The elements of IBIS are: issues (questions that need to be answered), each of which are associated with (answered by) alternative positions (possible answers or ideas), which are associated with arguments which support or object to a given position; arguments that support a position are called "pros", and arguments that object to a position are called "cons".[1][8] In the course of the treatment of issues, new issues come up which are treated likewise.[9][10]

The other important change people typically undergo at MIT is the broad realization that they “can’t do it alone.” Note that these are people who generally did a lot of that before they arrived in Kendall Square. Now, however, they are among others who get what they want to do and have the skills to help. MIT reinforces that basis for connection by immediately making it impossible for students to succeed solo. Study groups form immediately and spontaneously in the face of its infamous “p-sets” (or problem sets). By putting students through an extraordinarily hard process when they’re freshman and sophomores it forces humility and compels them to rely on the strengths of other people. Think of it as the intellectual equivalent of Marine boot camp—the individual finds his or her limits, and viscerally discovers the value of the team.