Bias

YOUR TURN

Discuss

Make a list of Web sites, blogs, newspapers, magazines, or TV networks that you believe are biased. Try to find at least one of each type. Beside each one, indicate whether you would “always avoid,” “sometimes visit, read, or watch,” or “frequently visit, read, or watch.” Share your list and thoughts with a group of your classmates. Is there anything about your classmates’ thoughts that surprises you?

When you are searching for sources, you should realize that all materials have an author who has personal beliefs that affect the way he or she views the world and approaches a topic. This bias is a normal part of the research process, and researchers have adopted methodologies to reduce it and improve accuracy. Many sources, however, will be heavily biased toward a specific viewpoint or ideology. Although nothing is inherently wrong with someone having a particular point of view, it is dangerous for a reader not to know that the bias exists.

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Research consists of considering multiple analyses, opinions, points of views, and perspectives on a topic; analyzing the sources; and creating something new from your analysis. Some signs of bias indicate that you should question the credibility and accuracy of a source and possibly exclude it from your research. If you detect overly positive or overly harsh language, hints of a personal agenda, or a stubborn refusal to consider other points of view, think carefully about how well you can trust the information in a document.