TOK Exhibition Object 1: User Reviews and Ratings on a Consumer Product Website
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: User reviews and ratings on websites serve as a practical example of how the adequacy of evidence is judged in the context of consumer decision-making. These reviews, when aggregated, offer a form of evidence about the quality and reliability of products based on collective user experiences. The adequacy of this evidence can be judged based on the volume of reviews, consistency of user experiences, and the credibility of reviewers. This object highlights how technology facilitates the collection and assessment of experiential evidence, emphasizing the role of consensus and community feedback in shaping perceptions of product adequacy and trustworthiness.
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TOK Exhibition Object 2: Statistical Analysis Report from a Clinical Drug Trial
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: A detailed statistical analysis report from a clinical drug trial represents a cornerstone in evaluating the adequacy of evidence in the medical field. This object exemplifies the rigorous standards applied to evidence in healthcare, where statistical significance, reproducibility of results, and comprehensive data analysis are paramount. It underscores how adequacy is judged based on methodological soundness, the statistical power of the study, and the clarity with which results are presented and interpreted, reflecting the critical role of empirical evidence in advancing medical knowledge and practice.
TOK Exhibition Object 3: A Peer-Reviewed Environmental Science Research Article
- Theme: Knowledge and Technology
- Rationale: Peer-reviewed research articles in environmental science, particularly those contributing to contentious topics like climate change, serve as examples of how evidence must withstand scrutiny within the scientific community to be deemed adequate. The process of peer review assesses the validity, reliability, and significance of research findings, emphasizing the importance of transparency, data integrity, and the alignment of methodology with research questions in judging the adequacy of evidence.
TOK Exhibition Object 4: A Fact-Checking Report on Political Claims
- Theme: Knowledge and Language
- Rationale: Fact-checking reports that evaluate the accuracy of claims made by public figures or in media outlets highlight the criteria for adequate evidence in the context of journalism and public discourse. These reports rely on verifying information against credible sources, cross-referencing data, and assessing the context in which claims are made. This object illustrates how the adequacy of evidence is determined by its source, relevance, and the rigor of the verification process, especially in an era marked by misinformation.
TOK Exhibition Object 5: A Historian’s Compilation of Primary Sources for a Historical Thesis
- Theme: Knowledge and the Knower
- Rationale: A historian’s use of primary sources to construct a historical narrative or thesis demonstrates the criteria for adequacy in historical research. The selection, authenticity, and contextual analysis of primary documents and artifacts are crucial in establishing a credible and well-supported historical account. This object emphasizes how the adequacy of evidence in history depends on its directness, reliability, and the historian’s ability to critically engage with and interpret sources within their broader historical context.
