Question 1 of 9700 Paper 5 is built around one investigation: identify the variables, plan a method someone else could follow, process and graph the data, then judge the hypothesis. Each question below is rephrased from a real past paper: answer it part by part, then compare with a worked full-mark answer and the examiner's comments.
Identify the independent and dependent variables exactly as they apply to this investigation, and name standardised variables with how each is kept the same.
A method in a logical order that someone else could follow: how the independent variable is changed (with values), how the dependent variable is measured, replicates, controls and a risk assessment that fits the procedure.
Processed values to a consistent number of decimal places, tables with units in the headings, graphs with labelled axes, points joined with ruled lines or a line of best fit as the data need, and error bars when asked.
Say whether the data support the hypothesis using the actual figures, choose the right statistical test, state the null hypothesis and interpret the result against the critical value.
The question on this page is rephrased from a Cambridge International past paper for teaching. The figures, wording of the workout and the worked example are our own; the marking follows the published mark scheme. The original question paper is available from Cambridge.