Introduction: Economics Runs on Truth
Economics is often called the study of choice — but in IB Economics, the most important choice you make is integrity. Every graph, essay, and Internal Assessment (IA) reflects not just your understanding of the economy, but your commitment to honest analysis and ethical reasoning.
The IB Economics Guide (IBO, 2023) stresses that “academic integrity underpins sound economic reasoning.” This means your diagrams, data, and evaluations must come from credible sources, your arguments must be your own, and your reflections must be honest.
This guide explores how IB Economics students can practice academic honesty and ethical application across microeconomics, macroeconomics, and global topics.
Quick Start Checklist: Integrity in IB Economics
- Use accurate, verifiable data and cite all sources.
- Draw and label your own diagrams.
- Avoid copying commentary or theory explanations.
- Use AI and digital tools ethically and transparently.
- Reflect honestly on limitations and bias.
- Ensure your IA and essay work is independently written.
Integrity keeps your economics grounded in truth — not manipulation.
Understanding Integrity in Economic Analysis
Integrity in IB Economics combines intellectual honesty, data accuracy, and ethical application. It includes:
- Academic honesty: Producing original arguments and citing every source.
- Data transparency: Using real, reliable statistics without alteration.
- Ethical reasoning: Evaluating policy decisions fairly and objectively.
As economist John Maynard Keynes said, “When the facts change, I change my mind.” Integrity means letting evidence guide your conclusions — not the other way around.
Authentic Use of Data and Sources
Economic analysis depends on data — but not all data is equal.
To ensure integrity:
- Use reliable sources like the World Bank, IMF, OECD, or government statistics.
- Avoid fabricated or cherry-picked data to “prove” an argument.
- Cite every data source in-text and in your bibliography.
- Indicate clearly if graphs or statistics were modified.
- Use consistent units and timeframes in analysis.
Example:
Unemployment data sourced from the International Labour Organization (ILO, 2024).
Accurate data supports accurate conclusions — the core of economic integrity.
Honest Application of Economic Theories
IB Economics requires applying models such as supply and demand, Keynesian analysis, or externalities to real-world examples. To maintain honesty:
- Explain models in your own words.
- Draw your own diagrams using tools like GeoGebra or Canva.
- Cite the origin of any adapted framework or concept.
- Avoid using AI-written explanations or copied diagrams.
Your voice should interpret the theory — not echo it.
Avoiding Plagiarism in Essays and IAs
Plagiarism can occur easily in economics because of shared theories and terminology.
Avoid misconduct by:
- Paraphrasing definitions instead of copying textbook language.
- Citing authors and institutions for ideas or case studies.
- Not reusing work between different assessments.
- Avoiding “model essays” or online summaries as sources.
Your analysis gains credibility when it reflects genuine understanding — not recycled argumentation.
Ethical Evaluation of Economic Policies
Integrity also involves fairness in how you evaluate policies and theories.
- Consider multiple perspectives — social, environmental, and economic.
- Avoid bias toward political or ideological positions.
- Reflect on ethical implications such as inequality, sustainability, or fairness.
- Use data to support arguments, not to manipulate outcomes.
Honest evaluation means asking: Who benefits, who loses, and why does it matter?
Using Technology and AI Responsibly
Technology is an asset for modern economics — but it must be used transparently.
- Use Excel or graphing tools to plot real data.
- Verify AI-generated charts or summaries manually.
- Do not use AI to write essays, analysis, or commentary.
- Always disclose software or tools used.
Integrity ensures that every chart represents your work — not an algorithm’s shortcut.
Citing Sources in IB Economics
Every statistic, quotation, and reference must be properly credited.
Include:
- The author, organization, publication year, and source link.
- Citation for adapted or redrawn graphs.
- References for articles used in your IAs.
Example:
Data from World Bank Open Data (2024), retrieved from https://data.worldbank.org.
Accurate citation demonstrates accountability and professionalism.
Reflecting Honestly in Evaluations
In the evaluation sections of essays or IAs, honesty adds intellectual depth.
Reflect on:
- Limitations of your data or theoretical models.
- Biases in your sources or assumptions.
- Ethical trade-offs in policy recommendations.
- Lessons learned from analyzing conflicting evidence.
IB examiners reward students who think critically, not just confidently. Integrity means recognizing uncertainty, not ignoring it.
Avoiding Collusion and Group Misconduct
While discussions about economic topics are encouraged, all assessed work must remain individual.
- Do not share drafts or data sets.
- Avoid dividing essay writing among peers.
- Collaborate only in teacher-approved contexts.
- Credit any legitimate input received.
True collaboration fosters understanding — not dependence.
How RevisionDojo Supports Economic Integrity
RevisionDojo helps IB Economics students combine analytical strength with ethical rigor through:
- Lessons on responsible data analysis and citation.
- Templates for transparent IA structure and evaluation.
- Case studies highlighting ethical economic decision-making.
- Reflection prompts for bias and global awareness.
With RevisionDojo, students learn to think like economists who value not only efficiency — but also ethics.
Conclusion: Integrity Is the True Economic Constant
Economics seeks to explain how resources are used — and integrity determines how knowledge is used.
By citing sources, analyzing fairly, and reasoning independently, you become more than an IB student; you become a principled economist.
In the world of ideas, honesty is the only currency that never loses value.
RevisionDojo Call to Action
Analyze fairly. Reason ethically.
Join RevisionDojo to master honest data interpretation, transparent analysis, and reflective evaluation — the principles that define integrity in IB Economics.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What counts as academic misconduct in IB Economics?
Copying IA content, using uncredited data, or letting AI write analysis all breach IB integrity policies.
2. How should I cite data sources?
Include author, organization, year, and link. Mention if you modified any charts or datasets.
3. Can I use AI or online data tools?
Yes, for visualization and organization — but all writing, analysis, and evaluation must be your own.
4. What if my data doesn’t match my argument?
Keep it — unexpected results often strengthen evaluation. Discuss limitations honestly.
5. How does RevisionDojo help promote economic integrity?
RevisionDojo trains students in ethical data handling, balanced evaluation, and critical thinking — ensuring academic honesty across all IB Economics work.
