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The IB Theory of Knowledge (TOK) course invites students to think critically about the nature of knowledge and how we justify what we believe we know. 

Psychology, as part of the human sciences, provides a rich source of examples for TOK, connecting students’ knowledge to broader philosophical questions. 

With TOK assessment formats in mind, there are some effective strategies psychology teachers can use to help students apply psychological knowledge to their TOK assignments.

Using TOK Prompts in Psychology Lessons

The TOK Exhibition, worth 33% of a student’s final TOK grade, requires students to choose one of 35 preset prompts and relate it to three real-world objects through a 950-word commentary. 

Psychology teachers can incorporate these prompts into lessons to familiarise students with them and deepen understanding. 

For instance, prompts can be used as arrival activities or plenary discussions that align with current lesson content.

Take the prompt “Is bias inevitable in the production of knowledge?” 

This connects well with the Paper 1 topic of cognitive biases in thinking and decision-making. 

Before starting the topic, students could brainstorm initial ideas about bias. 

After completing the unit, revisiting the prompt can spark a rich class discussion about how understanding cognitive biases may change perspectives on this question. 

This process not only strengthens their psychology knowledge but helps them see clear, practical links to TOK.

Encouraging Creative Thinking with TOK Objects

Choosing objects to support an exhibition prompt can be challenging, and psychology offers engaging ways to support this process. 

Encourage students to consider objects that represent key psychological studies or theories. 

For example, for the prompt, “What features of knowledge have an impact on its reliability?” students could choose objects like a polygraph machine to represent psychological research into deception or a placebo pill symbolising placebo effects in psychological research. 

By integrating object brainstorming with psychology topics, students gain practice in linking theoretical concepts to tangible items, building confidence in selecting exhibition objects.

Preparing for the TOK Essay with Psychology Examples

The TOK Essay, which is worth 67% of the final grade, requires students to respond to one of six released titles. 

Some essays specify areas of knowledge, while others allow students to choose. 

When human sciences are either specified or an option, psychology is an excellent choice for students, as it provides real-world, research-based examples to explore.

To help students generate ideas for psychology-related essay arguments, teachers can hold a “marketplace” brainstorming session. 

After the titles are released, select those relevant to psychology and ask students to discuss relevant theories, research, or issues. 

Prompt them to think critically without supplying answers—this builds their analytical skills for essay writing. 

For example, with the May 2025 title “Do historians and human scientists have an ethical obligation to follow the directive: ‘do not ignore contradictory evidence’?” teachers can prompt students to identify psychology topics with conflicting research, like human pheromones, sparking discussions on ethics and scientific integrity in psychology.

Helping Students Link Psychology and TOK for a Well-Rounded Diploma Experience

TOK offers IB students a unique opportunity to reflect on the knowledge they gain in psychology, creating a well-rounded diploma experience. 

By weaving TOK into psychology classes, teachers help students engage more deeply with both subjects, making learning more meaningful. 

Emphasising psychology’s role in TOK opens doors for students to confidently draw from the human sciences in both their exhibition and essay, supporting them in building a strong, interdisciplinary approach to knowledge.

With these strategies, TOK becomes not only accessible but enjoyable for psychology students. 

Until next week, I hope you have a positive, productive week, and I look forward to exploring more ways to boost our students’ TOK journeys together.

Thes

Future articles in this series:

• Referencing in IB Psychology.
• How to encourage strong EE reflections.
• CAS opportunities for IB Psychology students.