Historical Investigation (Internal Assessment)
The historical investigation is internally assessed and worth 25 marks; the limit is 2,200 words. It has three components: identification and evaluation of two sources (about 500 words), the investigation itself (about 1,300 words), and a reflection (about 400 words). It tests independent inquiry: a narrow research question, source evaluation, argued use of evidence, and honest reflection on method.
The three components
The source section must evaluate origin, purpose, value, and limitation for two sources that offer different perspectives. The investigation must answer the question, not narrate the topic. The reflection should discuss what the inquiry revealed about the historian's method-selection, bias, gaps-not repeat the argument.
Worked example
Research question: 'How significant was propaganda in sustaining Nazi control in Germany, 1933–1939?' Source 1: a Goebbels ministry directive; Source 2: a clandestine Social Democratic report (SOPADE). Reasoning: the directive is valuable for regime intentions and techniques, but limited for public reception; the SOPADE report is valuable for oppositional observation and ordinary mood, but limited by sample and secrecy. Together they let you argue about intended versus received propaganda. The investigation then weighs propaganda against terror, economic recovery, and social policy, and concludes with a qualified judgement.
Traps
A question too broad to answer in 2,200 words; sources described but not evaluated; narrative instead of argument; a reflection that is generic; and exceeding the word limit so that later sections cannot be credited. Citations must be consistent, and the investigation should show awareness of counter-evidence.