IB Diploma: Theory of Knowledge TOK Knowledge Claims Knowledge Questions Distinction between sharedpersonal knowledge

What This Is and Why It Matters for IB

Knowledge Claims and Knowledge Questions are crucial in the IB Diploma Programme, particularly in TOK and Extended Essay. A Knowledge Claim is a statement that asserts knowledge or understanding, while a Knowledge Question is a question that seeks knowledge or understanding. Students often get this wrong by not distinguishing between shared knowledge (commonly accepted and verified by the community) and personal knowledge (subjective and based on individual experience). Failing to do so can lead to losing marks, misunderstanding key concepts, and failing to meet assessment criteria.

Where It Appears in the IB Syllabus

This topic appears in the Theory of Knowledge (TOK) syllabus, specifically in the Knowledge Claims and Knowledge Questions section. It is also relevant to the Extended Essay (EE), where students must demonstrate an understanding of knowledge claims and questions.

Key Command Terms

• Analyze: Break down complex information into smaller parts to understand the relationships between them.
• Evaluate: Assess the value or worth of something based on evidence and criteria.
• Discuss: Explore a topic or issue by presenting different perspectives and arguments.

Step-by-Step Understanding

1. Recall the difference: Shared knowledge is commonly accepted and verified by the community, while personal knowledge is subjective and based on individual experience.
2. Identify the type of knowledge claim: Determine whether the claim is a statement of fact or an interpretation.
3. Check for evidence: Verify whether the claim is supported by evidence from the community or individual experience.
4. Avoid mixing shared and personal knowledge: ⚠️ Failing to distinguish between shared and personal knowledge can lead to confusion and loss of marks.

Assessment Criteria Connection

Real Student Mistakes

Example 1:

A student wrote: "My personal experience shows that climate change is real." ⚠️ This lost marks because it failed to distinguish between shared knowledge (climate change is a widely accepted fact) and personal knowledge (the student's individual experience).

Example 2:

A student wrote: "The claim that climate change is caused by human activity is a knowledge question." ⚠️ This lost marks because it incorrectly identified a statement of fact as a knowledge question.

Exam Technique (Paper-specific)

For the TOK essay, allocate 30 minutes to analyze and evaluate knowledge claims and questions. Use a clear structure to present different perspectives and arguments. Link your analysis to the command term analyze.

Internal Assessment / Extended Essay Relevance

In the EE, students must demonstrate an understanding of knowledge claims and questions in the context of the research question. This can be done by: - Formulating a research question: Identify a knowledge question that is relevant to the topic.
- Analyzing evidence: Evaluate the evidence from the community or individual experience to support or challenge the knowledge claim.
- Reflecting on the nature of knowledge: Discuss the implications of the knowledge claim and question for our understanding of knowledge.

TOK Connections (if applicable)

This topic links to Ways of Knowing (e.g., sense perception, reason, emotion) and Areas of Knowledge (e.g., natural sciences, human sciences, arts). Sample TOK discussion question: "How do sense perception and reason contribute to our understanding of knowledge claims and questions?"

Quick Check (Self-Assessment Questions)

1. What is the difference between shared knowledge and personal knowledge?
2. How do you identify the type of knowledge claim?
3. What evidence do you need to verify a knowledge claim?

Model answer skeletons: - Shared knowledge is commonly accepted and verified by the community.
- Identify the type of knowledge claim by determining whether it is a statement of fact or an interpretation.
- Evidence from the community or individual experience is needed to verify a knowledge claim.

Revision Card (60-Second Summary)

• Knowledge Claim: A statement that asserts knowledge or understanding.
• Knowledge Question: A question that seeks knowledge or understanding.
• Shared Knowledge: Commonly accepted and verified by the community.
• Personal Knowledge: Subjective and based on individual experience.
• Analyze: Break down complex information into smaller parts.
• Evaluate: Assess the value or worth of something based on evidence and criteria.

If You Get Stuck

• Review the TOK syllabus: Check the section on knowledge claims and questions.
• Ask your teacher: Clarify any doubts or misunderstandings.
• Use online resources: Consult IB-approved online resources for additional support.

Related IB Topics

• Ways of Knowing: This topic connects to the ways of knowing, particularly sense perception and reason.
• Areas of Knowledge: This topic connects to the areas of knowledge, particularly the natural sciences and human sciences.
• Knowledge and Belief: This topic connects to the nature of knowledge and belief, particularly the relationship between knowledge and personal experience.