Bias

This is something that actually exists or happened and is verifiable.

• fact

• bias

• opinion

This cannot be proven with complete certainty.

• fact

• opinion

• bias

Bias can be best defined as

• a two-sided approach to issues and people

• lack of subjectivity

• lack of objectivity

The entire so-called science of parapsychology is simply a clever fraud. The attention of parapsychologists is focused on false claims that fall outside the bounds of normal human experience, including extrasensory perception. These parapsychologists know about as much about real science as the town drunk. In truth, their experiments have been shown to be impossible to replicate, which is a fundamental qualification for a science.

The author shows bias against

• the town drunk

• parapsychologists

• experimentation

Which statement is most clearly biased?

• Basketball is a game played by two teams of five players.

• People all over the world play basketball.

• Basketball is the most beautiful sports in the world of games and no other sports can beat this record (James Naismith).

New cars are not built as well as they used to be. Owners of new cars in 2002 have more complaints about their automobiles than in past years. In fact, the recalling of new cars by their makers is becoming a routine practice in America. Instead of insisting upon safe, well-designed products, carmakers seem more concerned with throwing together shoddy automobiles and making a profit. Invariably, new cars need parts replaced almost as soon as the warranty expires. Unfortunately, people need transportation, so they continue to buy new automobiles.

The author shows bias against

• new car owners

• car repair shops

• automobile manufacturers

Everyone who cooks should own a food processor. This marvelous invention is now being used by over 12 million vegetarians, compared with only half that number a couple of years ago. Vegetarians rarely have a weight problem since most vegetables are low in calories and contain little or no fat. They do not suffer a build-up of cholesterol in the bloodstream as they grow older. Some doctors have suggested a link between vegetarianism and longevity. As Americans become more health-conscious, vegetarianism will certainly become more popular.

The author show bias for

• eating "health foods"

• becoming a vegetarian

• avoiding cholesterol

America is certainly a strong military power; it now has the nuclear power to destroy the entire world. We are not the only country that has this capacity. The threat of nuclear war affects all of us.

The author seems biased against

• American military power

• other countries

• nuclear arms

An independent insurance agent works directly for you, not for a large, anonymous organization. The agent must provide you with the best policy at the lowest price if he is to remain in business. The agent’s job is to help you find a policy that suits your needs. This may cover your life, health, home, or automobile. Independent insurance agents are free to recommend the best policy, regardless of which insurance company provides it.

The author show bias in favor of

• using an independent insurance agent

• avoiding low-cost insurance policies

• buying insurance from a well-known company

The entire so-called science of parapsychology is simply a clever fraud. The attention of parapsychologists is focused on false claims that fall outside the bounds of normal human experience, including extrasensory perception. These parapsychologists know about as much about real science as the town drunk. In truth, their experiments have been shown to be impossible to replicate, which is a fundamental qualification for a science.

The author shows bias against

• the town drunk

• scientists

• parapsychologists