answer: Historical context provides a framework for understanding the significance and relevance of the event or phenomenon being investigated.

Revision Card (60-Second Summary)

• Historical Investigation: A research-based investigation of a historical topic.
• Research question: A specific question that guides the investigation.
• Primary sources: Original materials from the time period.
• Secondary sources: Interpretations or analyses of primary sources.
• Historical context: The social, political, and economic circumstances surrounding an event or phenomenon.
• PEEL structure: A framework for organizing arguments (Point, Evidence, Explanation, Link).
• IB conventions: Guidelines for referencing and citation.

If You Get Stuck

• Review the research question and ensure it is clearly defined.
• Consult with your teacher or study group for guidance.
• Approach the question by breaking it down into smaller, manageable parts.

Related IB Topics

• Extended Essay: A research-based essay on a topic of choice.
• TOK: A course that explores the nature of knowledge and how it is acquired.
• History of Ideas: A topic that explores the development of historical ideas and interpretations.