Overview
The IB Psychology Internal Assessment is worth 20% of your final Psychology grade — often the difference between a 5 and a 7 when exams go wrong. Unlike past papers, the IA is coursework you control months before exams. This guide explains criteria, structure, and the mistakes moderators see every year.
What examiners mark
For the IB Diploma Programme, introduction (aim, theory), exploration (design, variables, controls), analysis (descriptive + inferential stats), evaluation (method limits, ethics, extensions).
Recommended structure
For the IB Diploma Programme, standard experiment report: abstract, intro with study citation, method (design, participants, materials, procedure), results (graph + test), discussion (findings vs theory, limitations, ethics).
Workflow for a top-band IA
For the IB Diploma Programme, replicate a classic study with a twist. Get ethical approval early. Report means, SD, and p-values correctly. Link back to the named theory in the introduction.
Common pitfalls
For the IB Diploma Programme, no informed consent; wrong statistical test; discussing results without linking to aim; copying procedure without citing original study.
Criterion practice on MarkScheme
Draft sections can be checked against IB assessment language — [get feedback on your IA writing](/mark?subject=ib-psychology-sl) where supported, and use syllabus [lessons](/ib/courses/psychology-sl) to strengthen methodology and subject vocabulary.
Frequently asked questions
This section covers Frequently asked questions — what IB examiners reward most often in past papers and coursework.
HL qualitative IA?
HL has additional qualitative component in the syllabus — confirm current guide for your cohort.
Participants?
School convenience samples are fine if limitations are discussed.
Exam link?
Research methods in Paper 1/2 — practise with Psychology past papers.