The alternative hypothesis states that there is a relationship between the two variables being studied (one variable has an effect on the other).It states results are due to chance and are not significant in terms of supporting the idea being investigated. The null hypothesis states that there is no relationship between the two variables being studied (one variable does not affect the other).In research, there is a convention that the hypothesis is written in two forms the null hypothesis and the alternative hypothesis: This usually involves proposing a possible relationship between two variables: the independent variable (what the researcher changes) and the dependant variable (what the research measures). HypothesesĪ hypothesis (plural hypotheses) is a precise, testable statement of what the researchers predict will be the outcome of the study. This can be partly formed by maths studied within the IB maths syllabus, but it is also recommended that you look elsewhere for inspiration. The IBO recommend that it is 6-12 pages in length and includes maths that is commensurate with the level of difficulty of the course. It is a straightforward expression of what the researcher is trying to find out from conducting an investigation. The Maths IA forms 20 of your overall grade for Maths studies, SL and HL. : an explanation of controlling principles of opinion, belief, practice, or phenomena. AimsĪn aim identifies the purpose of the investigation.

As with all aspects of your research thesis, this section of it should not contain any surprises for its readers, because it should naturally flow on from your setting of your research scene, and your presentation of the relevant research literature, and its key messages. Writing your aims, hypotheses and justifications of your hypotheses is an extension of your ongoing research process of generating, refining and modifying your research ideas, planning, reading and writing that you began at the beginning of your research. Start thinking, reading, generating ideas Discuss your research ideas with your supervisorĪ.

Rationale and aim definition ib