Different perspectives

MYP inquiry asks you to explore concepts and issues from more than one point of view. Different perspectives can help you understand why people think, feel and act in different ways.

A perspective is not simply an opinion. It is shaped by a person’s experiences, culture, identity, location, values and access to information.

Why do perspectives matter?

Looking at different perspectives helps you:

• Develop a deeper understanding of a concept or issue.

• Recognise that complex questions may not have one simple answer.

• Notice assumptions and bias.

• Respect people whose experiences differ from your own.

• Use evidence to form your own informed conclusion.

• Connect local experiences to global contexts.

In the MYP, this supports your learning as an inquirer, communicator, thinker, open-minded learner and reflective learner.

Ask perspective questions

As you research, ask:

• Who is affected by this issue?

• What might different people think or experience?

• Why might they see the issue differently?

• What evidence supports each perspective?

• Whose voices are included in my sources?

• Whose voices may be missing?

• How do local and global perspectives compare?

• Has this perspective changed over time?

These questions can help you move beyond a single story.

Look for a range of sources

Find reliable sources that represent different experiences and viewpoints.

You might use:

• Books and articles

• First-hand accounts and interviews

• Government reports

• News sources

• Research organisations

• Community organisations

• Maps, data and statistics

• Art, literature, film and music

• Historical documents

• Sources from different countries or languages

Check each source carefully. A range of perspectives is useful only if the sources are credible.

Connect perspectives to MYP global contexts

Different perspectives can be explored through each MYP global context.

For example:

• Identities and relationships: How might people of different ages, cultures or communities experience belonging?

• Orientation in space and time: How can people remember the same historical event differently?

• Personal and cultural expression: How do artists use their work to express identity or challenge ideas?

• Scientific and technical innovation: How might new technology affect different groups in different ways?

• Globalization and sustainability: How does climate change affect communities differently around the world?

• Fairness and development: Why might people disagree about what is fair or equal?

Compare perspectives fairly

When comparing perspectives:

• Describe each viewpoint accurately.

• Use evidence, not stereotypes.

• Do not make one group speak for everyone.

• Notice words that are emotional, unfair or one-sided.

• Explain similarities and differences.

• Consider the strengths and limitations of each source.

• Be prepared to change your mind when the evidence is stronger.

You can disagree respectfully while still trying to understand another point of view.

Form your own informed perspective

After exploring different viewpoints, return to your inquiry question.

Ask:

• What evidence do I find most convincing?

• What have I learned from each perspective?

• What information is still missing?

• Has my thinking changed?

• What is my conclusion, and what evidence supports it?

Your goal is not to repeat every perspective. Your goal is to use evidence to develop a thoughtful and well-supported response.

Before you finish

Check that:

• I have looked at more than one perspective.

• I have used reliable and relevant sources.

• I have considered whose voices are missing.

• I have avoided stereotypes and unfair assumptions.

• I can explain the evidence for each viewpoint.

• I have developed my own conclusion.

• I have cited the sources that influenced my thinking.

Good inquiry requires curiosity, respect and the willingness to see an issue from more than one point of view.