Math Sl IA Topic

[CleoMion]

Hello all,

I have a question. Can I choose for my Math Standart Level IA a correlation question or is that not enough?

 

Thank you!

[IB Math Helper]

If you're doing a simple correlation, this is definitely not enough. You need to explore and gives reasons why the relationship is causal (or the extent to which it is). Here's an example of a poorly done linear regression that lost a lot of opportunity in investigating the relationship between variables further and only got 9/20. (https://ibpublishing.ibo.org/live-exist/rest/app/tsm.xql?doc=d_5_matsl_tsm_1205_1_e&part=2&chapter=21)

Remember to consider the other parts of the criteria than just the math content itself (i.e. Communication, Mathematical Presentation, Personal Engagement and Reflection). You must be critical with your insight in order to get a decent mark on the IA. 

[CleoMion]

Thank you a lot !!

 

The correlation between education and income when I examine this and explain to which extent this the case is and additionally personal engagement etc would this be ok?

Or does the topic have to be based on a theory?

 

Thank you so much!

 

[IB Math Helper]

It's pretty obvious that education and income are correlated. There's nothing surprising there. You need to explore to what extent is true.

Sure you can start with a theory but at some point you need to explore some of the other finer points.

Are there cases where people with little education have high income?

Is it always true that people with a lot of education have high income or are there exceptions?

Does it depend on your profession? Are all educated people happy?

What are the other lingering variables that could affect the education-income correlation?

Discuss these and back it up with any research that you find.

Think of other questions that are relevant. This will add to the personal engagement component.