Research methods

Paper labels are an unofficial, independently authored grouping, applied only where a question's own format genuinely matches a real paper convention (such as IB Mathematics AA's non-calculator/calculator split). They do not reproduce any exam board's real paper numbering or mark allocation, and uncertain questions are labelled general practice instead.

• 1A researcher wants to test whether listening to background music improves concentration during a reading task. They recruit 40 university students and randomly assign 20 to read with instrumental music playing and 20 to read in silence, then measure comprehension scores on the same test. (a) Identify the independent and dependent variables. (b) State the experimental design used. (c) Identify one extraneous variable the researcher should control, and explain how failing to control it could confound the results. (d) State one ethical consideration the researcher should address before running this study.Paper 3 style (extended)Hard6 marksNo calculator+
• 2Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “A researcher wants to test whether listening to background music improves concentration during a reading task. They recruit 40 university students and randomly assign 20 to read with instrumental music playing and 20 to read in silence, then measure comprehension scores on the same test. (a) Identify the independent and dependent variables. (b) State the experimental design used. (c) Identify one extraneous variable the researcher should control, and explain how failing to control it could confound the results. (d) State one ethical consideration the researcher should address before running this study.” Their response addresses only this point: “Identifies the independent variable as the presence or absence of background music.” Evaluate the response against the complete 6-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.Marking analysisHard6 marksNo calculator+
• 3A psychologist conducts a case study of a single patient with a rare memory disorder following brain injury, using detailed interviews, cognitive testing, and family reports collected over two years. (a) State one strength of the case study method illustrated by this design. (b) State one limitation of the case study method, specifically regarding generalisability. (c) Suggest one way the researcher could improve the credibility of their findings without abandoning the case study approach. (d) Explain why triangulating multiple data sources strengthens this particular study.Paper 3 style (extended)Hard6 marksNo calculator+
• 4Marking analysis: A learner attempts the following task: “A psychologist conducts a case study of a single patient with a rare memory disorder following brain injury, using detailed interviews, cognitive testing, and family reports collected over two years. (a) State one strength of the case study method illustrated by this design. (b) State one limitation of the case study method, specifically regarding generalisability. (c) Suggest one way the researcher could improve the credibility of their findings without abandoning the case study approach. (d) Explain why triangulating multiple data sources strengthens this particular study.” Their response addresses only this point: “States a valid strength, such as the case study allowing rich, in-depth data on a rare condition that could not ethically or practically be studied experimentally.” Evaluate the response against the complete 6-mark task. Identify what earns credit and state every additional requirement needed for full marks.Marking analysisHard6 marksNo calculator+