IB DP Digital Society IA Inquiry Project - Internal Assessment (IA) Guide to SUCCESS!

A Step-by-Step Guide to Getting TOP MARKS for you DS IA

Introduction

The Digital Society Internal Assessment Inquiry Project is your opportunity to investigate how digital technologies impact our world. This guide will help you navigate the process from topic selection to final submission.

Pre-Planning Phase / Understanding the Basics

• Review exemplar projects and presentations

• Study assessment criteria thoroughly

• Create your working document (demonstrate good organisation skills):

  • Title Page

  • Assessment Criteria Reference

  • Three Main Sections:

    1. Inquiry Process Document (1,500 words)

    2. Multimedia Presentation (10 minutes)

    3. References/Bibliography

Research Topic Selection Phase

1. Concept & Context Exploration

• Digital Society Concepts: Review all key concepts

• Digital Society Contexts: Identify 2-3 contexts that interest you

• Digital Society Content: Note relevant digital technology topics, but there's no need to focus heavily on content because relevant digital technology will reveal itself when you choose your Concepts and Contexts.

2. Brainstorm RESEARCH TOPIC and QUESTION ideas with these techniques:

a) Spider Mapping

• Centre: Digital technology

• First layer: Contexts

• Second layer: Concepts

• Third layer: Specific real-life issues, hot topics and questions

b) Technology Impact Analysis

• List digital technologies you use daily

• Identify problems or challenges

• Consider societal implications

• Connect to Digital Society Contexts & Concepts

c) Current Tech Trends

• Follow tech news sources

• Note emerging debates

• Identify societal impacts

• Connect to Digital Society Contexts & Concepts

d) AI-Assisted Brainstorming Use AI tools to:

• Generate research question ideas

• Identify real-world examples

• Find relevant theories and thinkers

• Connect to Digital Society Contexts & Concepts

Research Question Development

1. Evaluation Criteria

Your research question should:

• Connect clearly to Digital Society Contexts & Concepts

• Focus on digital technology impact

• Be manageable within the given timeframe

• Allow for varied perspectives

• Enable evidence-based analysis

2. Question Framework

Structure your question to include:

• Specific digital technology

• Clear Contexts 

• Relevant Concepts

• Measurable/observable impact

Research Phase

1. Source Collection

Gather diverse sources:

• Academic journals

• Tech industry reports

• Expert interviews

• Current news articles

• Case studies

2. Source Analysis

For each key source:

• Summarize main arguments

• Identify relevance to your research question

• Note methodology used

• Evaluate reliability

• Connect to Concepts & Contexts 

• Justify it's useful to your research topic/question

Documentation Requirements

1. Inquiry Process Document

Structure your 1,500 words:

• Clear research question

• Clear research topic

• Methodology explanation

• Analysis of findings

• Connection to Concepts & Contexts 

• Critical reflection

2. Multimedia Presentation

Plan your 10 minutes:

• Engaging introduction

• Clear presentation of findings

• Visual evidence

• Logical flow

• Compelling conclusion

Assessment Criteria Focus

Ensure coverage of:

• Criterion A: Focus and method

• Criterion B: Knowledge and understanding

• Criterion C: Critical thinking

• Criterion D: Communication

Tips for Top Marks on your DigiSoc Inquiry Project

1. Regular Check-ins

   • Review criteria regularly

   • Get teacher feedback

   • Update timeline as needed

2. Quality Control

   • Cross-reference with criteria

   • Peer review when possible

   • Professional presentation

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Too broad research questions

• Weak Concepts & Contexts connections

• Insufficient source variety

• Poor time management

• Unclear presentation structure

• Bias or unbalanced research

Remember: Your IA should demonstrate both your understanding of Digital Society concepts and your ability to analyze real-world digital technology impacts.