Examining Biases

Q3 W1 M1

EXAMINE BIASES (FOR OR AGAINST) MADE BY THE AUTHOR

You are expected to perform the following learning objectives: 

• Explain and recognize biases. 

• Identify the use of bias in nonfiction texts. 

• Recognize the difference between a positive and negative connotation.

Open Ended

What is Bias?

GETTING TO KNOW :

WHO IS BIAS?

Multiple Select

A skilled reader can look at the __________ and _________ to determine if there is bias.

• author’s name

• character

• evidence

• text

Multiple Choice

What skill can we use to determine if bias is present?

• definition

• guessing

• inferring

• synonym

Applying Inference

Inferring importance, or inference, is one of the most important aspects of any kind of reading. Sometimes, inference is described as reading between the lines. It contains, just like words, reading ideas. Inferences may sound like guesses a little bit, but they are not random.

Multiple Choice

If the author uses positive language about a topic, he or she is ________ the topic.

• against

• for

• neutral about

• all of the options

Multiple Choice

What is the connotation of the statement: Parents and guardians are overprotective of their children these days.

• negative connotation

• neutral connotation

• positive connotation

• positive connotation

BIAS

Bias is a subjective way of thinking that tells only one side of a story, often leading to a false perception or incorrect facts.

It expresses a prejudice in most of what you read and hear.

Bias is when a statement reflects a partiality, preference, or prejudice for or against a person, object, or idea (“Research Guides: How to Evaluate Information Sources: Identify Bias” 2019).

Finding Bias

Each author holds views that influence his or her discussion of a topic, views that you must try to consider and appreciate as a reader.

Even the most seemingly factual study may hold an understated or implied opinion, such as an encyclopedia post.

Such decisions reflect the bias or preference of an author for one side of a problem over another. 

Finding Bias

When you analyze a source, consider whether the bias of the author impacts his or her interpretation of data and opinions.

Is that bias concealed or stated? Ask yourself whether you have a balancing perspective or solution to look for.

Finding Bias

Just because an author has a strong prejudice does not mean that anything invalid has been published by him or her.

However, it is best if you know, early on, what prejudices an author retain to be prepared to fend off attacks from those who wish to question your analysis or claim. 

This is how the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines bias:

• BENT , TENDENCY: an inclination of temperament or outlook; especially: a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment: (“Definition of BIAS” 2019) 

This is how the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines bias:

• PREJUDICE: an instance of such prejudice i.e., (1): deviation of the expected value of a statistical estimate from the quantity it estimates (2): systematic error introduced into sampling or testing by selecting or encouraging one outcome or answer over others. (“Definition of BIAS” 2019) 

Roget's II: The New Thesaurus, Third Edition: 

• Exhibiting bias: biased, one-sided, partisan, prejudiced, prejudicial, prepossessed, tendentious. See LIKE, STRAIGHT. 2. Disposed to favor one over another: favorable, preferential.

Bias on demand has become the profession of spin-doctors who specialize in spinning something negative into anything positive when it comes to modern media, such as television, ads, and the Internet. 

Keep the following questions in mind when you read or listen to biased materials:

• What facts has the author omitted?

• What additional information is necessary?

• What words create positive or negative impressions?

• What impression would I have if different words had been used?

Some possible Sources of Bias. 

• The writer is relying on incomplete information.

• The writer is trying to deceive the reader.

• The writer wants to believe what he or she is saying.

• The writer’s experience is influencing his or her thinking. 

• The writer is trying to persuade the reader. 

On the other hand, when you search for signs of bias, here are questions to bear in mind: 

• What is the author's political point of view? 

• What does the author stand to gain?

• Who is paying for the website?

• Does the author present alternate points of view?

• If so, are those views presented objectively, or with scorn?

When looking at the author’s use of evidence, ask yourself: 

• Does the author present more positive evidence for one side of an issue than the other?

• Does the author present more negative evidence for one side of an issue than the other? 

When looking at the author’s diction, ask yourself: 

• Does the author use words with more negative connotations when referring to one side of an issue or particular people?

• Does the author use words with more positive connotations when referring to one side of an issue or particular people? 

Now, let us practice identifying the authors’ biases by reading the paragraph.

This paragraph seems to provide good details at the start. 

Will you be more cynical if you heard that it was published by individuals who commercially cultivate carrot?

Open Ended

How will they change your opinion?

Explain your answer below.

In the passage presented, the writer does not mention that ingesting too much vitamin A can make people sick. The writer fails to tell the reader that eggs and sweet potatoes are also good sources of vitamin A.