How does the way that we organize or classify knowledge affect what we know?

The first object is my paper folder I used to organize and classify paper documents. In context, it is the one I use to store a wide range of my IB resources, and using it shows me how knowledge organization and classification can impact the application of the knowledge that we know.

I find that method organization can significantly affect the applicability of our knowledge depending on the specific scenario. To illustrate this, I used to organize my study materials chronologically by date. This organization method proved effective when studying the history of a particular war or conflict because it provides a clear overview of the event sequence and shows the cause-and-effect relationship between them. However, from another point of view where accessing knowledge quickly is important, such as during revision for a chapter test, chronological organization becomes irrelevant. In these cases, organizing the materials by their topic, such as vocabulary or grammar rules, would allow for quicker and easier access to the information. Furthermore, this is especially important in today's fast-paced and technological society where we are constantly connected and bombarded with trivia. Effective knowledge organization is crucial in helping us make sense of the rapidly accumulating knowledge and utilizing the right ones at the right time for more informed decision making; thus, improving what we know!

In these ways, my paper folder shows how different organization methods directly affect how effectively we can apply knowledge. As "knowledge is only useful when applied," this relates to what we know because if one knows knowledge that cannot be applied properly, it will just have the same "useless" output as not knowing at all.

Source: here

The second object is a tweet from Jack Dorsey - (former) CEO of Twitter - about banning political advertisements on the platform. Initially, Twitter was just a platform to share and consume content; however, it has recently become an information source in many people's minds - especially political news. This is evident as Mr. Dorsey's tweet shows awareness that information presented on Twitter has an impact on people's belief, and therefore, Twitter's organization and classification of "news" can affect what society knows in the following ways:

The way that Twitter algorithms organize and classify information presented to users can trigger significant biases in what the public knows. For instance, to increase their user retention, Twitter and various social medias tend to show contents that align with what the user wants to see (Trivette). However, because it is human's natural desire to be in a group, these algorithms will end up showing only things that align with said users' beliefs. From a social standpoint, this results in the reinforcement of existing bias and diminution of opposing viewpoints which severely skews what society knows about a subject.

Furthermore, the classification of information on the platform also affects the attention it receives and the level of significance it is perceived as well. From a reader's point of view, something classified as "BREAKING NEWS!" at the top of the page, not only will it get seen by more people but will also present itself as a major event. Both of which, influence society's perception; thus, influencing what the public knows about an event from a collective standpoint.

In these ways, Mr. Dorsey's tweet about Twitter is evident that the way knowledge is sorted, organized, and classified on the platform can significantly affect the viewer's perception of a subject; therefore, affecting what they know. As rational knowers, it is therefore crucial that we identify these biases for a more well-rounded understanding of the world.

The last object is the bullet journal. In context, it is the one my friend showed me that has influenced the way I record what I know ever since. Unlike a typical journal, which is essentially a blank notebook to write on, I chose the bullet journal as it represents a method of personal organization through visual aids and symbols. Users can utilize graphs, mind maps, lists, and more to enhance their knowledge acquisition.

Because there are many unique styles of learning, the organization method adhering to these styles can affect the knowledge acquisition that results in what we know. Individuals can create personalized pages that convey information in a way that best fits specifically for their learning style, i.e., reading/writing, visual, or kinesthetic learning (Malvik). For instance, a visual learner can adapt their journal using diagrams and charts instead of just bullet points and paragraphs. They can utilize color and symbol coding to highlight crucial features or represent data; thus, making navigation around the journal more efficient. However, from a reading/ writing learner's point of view, diagrams and charts are hard for them to interpret; therefore, it would be better to use bullet points or paragraph transcription. The same can be said for kinesthetic learners who can adapt their journal using mind maps and flow charts. This would allow them to physically move around pieces of information; thus, adhering to their need for physical interactions to enhance their knowledge acquisition.

In these ways, the bullet journal demonstrates that diverse ways knowledge is organized can affect how effectively individuals can internalize information. This is because it allows for a personal approach for us to learn more effectively which will result in what we are able to know.

In conclusion, the 3 objects of my exhibition provide valuable insights into different ways knowledge organization and classification influence what we know. My paper folder highlights the importance of organization to application of knowledge, the bullet journal shows the impact that organization has on acquisition of knowledge, and Twitter demonstrate how both classification and organization methods can interject bias into the knowledge we know. As we all have different applications, natural bias, and learning methods for knowledge, together, these 3 objects shows the impact of knowledge organization across various facades of life; thus, allowing for a comprehensive understanding of the world.

Malvik, Callie. "4 Types of Learning Styles: How to Accommodate a Diverse Group of Students I Rasmussen College." Rasmussen.edu, 17 Aug. 2020, www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/education/blog/types-of-learning-styles/.

Trivette, Hannah. "Council Post: A Guide to Social Media Algorithms and SEO." Forbes, 14 Oct. 2022, www.forbes.com/sites/forbesagencycouncil/2022/10/14/a-guide-to-social-media-algorithms-and-seo/?sh=579fbaac52a0. Accessed 15 May 2023.