LAB REPORT CHECKLIST

DIRECTIONS

/ Use the checklist/scoring guide to evaluate the quality of your lab report. Remember that this scoring guide will be used to grade your report.
POINTS /

CRITERIA TO BE ASSESSED

TITLE

__
__ / The title is a statement that gives a clue to what the experiment is about.
The title should include the independent and dependent variable.

DESIGN (Problem Statement/Question)

__ / Problem statement (question) is addressed and specified. This is a focused research question that is clearly defined and is not vague or ambiguous.
__ / The independent variable is addressed in the problem.
__ / The dependent variable is addressed in the problem.
__ / The question includes the scientific name of the organism being studied.

DESIGN (Hypothesis)

__ / A prediction as to the expected outcome of the experiment is stated.
__ / The hypothesis is predicted in the “if (the IV does this). . . then (the DV will do this)” manner.
___ / The independent variable is addressed.
__ / The dependent variable is addressed.
__ / The hypothesis is supported with cited background information (making it an EDUCATED prediction). This research can be summarized before or after making the hypothesis (at least a paragraph).
DESIGN (Variables)
__ / A chart is created to identify variables
__ / The independent (manipulated) variable is correctly identified in the chart.
__ / The dependent (measured/observed) variable is correctly identified in the chart.
__ / The controlled (constant) variables are correctly identified in the chart. This should be a comprehensive list of relevant variables that could reasonably be expected to affect the outcome.

DESIGN (Materials and Methods)

__ / All materials that were used in the experiment are listed and bulleted. Be sure you include all materials necessary, including any necessary safety equipment.
__ / The procedure is clearly indicated step by step in a very detailed manner. Someone who has never carried out the experiment before should be able to follow your procedure and complete the experiment EXACTLY as you did. (i.e. avoid using the word “about” or “approximately” when referring to measurements).
__ / The procedure allows for collection of sufficient data in order to address the research question. Be sure to include the number of times each set of steps should be repeated, keeping in mind you should always have at least 5 trials. Also be sure that the range of the independent variable is broad enough to address the question. (i.e. looking at the effect of pH on a system using only pH between 6-8 is not broad).
__ / Procedure is either a flow chart or in numbered style.
__ / Include a photograph (preferred) or labeled diagram of your lab setup/design for clarity.
__ / The method used to control each of the controlled variables is included in procedure.
__ / Includes brief description of how data were analyzed (calculations made/statistical tests used).

DATA COLLECTION and PROCESSING

__ / RAW Data ONLY is collected.
__ / Raw Data ONLY is presented NEATLY in the form of a table and given a descriptive title.
__ / Raw Data ONLY may also be presented in a graph/chart (not required, however).
__ / All raw data (chart, table or graph) is labeled correctly. For example, columns are headed and units are included.
__ / Correct METRIC units are used throughout. Omitting even ONE unit in this section can drop your score dramatically.
__ / Graph paper or a computer-generated chart is used to present data.
__ / The table is not split (do not begin the table on one page and end on another).
__ / Uncertainties are noted within the column headings or as a footnote beneath the data table.
__ / An overview of data processing is given, which is a paragraph explaining how and why you decided to process and present the data in the form it will appear later in this section.
__ / A sample calculation is provided. For each type of manipulation done to the raw data, an example problem should be done.
__ / One or more data tables are shown of your processed data. Processed data is raw data that has been mathematically manipulated (i.e. percent change, rate, mean, percent, line of best fit, etc.) MERELY GRAPHING RAW DATA IS NOT PROCESSING DATA!!
__ / One or more graphs/charts is created to display the processed data (from the table). The graph/chart should be appropriate for the type of data being displayed. Bar graphs and pie graphs often result from “weaker” experimental design. Be sure your variables/data are QUANTITATIVE.
__ / All data tables and graphs/charts are NEAT and EASY TO INTERPRET with accurately plotted points and a line/curve of best fit.
__ / All data graphs/charts are scaled appropriately (even increments along axis and maximum utilization of graph space).
__ / All data tables/graphs/charts include the METRIC UNITS of measurement and have AXES/COLUMNS labeled.
__ / All data tables/graphs/charts are numbered (i.e. table 1.1 or graph 2.2) AND titled so that you may refer back to them in the conclusion.
__ / All data tables/graphs/charts are created on graph paper or on an Excel spreadsheet.
__ / Uncertainties are taken into account and noted when creating graph(s).

CONCLUSION and EVALUATION

__ / Statement made as to whether or not the experimental data supported or rejected the hypothesis. (DO NOT use the term “proved” – your experiment didn’t PROVE anything)
__ / At least one paragraph discussing your data and how is supported your hypothesis or rejected it. Here you should analyze/compare and note trends in your data and graphs. This should lead you to a conclusion.
__ / If the experimental results are not as predicted in the hypothesis, an explanation/evaluation of the results is provided.
__ / Specifically refer to data graphs and charts by number.
__ / When appropriate, a comparison is made between your experimental results and a literature value or the results of other published experimenters.
__ / A paragraph is written to discuss how well your design helped to answer your research question. Be sure to address in a detailed manner what worked well, as well as what did not.
__ / A brief evaluation is completed addressing the quality of the data your procedure allowed you to record and process.
__ / Address weaknesses in your processes and use of equipment. Address the significance of these weaknesses and andy minor or major improvements that could be made to your design in order to lead to better results if you were to carry out the procedure again.
__
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Discuss the parts of your design that you would NOT change if you were to carry out the procedure again.

__ / Address your procedure, specifically looking at time management (overall and during specific portions).
__ / Address anything else – new ideas your results led you to, research that supports/contradicts your results, other experimental designs that may better address your research question, etc.
__ / ALL literature you have used (in background information/hypothesis or conclusion/evaluation) is cited!!! If not, your lab will not be accepted and submitted as plagiarized work. L

IB Lab Report Checklist