IB Psychology IA Study Checker

Psychology IA should investigate a published study, theory, or model through a true experiment. Correlational, quasi-experimental, natural-experiment, placebo, ingestion, deprivation, or demographic-variable designs are high risk.

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Psychology IA source check

Marksy reads the links or notes you give it, applies the rules for your IB assignment, and only stops to ask you something when the answer would change the verdict.

  1. Assignment
  2. 2Sources
  3. 3Clarify
  4. 4Verdict

Checking against

Psychology IA

What usually works for Psychology IA

Usually strong

  • Published experimental psychology studies that can be simplified safely.
  • A theory or model supported by a clear empirical study.
  • Low-risk classroom experiments with consent and appropriate debriefing.

Example

A published memory experiment that can be adapted using word lists and a controlled independent variable.

Needs a second look

  • Studies that rely on naturally occurring demographic groups as the independent variable.
  • Correlational designs, surveys-only studies, or studies requiring clinical populations.
  • Classic studies that cannot be ethically or practically adapted.

Example

A textbook summary of a study, useful only if the original published study is also found.

Avoid or replace

  • Placebo, ingestion, inhalation, deprivation, or high-stress procedures.
  • AI-generated descriptions of studies without the original source.
  • Unpublished blog summaries as the only study source.

Example

A survey asking whether age correlates with stress.

Where to find better Psychology IA sources

If a source gets a warning, don't just add more websites. Search for sources that match the assessment rule and can carry real analysis.

Searches to try

If a source is weak

  • Replace placebo, ingestion, inhalation, deprivation, or high-stress procedures. with published experimental psychology studies that can be simplified safely..
  • Use studies that rely on naturally occurring demographic groups as the independent variable. only as context unless your teacher confirms they can carry evidence.
  • Add one source that gives direct evidence for the IA, not just general background.

Good places to look

  • Published experimental psychology studies that can be simplified safely
  • A theory or model supported by a clear empirical study
  • Low-risk classroom experiments with consent and appropriate debriefing

Questions people ask