IB Group 6 Dance Dance Investigation Research project

What This Is and Why It Matters for IB

A Dance Investigation is a research project that involves exploring a specific aspect of dance through practical and theoretical approaches. It appears in the Dance syllabus, specifically in the Internal Assessment (IA) component. Students often get this wrong by failing to clearly articulate their research question or not providing sufficient evidence to support their claims. This can result in losing marks or misunderstanding key concepts, ultimately affecting their overall grade.

Where It Appears in the IB Syllabus

Dance syllabus, Internal Assessment (IA) component, specifically in the Research Project section.

Key Command Terms

• Analyze: Break down complex information into smaller parts to understand the relationships between them.
• Evaluate: Assess the value or quality of something based on specific criteria.
• Compare and Contrast: Identify similarities and differences between two or more things.

Step-by-Step Understanding

1. Define your research question: Clearly articulate the specific aspect of dance you want to investigate.
2. Conduct preliminary research: Gather information from various sources to inform your investigation.
3. Develop a research plan: Outline the practical and theoretical approaches you will use to collect data.
4. Collect and analyze data: Use your research plan to gather and analyze data relevant to your investigation.
5. Draw conclusions: Evaluate your findings and draw conclusions based on your analysis.
6. Avoid common misconceptions: ⚠️ Don't confuse analysis with description. Analysis involves breaking down complex information, while description simply reports on it.

Assessment Criteria Connection

Real Student Mistakes

Mistake 1: Student fails to clearly articulate their research question, resulting in a vague and unfocused investigation.
Why it lost marks: The student failed to demonstrate a clear understanding of the research question and its relevance to the investigation.
Correct approach: Clearly define the research question and ensure it is focused and relevant to the investigation.

Mistake 2: Student fails to provide sufficient evidence to support their conclusions, resulting in a weak and unsubstantiated investigation.
Why it lost marks: The student failed to demonstrate a clear understanding of the data collection and analysis process.
Correct approach: Ensure that the data collection and analysis process is well-structured, logical, and relevant to the investigation.

Exam Technique (Paper-specific)

For the Dance Internal Assessment, allocate 60 minutes for the research project. Use the following structure: - 10 minutes for reading and understanding the question - 20 minutes for planning and outlining your response - 30 minutes for writing your response

Internal Assessment / Extended Essay Relevance

The Dance Investigation connects to the Extended Essay in that both involve conducting in-depth research on a specific topic. Students can apply the skills they develop in the Dance Investigation to the Extended Essay, such as developing a research question, conducting preliminary research, and analyzing data.

TOK Connections (if applicable)

The Dance Investigation connects to the Ways of Knowing in that it involves using both empirical and theoretical approaches to understand the topic. Students can apply the skills they develop in the Dance Investigation to the TOK course, such as evaluating the value of different ways of knowing and analyzing the relationships between them.

Quick Check (Self-Assessment Questions)

1. What is the purpose of a research question in a Dance Investigation?
   • Model answer: To clearly articulate the specific aspect of dance you want to investigate.
2. What is the difference between analysis and description in a Dance Investigation?
   • Model answer: Analysis involves breaking down complex information, while description simply reports on it.
3. What is the importance of clearly articulating your research question in a Dance Investigation?
   • Model answer: It ensures that the investigation is focused and relevant to the topic.

Revision Card (60-Second Summary)

• Research question: Clearly articulate the specific aspect of dance you want to investigate.
• Research plan: Outline the practical and theoretical approaches you will use to collect data.
• Data collection: Gather relevant, accurate, and sufficient data to support conclusions.
• Data analysis: Break down complex information into smaller parts to understand the relationships between them.
• Conclusions: Evaluate your findings and draw conclusions based on your analysis.
• Analysis: Break down complex information into smaller parts to understand the relationships between them.
• Description: Simply reports on information without breaking it down.

If You Get Stuck

• Review: Review the research question and research plan to ensure they are clear and relevant.
• Ask: Ask your teacher or study group for help with understanding the research question or research plan.
• Approach: Approach the investigation with a clear and focused mind, and ensure that you have sufficient time to complete the task.

Related IB Topics

• Theatre (connects to the use of practical and theoretical approaches in the investigation)
• Music (connects to the use of empirical and theoretical approaches in the investigation)
• Visual Arts (connects to the use of practical and theoretical approaches in the investigation)