IB Digital Society Inquiry Project (IA) - Template (2025 Updated Version)

📊 Project Overview & Requirements

Weighting:

• SL students: 30% [24 marks total]

• HL students: 20% [24 marks total]

Components:

• Inquiry Process Document: 1,500 words maximum

• Multimedia Presentation: 10 minutes

• Complete Bibliography: Two separate lists required

Grade 7 Test: Would a university student/professor cite this research as credible academic work?

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🎯 PHASE 1: Topic Selection & Research Question Development

Step 1: Digital Society Guide Integration (3Cs Framework)

Select ONE from each category:

CONCEPTS (Choose 1)

•  Change - How digital systems transform processes, behaviours, or structures

•  Expression - How digital systems enable communication and creativity

•  Identity - How digital systems shape who we are and how we see ourselves

•  Power - How digital systems influence authority, control, and influence

•  Space - How digital systems affect physical and virtual environments

•  Systems - How digital components work together as integrated wholes

•  Values and Ethics - Moral considerations in digital system design and use

Chosen Concept: _____________________

Rationale: _____________________

CONTENT (Choose 1)

•  Data - Collection, processing, analysis, and use of information

•  Algorithms - Step-by-step procedures for solving problems

•  Computers - Hardware and software systems for processing information

•  Networks and Internet - Connected systems for communication and data sharing

•  Media - Digital content creation, distribution, and consumption

•  Artificial Intelligence - Systems that simulate human intelligence

•  Robots and Autonomous Technologies - Physical systems that operate independently

Chosen Content: _____________________

Rationale: _____________________

CONTEXTS (Choose 1)

•  Cultural - Arts, entertainment, heritage, traditions

•  Economic - Business, employment, markets, globalisation

•  Environmental - Resources, sustainability, climate, infrastructure

•  Health - Medicine, physical/mental wellbeing, healthcare systems

•  Human Knowledge - Education, research, innovation, learning

•  Political - Governance, policies, democracy, conflicts

•  Social - Identity, relationships, communities, social structures

Chosen Context: _____________________

Rationale: _____________________

Step 2: Inquiry Question Development

✅ Quality Checklist - Does your question:

•  Use appropriate command terms ("To what extent...", "Evaluate...)?

•  Focus on ONE specific digital technology/system?

•  Target a specific context (not general)?

• If clarity is needed, state a specific period of time/location?

•  Allow for analytical thinking beyond description?

•  Enable multiple perspectives and evidence-based analysis?

•  Avoid simple yes/no answers?

Inquiry Question: _____________________

Step 3: Real-World Example Selection

✅ Quality Checklist - Is your example:

•  Current: From 2021 or later?

•  Specific: Named organizations, systems, or programs?

•  Detailed: Includes statistics, outcomes, or specific data?

•  Relevant: Directly connects to your inquiry question?

•  Properly cited: Complete source information provided?

Real-World Example: _____________________

Source Citation: _____________________

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📚 PHASE 2: Inquiry Process Document (1,500 words)

A. Inquiry Focus (300 words maximum)

Research Title: _____________________

Research Question: _____________________

Real-World Example Explanation (100-150 words): _____________________

Include: specific organisation/system, date, location, outcomes, statistics

Concepts Connection (50 words): _____________________

Reference specific concept numbers (e.g., "2.7C Values and ethics may be personal, shared, collective and/or professional.")

Content Connection (50 words): _____________________

Reference specific content areas (e.g., "3.3D Evolution of computing ~ (a) Generations in computing, for example, first to fifth generations of computing, (b) Moore’s law (c) Emerging areas of computing, such as quantum computing")

Context Connection (50 words): _____________________

Reference specific contexts (e.g., "2.2A Expression is the act, process or instance of representing ideas, emotions and/or experiences using different modes and media.")

B. Claims & Perspectives (1,200 words maximum)

Source Quality Requirements:

•  3 sources (academic journals preferred)

•  Published 2021 or later

•  Different perspectives represented

•  Credible, authoritative sources

Source 1 Analysis (400 words)

Complete Citation:

OPVL Analysis:

Origin & Purpose (100 words):

• Author credentials and expertise:

• Publication date and context:

• Publisher reputation:

• Intended audience:

• Research objectives:

• Potential biases:

Value & Limitations (100 words):

• Key findings/data supporting your inquiry:

• Unique perspectives offered:

• Methodological strengths:

• Relevance to research question:

• Sample size/scope restrictions:

• Methodological weaknesses:

• Potential conflicts of interest:

• Currency issues:

Claims & Perspectives Analysis (100 words):

• Main arguments (2-3 key claims):

• Evidence supporting claims:

• Alternative viewpoints presented:

JUSTIFICATION (100 words):

• Connection to inquiry question:

Source 2 Analysis (400 words)

[Repeat same format as Source 1]

Complete Citation:

OPVL Analysis: [Follow same structure as Source 1]

Source 3 Analysis (400 words)

[Repeat same format as Source 1]

Complete Citation:

OPVL Analysis: [Follow same structure as Source 1]

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🔬 PHASE 3: Primary Research Planning

Research Methodology

Survey Research (Quantitative):

•  Target: 50-100 respondents

•  Demographics: Age, gender, education level, location

•  Platform: Google Forms, SurveyMonkey, etc.

•  Questions: 10-15 questions directly related to your inquiry

Survey Questions:

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. 
   

Interview Research (Qualitative):

•  Participants: 2-3 relevant stakeholders

•  Types: Students, educators, experts, users

•  Method: Video call, in-person, phone

•  Duration: 15-30 minutes each

Planned Interview Questions:

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. 
   

Potential Interviewees:

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. 
   

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🎥 PHASE 4: Multimedia Presentation Planning (10 minutes)

Presentation Structure Template

Introduction (1-2 minutes): [CRITERION E] 

• Hook (30 sec): Relatable question/statistic that engages the audience

• Clear Outline (30 sec): State research question + preview your ONE main theme

• Real-World Context (30 sec): Brief overview with visual + one key statistic

✅ Must-Have: Strong hook, clear roadmap, visual on every slide

Analysis & Evaluation (5-6 minutes) : [CRITERION C]

Primary Research Introduction (30 seconds):

• Methodology overview with visual (100+ respondents, 2-3 interviews)

Sustained Analysis - ONE Core Theme, THREE Different Perspectives:

(Don't jump between scattered topics - stay focused)

Perspective 1 (1.5 min): Theoretical + Evidence

• Sandwich Method: Academic source → Primary data → Your evaluation

• Visual: Chart/graph from your research

• ✅ Use EVALUATIVE language: "This suggests..." NOT "This is..."

• Name specific systems (Instagram, TikTok - not "social media")

• Address one stakeholder viewpoint

Perspective 2 (1.5 min): Contrasting Angle + Evidence

• Sandwich Method: Different source → Primary data → Your evaluation

• Visual: Interview quotes OR contrasting data

• ✅ Show complexity: "However..." "On the other hand..."

• Same theme, different viewpoint (not new topic)

• Address different stakeholders

Perspective 3 (1.5 min): Nuanced Analysis + Evidence

• Sandwich Method: Additional source → Primary data → Your evaluation

• Visual: Synthesis graphic or comparative chart

• ✅ Address nuance: "Correlation ≠ causation"

• BOTH positive AND negative impacts evaluated

• Multiple stakeholder implications

From minute 5 onwards: Start building your conclusion

• "This increasingly suggests..."

• "These findings point toward..."

Problem & Solutions - WHAT to Do (1 min):

• Key challenges with evidence

• WHAT each stakeholder group should do

• WHY these solutions address problems (save HOW for Conclusion)

✅ Check: Evidence for every claim? Evaluative not descriptive? Stayed focused on ONE theme?

Conclusion (2-3 minutes): [CRITERION D]

Answer Research Question (30 sec):

• Direct, specific answer (justified with sources/stats)

• Acknowledge research limitations

Emerging Trends - NOW (45 sec):

• ✅ SPECIFIC examples with DATES: "Instagram removed likes in 2021..."

• Recent pilot programs, regulatory developments (last 1-2 years)

• ⚠️ Not vague - name organisations and dates

Future Predictions (45 sec):

• Evidence-based forecasts (not speculation)

• Connected to trends above

• Multiple scenarios, realistic timeframes

Implementation - HOW to Apply (45 sec):

• HOW solutions can be practically implemented

• Step-by-step for key stakeholders

• Timeline, resources needed, and evaluation methods

CLOSING (30 seconds):

• Final powerful statement or call to action

Media & Tools Planning

Visual Elements Needed:

•  Charts/Graphs: Survey data visualisation

•  Infographics: Key statistics and findings

•  Screenshots: Relevant system interfaces

•  Photos: Real-world examples

•  Video Clips: Interview excerpts (if applicable)

Creation Tools Selection:

Presentation Software:

•  PowerPoint/Keynote, Canva, Prezi, Google Slides, etc.

Video/Audio Editing:

•  iMovie, CapCut, Adobe Premiere, etc.

Data Visualisation:

•  Excel/Google Sheets, Canva Charts, Piktochart, Visme, etc.

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📖 PHASE 5: Bibliography Planning

List 1: Ideas and Content Sources

All intellectual content, research, and ideas

Academic Sources:

1. 
   
2. 
   
3. 
   

Primary Research:

1. Interview with _____ (Date: _____)

2. Survey of _____ respondents (Date: _____)

Additional Sources:

1. 
   
2. 
   

List 2: Media and Technical Sources

All visual, audio, and creation tools

Images/Graphics:

1. 
   
2. 
   

Video/Audio:

1. 
   
2. 
   

Creation Tools:

1. 
   

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✅ QUALITY CONTROL CHECKLIST

Before Submission - Final Review:

Inquiry Focus (Criterion A):

•  Question is focused and specific (not too broad)

•  Real-world example is current (2021+) with specific details

•  3Cs connections explicitly reference guide numbers and the use of the specific descriptor wording (e.g. 2.7C Values and ethics may be personal, shared, collective and/or professional)

•  Word count within 300 words

•  Academic tone maintained

Sources & Perspectives (Criterion B):

•  3 high-quality, recent sources (2021+)

•  Complete OPVL analysis for each source

•  Different perspectives represented

•  Clear justification for each source's relevance

•  Word count within 1200 words

Primary Research Completed:

•  Survey with 50+ respondents (100+ preferred)

•  2-3 interviews conducted and transcribed

•  Data professionally visualised

•  Findings clearly connected to inquiry question

Presentation (Criteria C, D, E):

•  10 minutes duration

•  Professional visual design

•  Clear analysis beyond description

•  Multiple stakeholder perspectives considered

•  Evidence-based future predictions

•  Actionable solutions provided

•  All sources cited during the presentation

Bibliography & Citations:

•  Two separate bibliography lists completed

•  All sources properly formatted

•  Digital tools credited

•  Interview transcripts in appendices

•  Survey data in appendices

Academic Integrity:

•  All borrowed content properly attributed

•  No plagiarism or uncredited material

•  Clear distinction between original and sourced work

•  Ethical research practices followed

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📊 SELF-ASSESSMENT RUBRIC

Rate yourself honestly (1-4 scale) on each criterion:

Criterion A: Inquiry Focus (3 marks)

My Score: ___/3

• Research question is focused and analytical

• Real-world example is specific and current

• 3Cs connections are explicit and detailed

Criterion B: Claims & Perspectives (6 marks)

My Score: ___/6

• 3+ high-quality, recent sources used

• Thorough OPVL analysis completed

• Different perspectives represented

• Clear source justification provided

Criterion C: Analysis & Evaluation (6 marks)

My Score: ___/6

• Substantial primary research conducted

• Analysis goes beyond description

• Multiple impacts and stakeholders considered

• Evidence supports all major claims

Criterion D: Conclusion (6 marks)

My Score: ___/6

• Clear new insights demonstrated

• Evidence-based emerging trends discussed

• Realistic future predictions provided

• Actionable solutions suggested

Criterion E: Communication (3 marks)

My Score: ___/3

• Professional presentation quality

• Creative and purposeful media use

• Complete, accurate bibliography

• Clear organisation and flow

TOTAL PREDICTED SCORE: ___/24

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📤 WHAT TO SUBMIT

Required Components for Final Submission:

1. Cover Page

•  Topic (not the inquiry question)

•  Total word count for inquiry focus and claims & perspectives sections

•  No school information or personal identifying details

2. Inquiry Process Document (IPD) - 1,500 words maximum

•  Section 1: Inquiry Focus (300 words maximum)

  • Inquiry question statement

  • Real-world example description

  • 3Cs connections (concepts, content, contexts)

•  Section 2: Claims & Perspectives (1,200 words maximum)

  • Source A analysis (400 words)

  • Source B analysis (400 words)

  • Source C analysis (400 words)

•  Word count specified for each section

3. Complete Bibliography

•  List 1: Ideas and Content Sources

  • All academic sources with full citations

  • Primary research sources (interviews, surveys)

  • All intellectual content references

•  List 2: Media and Technical Sources

  • All images, videos, audio files

  • Digital tools and applications used

  • Creation software and platforms

4. Multimedia Presentation

•  Duration: 10 minutes maximum

•  Content alignment with IPD

•  Professional quality audio and visual

•  Citations included during presentation

5. Supporting Materials

•  Interview transcripts (in appendices)

•  Survey data and results (charts, raw data)

•  Additional evidence supporting analysis

Submission Format:

• IPD & Supporting Materials clearly labelled and organised as as a PDF

• Presentation as a video file (MP4 recommended) (500MB limit)

Digital Society student working on his IA