Tips on answering data analysis questions in biology?

[IBchicken]

I always seem to be losing marks in biology because of the data analysis questions. So could you give me some tips on doing better or some links about answering data analysis questions? Thank you so much

[Lero]

When it comes to inferring trends from graphs, be succinct and often plainly blunt. If there is a positive correlation, state it. If there is a linear relation, state it. Often these simple statements may be worth a mark and it's not going to cost you much time to include them in your answer. Similarly, when it comes to those simple one mark questions asking you to state a value at a particular time interval or calculate the percentage of something, take care with units, and always look at the axes on the graphs provided to ensure accuracy with units.

Explain the positioning of the maximum and minimum point in the graphs you see, the rise and fall, basically anything that you see possible. The markschemes are useful when learning to answer data analysis questions. Attempt the section A and correct your answers and scrutinize every error or missing point. Observe the kind of statements which are worthy of marks and strive to have that kind of critical thinking in your own responses. This will come with practice, and it will certainly become easier over time.

[Sandwich]

Also, remember that all of the examples will be illustrating something from your syllabus. So if you get something weird about how many chicks a bird fathers depending on the length of its tail... and you know there's something in the syllabus on animal evolutionary/behavioural strategies... then that's the direction you need to take your answer down when analysing the data. Basically if you're confused as to what they're trying to get you to say in the more explanatory section, just figure out which bit of the syllabus they're trying to get at, make points which are the key points for that topic in the syllabus, and you'll be on track.

[IBchicken]

Yeah, I kind of always lose marks because of silly things like not writing down a unit or a stupid miscalculation. I'll keep all this in mind while writing. Thanks alot you guys!!

[Guest HayashiEsme]

The thing with data analysis is that it's real data derived from research, and they tend to be ridiculous. But since the IBO says that no prior-knowledge is required to analyse the graphs, my teacher suggests simply taking the gist of the little introduction paragraph you get in each question, and take the question from there

[carpediem]

Even if you use learned IB Biology knowledge for the data-based questions, don't forget to base your answers in the context of the DBQ answer itself. (Including the 'definitions' they have in the question, and their graphs.) For example, I remember a DBQ talking about the "Grandmother Hypothesis" and how menopause is an evolutionary trait; using my learned knowledge I mentioned that evolutionary traits tend to be advantageous to those that have them because they enable better survival rate to the population, and to apply it to the question, I said the "Grandmother Hypothesis" is linked to menopause because women who have menopause are able to have more time to look after their children and grandchildren, and hence why there is a "Grandmother Hypothesis" in the first place.

[tsotso]

How should i go about selecting my extended essay? in Biology

[Baller97]

How should i go about selecting my extended essay? in Biology

Choose anything you want? Should be something ethical though and not too broad, should be focused.