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Research in Chemistry
Research in Chemistry
The focus with experiment-based research is the primary data produced as a result of the experiment(s) conducted by the student. Secondary sources in the form of scientific publications should be used to support a line of argument or indicate where the student has adapted their approach so as to produce different results. A consideration of the quality of the secondary source materials should also be offered to identify limitations or weaknesses in approach, method and so forth. Note: There are restrictions placed on the use of animals and humans when it comes to experiment-based research. For more, please check the IB’s Animal Experimentation Policy with your supervisor.
Non-experiment-based research should effectively question the reliability of the secondary source material used, and offer some critical insight into the strengths and limitations of the methodological approaches taken by the secondary sources.
Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Primary vs. Secondary Sources
Useful Research Resources
Useful Research Resources
Our Library Services (Sign-in with Google):
Gale OneFile: Informe Académico - Revistas y periódicos académicos de y sobre América Latina
Destiny Discover - our library online catalog
Free-ish Online Resources:
We do not have subscriptions to these resources, but most offer a limited number of sources for free. If there is a source that you want and cannot access, contact your librarian. We can often find the same source through a different service.
Research Questions and Methodologies
Research Questions and Methodologies
Research in the Sciences are often experimental, but can also be literature-based. Methodological approaches generally follow one of these types:
Experimental
Literature-Based
A review of existing case studies
An investigation based on existing experimental models (or approaches)
An investigation based on scientific theory
Examples
Examples
The effect of storage temperature on alkaline battery discharge time. What is the effect of storage temperature on the operational lifespan of an alkaline battery?
Initial analysis and description of the general relationship between temperature and batteries. Connection to IB Chemistry topics. Experimental: set of 3 batteries is subjected to 5°C, 20°C, 30°C, 40°C, 50°C for a specific period of time, after which the batteries are discharged. Voltage is measured before and after storage period.
Investigation of changing reflux time on the yield of aspirin. Does increasing reflux time increase the percent yield of aspirin for the reaction between acetic anhydride and salicylic acid?
Experimental: aspirin is produced from acetic anhydride and salicylic acid at varying reflux time intervals.
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