Deming

Teaching is part of a System (Part 4): Psychology

Jim Laughton

16 Nov 2025 — 2 min read

This is the final part of the introduction to Dr. Deming’s System of Profound Knowledge (SOPK), considering the fourth, interconnected aspect of psychology, usually as it relates to change.

All systems involve humans, and we are psychological beings. As such, psychology interacts with all three other aspects of SOPK (unless we replace us humans with robots, but then maybe they will eventually have a psychological element coded into them?).

When we think about change, commonly we hear about ‘resistance to change’. This is related to psychology, so unless we consider this along with our appreciation of the system, understanding variation and the theory of knowledge we will struggle to improve or transform.

Uniquely the same

We all exist in systems. At home, at work, in school. Within these contexts, though, are we all the same? Of course not! We thrive on our uniqueness.

Here is the challenge. Often, in our system, all us individuals are treated as the same.

If we don’t understand that it is impossible to treat all the same, when we try to make changes, we will meet resistance. We failed to account for the psychology of people, and that we are all different (inter-dependency with understanding variation. Oh, plus appreciation for a system. And, theory of knowledge).

Psychology is part of all teaching and learning

Psychology is part of the System of Profound Knowledge, thereby psychology is important in the system of teaching.

Think about those teachers who inspired us. What was it about those teachers? For me, I didn’t feel like one of many pupils in the class, but as an individual with whom my teachers connected, accepted and adapted to me. This is also how psychology links to understanding variation inherent in a class of children, or adults.

Try applying all the elements of SOPK

Now aware of Dr Deming’s SOPK and these introductions, start to consider how they apply in your life at home, at work, in school.

Introduction to short series on Teaching through the lens of System of Profound Knowledge - click here

Teaching is part of a System (Part 1): Appreciation of the system - click here

Teaching is part of a System (Part 2): Knowledge of variation - click here

Teaching is part of a System (Part 3): Theory of knowledge - click here

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