IB Biology IA's Background Section EXPLAINED by an IB Examiner | Part 2/12

Summary

This video explains how to effectively write the background section of a scientific investigation. It emphasizes conciseness, suggesting a length of 3-4 paragraphs, and outlines a clear structure: first, a general scientific context; second, the specific aspect of the experiment; third, the dependent variable or object being tested; and optionally, a fourth paragraph about the experiment's purpose. The importance of paraphrasing, using citations, and avoiding excessive quoting is stressed. Examples of both strong and weak backgrounds are provided, highlighting the need for clarity and focus on relevant scientific information to maximize the quality of the report.

Takeaways

• 😀 Keep the background section of your scientific investigation brief, ideally 3-4 paragraphs.
• 😀 Avoid going over 1.5 pages for the background, as excessive content may lead to points being deducted.
• 😀 The first paragraph should introduce general scientific concepts related to your experiment (e.g., enzymes, plant biology).
• 😀 The second paragraph should focus on the specific subject or object of your experiment (e.g., a particular enzyme, plant species).
• 😀 If you include a third paragraph, it should discuss the dependent variable or relevant equipment used in the experiment.
• 😀 A fourth paragraph (optional) can explain the purpose and significance of your experiment.
• 😀 Paraphrase or use small quotes from reliable sources, and always cite these sources properly with in-text citations.
• 😀 Be cautious of excessive quoting, as it can negatively impact your score. Use your own words to explain concepts.
• 😀 Reliable sources include academic domains like .org and .edu, but verify the author's credibility before citing them.
• 😀 Focus on relevant scientific principles and how they relate to your experiment, avoiding irrelevant personal experiences or unnecessary details.
• 😀 Your background should be structured logically, with a clear focus on the experiment’s purpose and scientific principles.

Q & A

Why is it important to keep the background section concise in a lab report?

A concise background ensures that only relevant information is included, helping to maintain focus on the scientific concepts behind the experiment. Going beyond three to four paragraphs may introduce irrelevant content, which could detract from the clarity and precision of the report.

What is the typical structure of the background section in a lab report?

The typical structure includes a first paragraph explaining the general scientific concept (e.g., enzymes or pH levels), a second paragraph focusing on the specific subject of the experiment (e.g., a particular enzyme or plant), a third paragraph about the equipment used, and possibly a fourth paragraph explaining the purpose of the experiment.

What happens if a background section includes excessive quoting?

Excessive quoting can lead to point deductions, as it suggests a lack of paraphrasing skills and the ability to synthesize information. A balance of paraphrasing and occasional direct quotes is ideal, with proper citations for each source.

How should in-text citations be handled in a scientific background?

In-text citations must be included whenever information from external sources is used. Each sentence that incorporates information from another author must have a citation. If an entire paragraph is based on one source, the citation can be placed at the end of the paragraph.

What role do citations play in a scientific background section?

Citations acknowledge the sources of information used in the background and provide credibility to the claims being made. Proper citation ensures the work is grounded in reliable sources, and it prevents plagiarism.

Why should scientific names of organisms be italicized in a background section?

Scientific names must be italicized to follow standard scientific formatting conventions, ensuring clarity and professionalism in the report. Failure to italicize can result in points being deducted.

What is the significance of explaining the purpose of the experiment in the last paragraph of the background?

The last paragraph should clearly explain the purpose and relevance of the experiment. This connects the scientific background with the specific objectives of the lab, providing context for why the experiment is being conducted and what it aims to achieve.

How can students improve their background section based on the examples provided in the video?

Students should focus on avoiding irrelevant details, such as personal anecdotes or unrelated experiences, and instead focus on providing clear, detailed information about the scientific concepts and methods relevant to their experiment. Using proper citations and adhering to scientific conventions (e.g., italics for scientific names) is also crucial.

What should be included in the second paragraph of a background section?

The second paragraph should delve deeper into the specific subject of the experiment. For example, if the experiment involves enzymes, this paragraph should explain the particular enzyme being studied and its relevance to the research question.

What are the main differences between a strong and weak background section?

A strong background is focused, well-structured, and clearly explains relevant scientific concepts with appropriate citations. It avoids irrelevant content and provides sufficient detail. A weak background, on the other hand, includes excessive personal details, lacks focus on the experiment’s key scientific principles, and may have improper formatting or citation errors.