Identifying Biases

What does it mean to show bias?

• to be conceited

• a belief that one side is better than another

• to refuse to take a side in an issue

• to show selfishness

True or False: Everybody is biased in some way.

• True
• False

Citizens of the Fairlawn Park area, look with alarm at the evil plot to change a beautiful spot into a baseball park. If this malicious plan is carried out, the lovely trees in the park will be chopped down. Values of the property within the area will drop sharply as the park fills with the filth and debris of the bulldozers and other equipment. Later the shrieks of the young ruffians who take over the park will destroy the peace and quiet of the neighborhood. Obviously no one cares about the poor citizen who has slaved to pay for his home and to keep up with his taxes.

The author is biased against...

• homeowners and taxpayers

• citizens of the Fairlawn Park area

• a baseball field being built in the park

• more trees in the park

What is a fact?

• A statement that everyone agrees upon
• A personal belief
• A true statement which can be verified with evidence
• A general understanding of reality

What word is used to describe a text that contains NO bias?

• unbiased

• Impersonal

• News

• Opinion

Which of these is not one of the criteria to spot bias?

• Subjective Language

• Generalizations

• Arguable Statements

• Hostile words

• Opinions

Which of the following criteria of bias is this?

Most people agree that something must be done with the trash problem.

• Subjective Language

• Generalization

Which of the following criteria of bias is this?

The horrible trash problem is only getting worse for the people in my town.

• Generalization

• Subjective Language

Which of the following criteria of bias is this?

The people who litter should be fined for their crime.

• Opinion

• Generalization

All opinions are arguable statements.

• True

• False