TOK concepts by Fenia Rizopoulou https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln en-us 2017-11-14 21:29:48 UTC 2025-09-27 10:55:42 UTC hello@padlet.com Reliability https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385167053 The quality of being trustworthy or of performing consistently well.
E.g. in science, an experiment is reliable if repeated trials are conducted.]]> 2021-04-06 00:53:14 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385167053 Proof vs. Evidence https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385168948 2021-04-06 00:53:59 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385168948 Verifiability https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385171231 The quality/state of information being able to be verified, tested, and proven to be true.
E.g. in accounting, verifiability is the extent to which information is reproducible given the same data and assumptions]]> 2021-04-06 00:54:57 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385171231 Risk https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385179340 Decision risk:  A decision by the leadership of an organization to accept an option having a given risk function in preference to another, or in preference to taking no action.

With a fact goes through the process of data, information, knowledge, and wisdom, the decision risk is reduced. Each decision becomes more certain.]]> 2021-04-06 00:58:18 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385179340 Patterns diya_dinesh https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385181515 A pattern is a regularity in the world, in human-made design, or in abstract ideas. As such, the elements of a pattern repeat in a predictable manner.

Patterns can give us knowledge, and promote understanding.

Example of patterns in Math: Pythagorean Theorem, applicable to all right-angle triangles, can be used to predict hypotenuse length.]]> 2021-04-06 00:59:16 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385181515 Coherence https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385184900 Using logic and consistency. One of the four truth tests.
Ex: A student was absent due to being sick. The following day, if the student is still absent, one can assume they are still sick without verification.]]> 2021-04-06 01:00:51 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385184900 Application https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385185232 The practical use of sth, especially a theory, discovery, etc.

Eg. The application of the concept of equilibrium in the Haber process to produce fertilizer.]]> 2021-04-06 01:01:00 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385185232 Criteria https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385187021 A factor on which you judge or decide something.

Eg. The four criterions in IB language and Literature paper 1.]]> 2021-04-06 01:01:52 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385187021 Paradigms https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385190639 A set of related ideas for making sense of aspects of reality. Greek word meaning 'pattern'...think of it as a model or framework for understanding something...]]> 2021-04-06 01:03:34 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385190639 Paradigm Shifts https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385192289 when a sufficient number of people agree that the old ways no longer solve important problems and that new ways are needed.

Example: Shift from Newton’s laws of motion and gravitation to Einstein’s theory of relativity,

This paradigm shift occurred because there were inconsistencies with Newton’s theory which Einstein’s theory explained perfectly. 
]]> 2021-04-06 01:04:20 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385192289 Responsibility https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385203709 The state or fact of being accountable or to blame for something. Having the duty and control over something.

Producer vs. User of Knowledge
Who holds more responsibility?
2019 TOK Title: "In the acquisition of knowledge, the responsibility for accuracy lies with the user not the producer." Discuss knowledge questions raised by this idea in two areas of knowledge.]]> 2021-04-06 01:08:54 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385203709 Bias https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385204177 The favouring of/against one object/person compared with another usually in an unfair way, due to prejudice/stereotyping.
E.g. confirmation bias - the tendency to interpret new evidence as confirmation/supportive of one's existing theories/beliefs.]]> 2021-04-06 01:09:06 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385204177 Patterns Bias: Clustering illusion diya_dinesh https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385206653 The tendency to see patterns in random events.

TOK Essay title (M17): "“Humans are pattern-seeking animals and we are adept at finding patterns whether they exist or not” (adapted from Michael Shermer). Discuss knowledge questions raised by this idea in two areas of knowledge."]]> 2021-04-06 01:10:11 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385206653 evidence vs. proof vs. justification https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385213775 2021-04-06 01:13:17 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385213775 Interpretation https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385216890
an explanation of the meaning of something based on individual belief or level of knowledge—can happen on an unconscious level. 

A same idea can be interpreted differently due to different perspectives 
]]> 2021-04-06 01:14:36 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385216890 Value https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385229881 The importance/significance/usefulness of a set of knowledge.]]> 2021-04-06 01:19:39 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385229881 Context https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385247012 the interrelated conditions or setting in which an idea exists in. When claims are taken out of context, it distorts (changes its meaning) the information and creates a fallacy (mistaken belief). ]]> 2021-04-06 01:26:26 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385247012 Methodology https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385251416 The rationale for the research approach, and the lens through which the analysis occurs.

e.g. ground theory - assumes a blank slate and uses an inductive approach to develop a new theory]]> 2021-04-06 01:28:08 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1385251416 Validity diya_dinesh https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1386508616 the property of an argument in which the conclusion follows logically from the premises.

Often compared with accuracy in Natural Sciences: a valid argument/valid results are those that logically make sense and support what we already know, hence depending on accuracy.

Refer to reliability post for target analogy. 

Validity is also the extent to which a test measures what it claims to measure. In order for the results of an experiment or test to be published, they must first be proven to be valid.

We often question which source

]]> 2021-04-06 10:35:12 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1386508616 Falsification https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389667180 The act of falsifying knowledge - that is, making a set of knowledge misleading/disproving a set of knowledge.

E.g. a hypothesis is falsified by evidence from a science experiment, falsified test results.]]> 2021-04-07 01:47:30 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389667180 Probability https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389669864 the extent to which something is probable; the likelihood of something happening or being the case.]]> 2021-04-07 01:48:34 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389669864 Metaphor https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389670897 A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

Can be used to can a better understanding or enhance knowledge.]]> 2021-04-07 01:48:59 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389670897 Classification diya_dinesh https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389673714 The division of elements sharing similar characteristics/traits into distinct categories and sets.

KQ: To what extent is classification a reductive form of knowledge acquisition?

TOK Essay Title (M21): “Labels are a necessity in the organization of knowledge, but they also constrain our understanding.” Discuss this statement with reference to two areas of knowledge. 

Claim: Each piece of knowledge loses its unique traits when tried to be classified under a certain umbrella

Counter Claim: Classification allows for a more clear connection and similarities in knowledge and a more holistic understanding.

Eg. Classification of biodiversity in biology: helps identify similarities but can restrain proper understanding of new species.]]> 2021-04-07 01:50:04 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389673714 Information vs knowledge https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389676872 Information refers to facts or details about sth

Knowledge is the concise and appropriate collection of information in a way that makes it useful]]> 2021-04-07 01:51:18 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389676872 Complexity https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389677578 The state or quality of being intricate or complicated. (Example: A messy maze)
Knowledge is often complex, thus we need labels and classification to break it down.

]]> 2021-04-07 01:51:34 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389677578 Error https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389678148 The condition of having incorrect or false knowledge.
In natural sciences and math in general, an error is defined as the difference between the desired and actual performance or behavior of a system or object.

]]> 2021-04-07 01:51:49 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389678148 Correlation vs. Causation https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389679367 Correlation: A relationship/connection between two or more things. In statistics this means the interdependence of  variable quantities.
Causation: The act of causing something to occur/the relationship between cause and effect.]]> 2021-04-07 01:52:20 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389679367 Culture https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389681348 The learned patterns of behavior (i.e. traditions and customs) characteristics of a society. Culture can take the underlying assumptions and beliefs that are invisible to the eye. "It is the framework of beliefs, expressive symbols, and values in terms of which individuals define their world,"]]> 2021-04-07 01:53:11 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389681348 Model https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389684422 Representation of phenomena, objects, or complex processes. Can be in a form of a physical object, schematic illustration, or worded description. 

Eg. Model of the human body.]]> 2021-04-07 01:54:30 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389684422 Accuracy https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389686929 the quality or state of being correct or precise.
accuracy in natural sciences:]]> 2021-04-07 01:55:35 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389686929 Disagreement https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389687594 Lack of consensus or approval between a party.

Important for the pursuit of knowledge as more perspectives are shared and different ideas are considered.]]> 2021-04-07 01:55:52 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389687594 Progress https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389688099 Moving towards/Changing to a more complete, verifiable set of knowledge.

TOK Essay Title M21:
Within areas of knowledge, how can we differentiate between change and progress? Answer with reference to two areas of knowledge.

]]> 2021-04-07 01:56:06 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389688099 Data https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389689744 Data are the individual facts that are out of context, have no meaning, and are difficult to understand.

e.g. Data collected from an experiment,  which the meaning and purpose need to be further investigated and analyzed.]]> 2021-04-07 01:56:49 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389689744 Authority https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389691951 A person or group who holds a position of power or influence over others.

Examples of authority: religious figures (Buddha), political figures (Obama), other figures (your parents)
]]> 2021-04-07 01:57:47 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389691951 Theory https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389695340 a supposition or a system of ideas intended to explain something, especially one based on general principles independent of the thing to be explained.

Eg. theory of evolution in biology]]> 2021-04-07 01:59:13 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389695340 Manipulation https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389696848 Data manipulation is the changing of data to make it easier to read or be more organized.

e.g. Data sorted according to alphabetical orders. ]]> 2021-04-07 01:59:54 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389696848 Consensus https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389699874 Agreement of the individuals in a collective that a belief or set of beliefs is “knowledge.”

Eg. when Republicans and Democrats agree on language for a bill.]]> 2021-04-07 02:01:15 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389699874 Opinion https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389708709 A personal belief or judgment that is not founded on proof or certainty.]]> 2021-04-07 02:05:26 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389708709 Disinterestedness diya_dinesh https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389722710 The quality or state of being just and unbiased: detachment, fair-mindedness, impartiality, and objectivity.

TOK Essay Title (M19): “Disinterestedness is essential in the pursuit of knowledge.” Discuss this claim with reference to two areas of knowledge.]]> 2021-04-07 02:11:44 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389722710 Ambiguity diya_dinesh https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389739231 The quality of being open to more than one interpretation; inexactness.

Language is creative and open-ended, using imprecise language can create fallacies if the statement is put into a context opposite or not true to its intended meaning

The words we use to describe an idea affect our understanding of the world.

Ex: The language used to describe the past can affect our view of history.

]]> 2021-04-07 02:18:59 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389739231 Explanation diya_dinesh https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389754777 A reason or justification given for an action, belief or phenomenon, showing the logical development of relationships.]]> 2021-04-07 02:25:32 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1389754777 Confirmation diya_dinesh https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1395770273 the action of establishing that something previously believed or thought of is the truth or is correct. 

eg. confirming the existence of a certain scientific theory after conducting many experiments.]]> 2021-04-08 13:26:46 UTC https://padlet.com/erizopou/o3hobky8mcln/wish/1395770273