C ontrolled A ssessment U nit - CAU I nvestigative S kills A ssessment - ISA

Controlled Assessment Unit - CAUInvestigative Skills Assessment - ISA

7 • ISA section 2 exam – Science A

Section 2 Exam:• Up to 50 minutes is allowed for this. • The test may be taken in the normal teaching room,

provided that you can be accommodated in such a way as to prevent any copying or unauthorised collaboration. However the test will usually take place in the hall, dance studio or drama studio depending on their availability.

• If you normally have a reader, extra time, scribe etc. for exams then you will have the same arrangements made for the ISA exam.

• Section 1 of the ISA will contain questions concerning conclusions and evaluation and is worth 30 marks of the overall 50 allocated to the Controlled Assessment.

• You may use your Candidate Research notes sheet, which you filled in during your research.

• You will also be given a data sheet with 4 case studies.

Section 2 Exam:There are normally 4 questions, some of these questions are made up of more than one part:1.Analyse and evaluate your results

a) What were the variables in the investigation you did?b) - e) These questions are on a variety of topics

and may vary in number from ISA to ISA

2.Analyse and evaluate the data given in the case studiesa) Sketch graphb) Explain whether or not the results on the Secondary

data sheet support the given hypothesisc) Analysis of Case Study 4

This is only a guide there may be more questions based on the case studies

3.How could the results from your investigation be useful in the context that you have researched?

3 marks4.Submit the graph or bar chart you have drawn of your results

4 marks


Variables:

• These are physical, chemical or biological quantities or characteristics

You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• What were the variables in the investigation that you

did?• The independent variable was • The dependent variable was • One control variable was

3 marks


Marks Guidance

0 No credit worthy response

1 Any one variable correctly identified

2 Any two variables correctly identified

3 Any three variables correctly identified

State, give, name, write down:• Only a short answer is required, not an explanation or a description. Often it can be answered with a single word, phrase or sentence.

• If the question asks the you to state, give, or write down one (or two etc) examples, they should write down only the specified number of answers, or they may lose marks for any wrong examples given.



An example of a good answer



Resolution:

• This is the smallest change in quantity being measured (input) of a measuring instrument that gives a perceptible change in the reading.

You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• Think about the way in which you took your

measurements.• Resolution means the smallest scale division on the

measuring instrument that you were using.• What was the resolution of your measurement for…• Do you think that this resolution was appropriate for this

investigation?• Explain your answer

3 marks


Explain:• You should make something clear, or state the reasons for something

happening.• The points in the answer must be linked coherently and logically.• The answer should not be a simple list of reasons.

Marks Guidance


1A correct value for the resolution is given

ORA sensible but incorrect value is given for the resolution, with a

correct statement appropriate to the resolution they have given.


ORA correct statement as to whether or not the resolution was

appropriate is given, but the explanation is not clear


ORA correct statement as to whether or not the resolution was

appropriate is given with a clear explanation


Repeatable:

• A measurement is repeatable if the original experimenter repeats the investigation using the same method and obtains the same results.

You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• Look at your results.• Did you repeat any of the results in your

investigation?• Explain why you did or did not repeat any

of your results.• You explanation should include examples

from your results.3 marks




Marks Guidance


1There is a correct statement regarding whether or not any measurements were

repeatedThere is mention of the presence or absence or anomalous results


repeatedThere is reference to either anomalous results or to systematic or random

uncertainties


repeated and a clear indication of which results were repeatedThere is reference to either anomalous results or to systematic or random

uncertainties, and the effects that these would cause


You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• In your investigation you changed the

concentration / mass of X.• What was the range of this variable? Give

the units.• The range was from ……… to ………• If you had been able to use another value

of this variable, either within or outside this range what value would you have chosen?

• Give a reason for your answer3 marks


Marks Guidance


1At least one end of the range is correctly stated.

Another value of the independent variable is suggested, although it may not be appropriate.

2The range is correctly stated, according to the candidate’s own results.Another appropriate value of the independent variable is suggested.

The reason for the additional value is unclear or inappropriate.

3The range is correctly stated, according to the candidate’s own results.Another appropriate value of the independent variable is suggested.

The reason for the additional value is clear and appropriate.

Range:• The maximum and minimum values of the

independent or dependent variables; important in ensuring that any pattern is detected.

Explain:• You should make something clear, or state the reasons for something happening.• The points in the answer must be linked coherently and logically.• The answer should not be a simple list of reasons.


Hypothesis:

• A proposal intended to explain certain facts or observations

You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• The hypothesis that you were

given before you started the investigation was …

• Do your results support this hypothesis?

• Explain your answer.3 marks


Marks Guidance


1 A simple correct statement is made as to whether or not the results support the hypothesis with an attempt at an explanation

2A simple correct statement is made as to whether or not the results support the hypothesis and an explanation that includes a simple description of a correctly

identified pattern or lack of pattern

3A simple correct statement is made as to whether or not the results support the hypothesis and an explanation that includes a detailed description of a correctly

identified pattern or lack of pattern.



Reproducible:

• A measurement is reproducible if the investigation is repeated by another person, or by using equipment or techniques, and the same results are obtained.

You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• You have been given a set of results

obtained by other people. • Do these results other results show that

this investigation is reproducible? • Explain your answer using examples from

the results.3 marks


Marks Guidance


1 A simple statement is made as to whether or not the pattern of the other results is similar to the candidate’s results

2A simple statement is made as to whether or not the pattern of the

other results is similar to the candidate’s results and an explanation is provided using either an example from the other results or a correctly

identified pattern

3A simple statement is made as to whether or not the pattern of the

other results is similar to the candidate’s results and a detailed explanation is provided using either; two examples from the other results or a correctly identified and described pattern in the results






An example of a poor answer


You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• If you were to repeat your experiment,

would you make any changed to your method?

• Explain why you would or would not make any changes, using examples from your results.

3 marks


Repeatable:• A measurement is repeatable if the

original experimenter repeats the investigation using the same method and obtains the same results.



Marks Guidance


1 Simple appropriate suggestion given as to why changes would be made

2 Simple appropriate suggestion given as to why changes would be made together with examples quoted from the results

3Simple appropriate suggestion given as to why changes would be made together with examples quoted from the results plus an explanation of why these changes would improve the results


You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• You have been given a Secondary Data Sheet that

provides results from similar investigations. • Draw a sketch graph of the results in Case Study 1.

3 marks


Sketch graph:• A line graph, not necessarily on a grid, that shows the

general shape of the relationship between two variables. It will not have any points plotted and although the axes should be labelled they may not be scaled.

Explain:• You should make something clear, or state the reasons

for something happening.• The points in the answer must be linked coherently and

logically.• The answer should not be a simple list of reasons.

Marks Guidance


1 Both axes labelled with the variables and units

2 Both axes labelled with the variables and units and an appropriate line drawn


Data:

• Information, either qualitative or quantitative, that has been collected.

You may also be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam• Explain whether or not the results on the

Secondary Data Sheet support the hypothesis you were given.

• To gain full marks your explanation should include appropriate examples from the results in Case studies 1, 2 and 3.

3 marksYou may also be asked a similar question on a Additional Science or Separate Science ISA


Marks Guidance


1A clear statement is made that Case study 1 supports the hypothesis and a simple correct statement is made about one of the other case

studies

2A clear statement is made that Case study 1 supports the hypothesis

and correct statements are made about both Case studies 2 and 3 supported by a more detailed explanation of one of them.

3A clear statement is made that Case study 1 supports the hypothesis

and correct statements are made about both Case studies 2 and 3 supported by a more detailed explanation of both of them.

Explain• You should make something clear, or state the reasons for something




An example of

a good answer


Relationship:

• When one variable has an effect on another variable

You may also be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam• Use Case Study 4 to answer the question.• What is the relationship between X and

Y?• Explain how well the information in Case

Study 4 supports your answer.3 marks

The content of the question and mark scheme will vary depending on the ISA.


Marks Guidance


1 There is a statement that the higher the specific heat capacity the smaller the temperature rise produced in the substance

2There is a statement that the higher the specific heat capacity the smaller the

temperature rise produced in the substance and some data is quoted to support this

3

There is a statement that the higher the specific heat capacity the smaller the temperature rise produced in the substance and some data is quoted to

support thisThere is a realisation that any discerned relationship can only be an

approximation using the data in the table, as the data contains some anomalies

Explain;• You should make something clear, or state the reasons for something




An example of

a good answer


Valid conclusion:

• A conclusion supported by valid data, obtained from an appropriate experimental design and based on sound reasoning.

You may also be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam• Look at Case Study 4. • A X who saw the results advised …• Do you agree with this advice? • Explain your answer.

3 marksThe context of the question and mark scheme will vary depending on the ISA.


Marks Guidance


1 A comment is made as to whether the advice is supported or notThere is a simple statement that uses information from the graph to support the comment

2A comment is made as to whether the advice is supported or not

There is a statement that uses information from the graph to support the commentA clear advantage of using “Ger-off” or a clear disadvantage of using “Ger-off” is stated

3A comment is made as to whether the advice is supported or not

There is a statement that uses informationfrom the graph to support the comment

A clear advantage of using “Ger-off” and a clear disadvantage of using “Ger-off” is stated

Explain;• You should make something clear, or state the reasons for something



Hypothesis:


You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• Look at Case Study 4. • To what extent do the

results support the hypothesis you were given?

3 marksThe context of the mark scheme will vary depending on the ISA.


Marks Guidance


1 Increasing the mass of aggregate increases the force needed to break the beam initially, but the strength then declines as more aggregate is added.

2

Increasing the mass of aggregate increases the force needed to break the beam initially, but the strength then declines as more aggregate is added.

The maximum strength of the beam is quoted.OR

A comment is made regarding the difference in gradient of the graph before and after the peak.

3

Increasing the mass of aggregate increases the force needed to break the beam initially, but the strength then declines as more aggregate is added.

The maximum strength of the beam is quoted.AND

A comment is made regarding the difference in gradient of the graph before and after the peak.



Context:

• Your teacher will describe the context in which the investigation is set.

Relating the investigation to the context


• You must research this context and write down how the results of your investigation might be useful, e.g. health and safety developments, energy efficiency, in industry, etc.


You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• How could the results from your investigation be useful

in the context that you have researched? • You may use information from your Candidate Research

Notes to help you to answer this question. 3 marks

Marks Guidance


1 An idea from the research has been related to the context

2An idea from the research has been related to the

context and there is a simple explanation of how the idea can be applied and used in the given context


context and there is a detailed explanation of how this idea can be applied in the given context


Producing a graph or bar chart:• You will be required to draw a graph or bar chart of your

results


Marks Answer Additional guidance

1X axis: suitable

scales chosen and labelled with

quantity and units.

Scale should be such that the plots occupy at least one third of each axis.

Accept axes reversed.

1Y axis: suitable


quantity and units.

It may not always be necessary to show the origin.

1Points or bars

plotted correctly to within ± 1 mm.

Allow one plotting error out of each 5 points/bars plotted.

1Suitable line drawn

on graph or bars correctly labelled on

bar chart.

Allow error carried forward from incorrect points.If wrong type of graph / chart, maximum 3 marks.If the independent variable is:• categoric, a bar chart should be drawn• continuous, a best fit line should be

drawnN.B. If no line is possible because there is no correlation, candidates should state this on the graph to gain the mark

Depe

nden

t var

iabl

e (u

nits

)

Independent variable (units)

Title:• This should describe what your graph shows

Line of best fit:• This goes roughly through the middle of all the scatter

points on a graph. The closer the points are to the line of best fit the stronger we can say the correlation is.

• It can be a curve.

Anomalous results:• Put a ring round any outliers to show you know they do

not if the pattern.

Jagged line:• These indicate a broken scale. A broken scale is used

when values close to 0 are not required.



All these graphs scored full marks


7 • ISA section 2 exam – Additional / Separate Science

Section 2 Exam:• Up to 50 minutes is allowed for this. • The test may be taken in the normal teaching room,

provided that you can be accommodated in such a way as to prevent any copying or unauthorised collaboration. However the test will usually take place in the hall, dance studio or drama studio depending on their availability.

• If you normally have a reader, extra time, scribe etc. for exams then you will have the same arrangements made for the ISA exam.

• Section 1 of the ISA will contain questions concerning conclusions and evaluation and is worth 30 marks of the overall 50 allocated to the Controlled Assessment.

• You may use your Candidate Research notes sheet, which you filled in during your research.

• You will also be given a data sheet with 4 case studies.

Section 2 Exam:There are normally 4 questions, some of these questions are made up of more than one part:1.Analyse and evaluate your results

a) Do your results support your hypothesis?b) - e) These questions are on a variety of topics

and may vary in number from ISA to ISA

2.Analyse and evaluate the data given in the case studiesa) Sketch graphb) Explain whether or not the results on the Secondary

data sheet support the given hypothesisc) Analysis of Case Study 4

This is only a guide there may be more questions based on the case studies

3.How could the results from your investigation be useful in the context that you have researched?

3 marks4.Submit the graph or bar chart you have drawn of your results

4 marks


You may also be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam• Do your results support the

hypothesis that you investigated?

• You should use any pattern that you can see in you results to support your answer.

• You should include examples from your results

3 marks


Marks Guidance


1 A simple correct statement is made as to whether or not the results support the hypothesis with an attempt at an explanation

2A simple correct statement is made as to whether or not the results support the hypothesis and an explanation that includes a simple description of a correctly

identified pattern or lack of pattern

3A simple correct statement is made as to whether or not the results support the hypothesis and an explanation that includes a detailed description of a correctly

identified pattern or lack of pattern.

Hypothesis:• A proposal intended to explain

certain facts or observations




An example of

a good answer


Anomalous:

• A result that does not fit into a common, familiar, or expected type or pattern

You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• Did you get any anomalous

results? • Explain your answer. • Your explanation should

include examples from your results.

3 marks



Marks Guidance


1 There is a correct statement as to whether or not there are any anomalous results

2 There is a correct statement as to whether or not there are any anomalous results and a statement or implication that anomalous results are ones that do not fit the pattern.

3

There is a correct statement as to whether or not there are any anomalous results and a statement or implication that anomalous results are ones that do not fit the pattern.

Some examples from the results are given to support this, eg by specifying results that are considered to be anomalous or by referring to the fact that, eg all results are very close to a

line of best fit.



An example of

a good answer


You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• Reproducibility is important in

experiments. • Do you think that your results are

reproducible by other people? • Use examples from your results to explain

the reason for your answer. 3 marks


Reproducible:• A measurement is reproducible if the

investigation is repeated by another person, or by using equipment or techniques, and the same results are obtained.



Marks Guidance


1 A statement is made as to whether or not the results are likely to be reproducible, with a reason stated.

2 A statement is made as to whether or not the results are likely to be reproducible, with a reason stated and an explanation is given.

3A statement is made as to whether or not the results are likely to be

reproducible, with a reason stated and an explanation is given. There is a detailed explanation supported by at least one example from

the results .



An example of

a good answer


You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• Describe in detail how you could use

repeated readings to obtain more accurate results.

3 marks


Repeatable:• A measurement is repeatable if the

original experimenter repeats the investigation using the same method and obtains the same results.

Explain:• You should recall some facts, events or process in an accurate way - for

example an experiment you have done. • You may need to give an account of what something looked like, or what

happened, eg a trend in some data.

Accuracy:• A measurement result is considered

accurate if it is judged to be close to the true value.

Marks Guidance


1 A statement is made that a mean should be calculated.

2 A statement is made that a mean should be calculated by adding the results together and dividing by the number of values.

3

A statement is made that a mean should be calculated, by adding the results together and dividing by the number of values.

A statement is made that either anomalous results are discarded before calculating a mean or a graph is plotted and a best fit line is drawn

ignoring anomalous points



An example of

a good answer


Range:

• The maximum and minimum values of the independent or dependent variables; important in ensuring that any pattern is detected.

You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:What was the independent variable in the investigation that you did? What was the range of the independent variable? The range was from ……… to ………Explain why this was or was not a suitable range.

3 marks


Marks Guidance


1At least one end of the range is correctly stated

Another value of the independent variable is suggested, although it may not be appropriate

2The range is correctly stated, according to the candidate’s own resultsAnother appropriate value of the independent variable is suggested

The reason for the additional value is unclear or inappropriate

3The range is correctly stated, according to the candidate’s own resultsAnother appropriate value of the independent variable is suggested

The reason for the additional value is clear and appropriate





An example of

a poor answer


Resolution:

• This is the smallest change in quantity being measured (input) of a measuring instrument that gives a perceptible change in the reading.

You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• Resolution refers to the smallest scale division of a

measuring instrument. • What was the resolution of the device that you used to

measure the timing of the reaction? • Do you think that this resolution was appropriate for this

measurement? • Explain your answer.

3 marks




Marks Guidance



ORA sensible but incorrect value is given for the resolution, with a

correct statement appropriate to the resolution they have given.


ANDA correct statement as to whether or not the resolution was

appropriate is given, but the explanation is not clear


ANDA correct statement as to whether or not the resolution was

appropriate is given with a clear explanation



An example of

a good answer


You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:Most investigations contain errors or uncertainties. What do you think was the cause of the largest error or uncertainty in your investigation? What you could do to reduce the size of this error if you were to repeat the investigation? Explain your answer.

3 marks


Uncertainty:• The interval within which the true value

can be expected to lie, within a given level of confidence or probability.



Marks Guidance


1 There is a statement as to the possible cause of the largest error.

2There is a statement as to the possible cause of the largest error.

An appropriate suggestion is made regarding how the size of this error might be reduced.

3There is a statement as to the possible cause of the largest error.

An appropriate suggestion is made regarding how the size of this error might be reduced. together with an explanation regarding how the

suggestion might lead to a reduction in the size of the error.



An example of

a good answer


You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• You have been given a Secondary Data Sheet that

provides results from similar investigations. • Draw a sketch graph of the results in Case Study 1.

3 marks


Sketch graph:• A line graph, not necessarily on a grid, that shows the

general shape of the relationship between two variables. It will not have any points plotted and although the axes should be labelled they may not be scaled.

Explain:• You should make something clear, or state the reasons

for something happening.• The points in the answer must be linked coherently and

logically.• The answer should not be a simple list of reasons.

Marks Guidance


1 Both axes labelled with the variables and units

2 Both axes labelled with the variables and units and an appropriate line drawn


You may also be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam• X investigates the following hypothesis …• Explain whether or not the results in Case

Studies 1, 2 and 3 support this hypothesis.• To gain full marks your explanation should

include appropriate examples from the results in Case studies 1, 2 and 3.

3 marks


Marks Guidance


1 A simple correct statement is made about at least two of the Case Studies 1, 2 and 3, as to whether or not they support the hypothesis.

2 Correct statements are made Case Studies 1, 2 and 3, supported by a more detailed explanation of one of them.

3 Correct statements are made Case Studies 1, 2 and 3, supported by a more detailed explanation of both Case Studies 2 and 3.

Hypothesis:• A proposal intended to explain certain

facts or observations





An example of

a good answer


Hypothesis:


You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• Look at Case Study 4. • To what extent do the

results shown support the manufacturer's hypothesis?

• Explain your answer. 3 marks


Marks Guidance


1There is a simple statement saying whether or not the results in Case study 4 support the manufacturer's hypothesis and this is supported by some qualitative information

quoted.

2There is a simple statement saying whether or not the results in Case study 4 support

the manufacturer's hypothesis and this is supported by some quantitative information quoted.

3

There is a simple statement saying whether or not the results in Case study 4 support the manufacturer's hypothesis and this is supported by some quantitative information

quoted. There is also a statement that makes clear the limitations of the data in supporting the

hypothesis.




An example of

a good answer


Context:


Relating the investigation to the context


• You must research this context and write down how the results of your investigation might be useful, e.g. health and safety developments, energy efficiency, in industry, etc.


You may be asked a question similar to this in the section 2 exam:• How could the results from your investigation be useful

in the context that you have researched? • You may use information from your Candidate Research

Notes to help you to answer this question. 3 marks

Marks Guidance


1 An idea from the research has been related to the context


context and there is a simple explanation of how the idea can be applied and used in the given context


context and there is a detailed explanation of how this idea can be applied in the given context


Producing a graph or bar chart:• You will be required to draw a graph or bar chart of your

results


Marks Answer Additional guidance

1X axis: suitable


quantity and units.

Scale should be such that the plots occupy at least one third of each axis.

Accept axes reversed.

1Y axis: suitable


quantity and units.

It may not always be necessary to show the origin.

1Points or bars

plotted correctly to within ± 1 mm.

Allow one plotting error out of each 5 points/bars plotted.

1Suitable line drawn

on graph or bars correctly labelled on

bar chart.

Allow error carried forward from incorrect points.If wrong type of graph / chart, maximum 3 marks.If the independent variable is:• categoric, a bar chart should be drawn• continuous, a best fit line should be

drawnN.B. If no line is possible because there is no correlation, candidates should state this on the graph to gain the mark

Depe

nden

t var

iabl

e (u

nits

)

Independent variable (units)

Title:• This should describe what your graph shows

Line of best fit:• This goes roughly through the middle of all the scatter

points on a graph. The closer the points are to the line of best fit the stronger we can say the correlation is.

• It can be a curve.

Anomalous results:• Put a ring round any outliers to show you know they do

not if the pattern.

Jagged line:• These indicate a broken scale. A broken scale is used

when values close to 0 are not required.



All these graphs scored full marks

C ontrolled A ssessment U nit - CAU I nvestigative S kills A ssessment - ISA

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