Introduction
Criterion A · 6 marks · ~500 words
What is the Introduction?
The introduction sets the foundation for your entire research proposal. It must establish a clear, focused aim, situate the investigation within a real-world context, and demonstrate engagement with existing psychological research. Examiners use the introduction to judge whether your proposal is purposeful, well-grounded, and relevant to the population you intend to study.
The introduction should be approximately 500 words. Every element must be explicitly linked back to your aim and population of interest.
Required Elements
1. A clearly stated and sharply focused aim
The aim must be relevant to the stated real-life problem and focused on the impact on the population of interest. Avoid vague aims such as "the effects of stress" — sharpen to a measurable focus such as "the impact of exam stress on memory recall in adolescents aged 16–18 in a secondary school setting."
2. A real-life problem described in detail, with its impact on the population of interest explained
The IA is an opportunity to investigate an area of genuine interest. Examples of suitable topics include sleep and mental health, body image and self-esteem, or stress and memory. You must explain why this problem matters for your specific population — for example, "exam stress is a major concern in school well-being policies and has been shown to impair academic performance." The impact must be addressed, not merely mentioned.
3. Findings and key conclusions of two pieces of relevant research, clearly explained
Include a brief literature review covering the findings and key conclusions (abstracts) of two pieces of relevant research. No procedural details are required unless directly relevant to your proposal (e.g., if you plan to use a similar sample). Read broadly around psychological investigations relevant to your real-life problem before selecting the two studies. Both studies must be explicitly linked to your investigation — not just mentioned in passing.
IB Marking Scheme — Criterion A: Introduction
| Marks | Level Descriptor |
|---|---|
| 0 | The work does not reach a standard described by the descriptors below. |
| 1–2 |
|
| 3–4 |
|
| 5–6 |
|
Tips for Scoring 5–6
Sharpen your aim: Avoid vague aims ("effects of stress"). Sharpen to a measurable focus — "impact of exam stress on memory recall in adolescents aged 16–18."
Show why the problem matters: Explain why the problem is significant for your chosen population — e.g., "exam stress is a major concern in school well-being policies."
Select directly relevant studies: Choose studies that connect directly to your proposal, not just tangentially related research. Both studies must be explicitly linked to your investigation.
Explain, don't just describe: At the 5–6 level, you must explain the findings and their relevance — not just state or describe them.
Connections to IB Psychology Concepts
The introduction naturally engages several of the six key IB Psychology concepts. Being aware of these connections can strengthen your writing:
You will explore a real-life problem through a biological, cognitive, or sociocultural lens, using psychological theories, models, and research to guide your proposal.
Your research question implicitly addresses the type of relationship you are investigating — correlational, causal, or descriptive.
The introduction should hint at how your research could create change — addressing the needs of your population or informing future research and policy.
Choosing a topic that is ethically appropriate and relevant to a real-world population reflects your responsibility as a researcher.