Introduction: Integrity in the IB Math IA
The IB Mathematics Internal Assessment (IA) is one of the most rewarding — and challenging — parts of the IB journey. It’s your chance to apply mathematical reasoning to a real-world problem, explore patterns, and demonstrate creativity.
But with so much data, technology, and online support available, maintaining academic integrity can be difficult. Many students unintentionally cross the line between inspiration and imitation.
This guide will show you how to complete your Math IA responsibly, from research and modeling to reflection, while avoiding the common pitfalls that can compromise your work.
Quick Start Checklist: Ethical Math IA Practices
- Choose your own topic — not one copied from examples online.
- Document your process — keep track of how you developed ideas.
- Use original data when possible; cite any external data sources.
- Avoid AI or solver misuse — understand and explain every step.
- Write your reflection in your own voice.
- Acknowledge all influences (software, tutors, or resources).
Honesty in your IA shows maturity, originality, and true mathematical understanding.
Understanding Integrity in the Math IA
The IB expects students to produce original, authentic work. This means your exploration should reflect your own thought process, not someone else’s.
Misconduct in Math IAs often involves:
- Using uncredited models or formulas found online.
- Copying data or graphs without citation.
- Presenting AI-generated analysis as personal work.
- Fabricating or manipulating results to “fit” the hypothesis.
Integrity requires transparency — even when results don’t match your expectations. In mathematics, honest reasoning is more valuable than a “perfect” answer.
Choosing a Genuine IA Topic
One of the best ways to maintain integrity is to start with a topic that genuinely interests you. When your project reflects your curiosity, plagiarism becomes unnecessary.
Examples of authentic topics:
- Exploring the geometry behind a local landmark.
- Modeling the spread of a campus rumor with exponential functions.
- Analyzing data from a sport you play or follow.
- Using calculus to optimize real-world problems (like minimizing fuel cost).
Original topics demonstrate initiative and reflect personal engagement — both highly valued by examiners.
Collecting and Using Data Ethically
Data is the backbone of your Math IA, but it must be handled responsibly.
Follow these best practices:
- Use reliable sources: Government databases, verified research, or your own experiments.
- Cite everything: Include URLs or dataset references in your bibliography.
- Avoid data fabrication: If you can’t find data, explain your assumptions clearly instead of inventing results.
- Respect privacy: Don’t use identifiable personal data without permission.
Ethical data collection builds credibility and strengthens your argument.
Using Technology Transparently
Tools like Desmos, GeoGebra, and spreadsheets are powerful — but misuse can harm your integrity.
Be clear about:
- Which tools you used.
- How they contributed to your calculations or graphs.
- What parts of the analysis were your own reasoning.
For instance, if you use Desmos to model a regression, explain the mathematical logic behind why that model fits your context. Transparency turns technology into a tool for understanding, not substitution.
Avoiding AI Misuse in Math IAs
AI tools can explain mathematical concepts or help visualize models, but using them to generate or solve your IA is misconduct.
To use AI ethically:
- Use it to check formulas, not create content.
- Never copy AI-written text into your exploration.
- Acknowledge if it helped you brainstorm or structure your report.
- Verify every step it suggests before including it.
Remember: the IB expects student voice — AI cannot think, reason, or reflect like you can.
Proper Citation in Mathematical Writing
Even in math, referencing matters. You must credit all external information, including:
- Theorems, proofs, or formulas from textbooks or online sources.
- Graphs or models not originally created by you.
- Code or software outputs you didn’t design.
For example, if you adapt a formula from a math website, cite it like this:
Formula adapted from WolframAlpha (accessed March 2025).
This simple step protects your work from plagiarism claims and shows academic honesty.
Writing Your IA Reflection with Integrity
The reflection section is where your integrity shines most clearly. It’s your chance to explain how you learned, what you discovered, and why it matters.
To write with authenticity:
- Discuss challenges honestly.
- Reflect on mistakes and limitations.
- Explain how you verified your results.
- Avoid exaggerated claims of success.
Reflection is not about perfection — it’s about insight. Examiners reward genuine self-awareness over polished but empty conclusions.
Common Integrity Pitfalls to Avoid
- Copying sample IAs found online.
- Over-editing from tutors or peers until your voice disappears.
- Using calculators or solvers to produce unexplained results.
- Submitting models you don’t fully understand.
- Ignoring the need for citations in mathematical explanations.
Each of these mistakes undermines authenticity. Integrity comes from ownership — your IA should represent your mathematical journey, not a borrowed one.
How RevisionDojo Helps You Stay Ethical
RevisionDojo helps IB students prepare for the Math IA responsibly by providing:
- Examples that focus on reasoning, not replication.
- Guidance on ethical data use and citation.
- Clear explanations of modeling concepts.
- Practice exercises that encourage independent thought.
Students who use RevisionDojo learn how to understand mathematics deeply — the most reliable protection against plagiarism or misconduct.
Conclusion: Integrity Is Precision in Action
Mathematics is about logic, accuracy, and proof — qualities that align perfectly with academic integrity.
When your Math IA reflects your own thinking, it becomes more than a requirement; it becomes evidence of your capability and honesty.
By researching responsibly, citing accurately, and reflecting authentically, you embody the IB learner profile — principled, inquiring, and reflective.
RevisionDojo exists to support exactly that kind of learner.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Prepare your Math IA with confidence and integrity.
Join RevisionDojo to learn ethical data handling, authentic modeling, and reflective writing techniques that make your work truly your own.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use examples from online Math IAs?
You can read them for structure, but you must never copy topics, data, or analysis. Examiners are trained to detect unoriginal ideas.
2. Do I have to cite formulas in my IA?
Yes — if they’re not your own derivations or are taken from external sources. A simple citation is enough to maintain transparency.
3. Is using AI to check calculations allowed?
Yes, if used responsibly and acknowledged. However, all explanations and reasoning must come from you.
4. What if my results don’t fit my hypothesis?
That’s fine — integrity means reporting results honestly. Examiners appreciate authentic exploration more than forced conclusions.
5. How does RevisionDojo help with IA integrity?
RevisionDojo provides ethical learning guidance, helping students understand mathematical methods and build IA skills rooted in originality and reflection.
