First, brainstorm the word bias. To help you generate ideas, use these prompts. What comes to mind when you hear the word? What causes bias? Provide examples of bias.
-rudeness, unfairness, two things or ideas,
Watch the video below and answer the following questions:
How do you think the creators of this news report feel about violence in video games? Explain your answer.
What are some of the methods they use to make their point?
What is bias?
Bias is anytime a person has a strong opinion about something. You could be biased in favor of something you like, or biased against something you dislike. Oftentimes people use facts to support their strong opinions, but bias is more based on feeling and opinion.
Intentional vs. Unintentional
Sometimes people use bias on purpose. For example, if you want to persuade someone, you present facts that support your position while leaving out points that don’t. If you want your parents to order pizza for dinner, you might remind them that they wouldn’t have to cook. However, you probably wouldn’t mention that healthier, less expensive dinner options might be available.
Another kind of bias is unintentional. It occurs when a person tries to be accurate but does not have complete information. For example, scientists used to think atoms looked like little solar systems. As more information about atoms was discovered, scientists realized their description of atomic structure was wrong. They changed their theories and models based on new information
Test yourself
Is this article an example of intentional or unintentional bias?
There are so many possible sources for bias in reporting, but these are the three most common
The writer has received incomplete information.
The writer is trying to influence or convince the reader.
The writer’s past experience is influencing his or her thinking
When you read something, ask yourself, “Where did the author get this information?” Sometimes the answer can help you figure out how the author’s comments might be biased.
In the above document, the authors encourage you to "Try This!": "The editorial page of a newspaper is a good place to find biased writing. Editors try to persuade readers. Read an editorial in your local newspaper and identify the bias in it. Then read the editorial to your classmates and discuss any bias you find in it." We will do a version of this activity. Everyone will get copies of today's editorial page in The New Haven Register. In groups, read the articles and discuss bias.
Intro
First, brainstorm the word bias. To help you generate ideas, use these prompts. What comes to mind when you hear the word? What causes bias? Provide examples of bias.
-rudeness, unfairness, two things or ideas,Watch the video below and answer the following questions:
How do you think the creators of this news report feel about violence in video games? Explain your answer.
What are some of the methods they use to make their point?
What is bias?
Bias is anytime a person has a strong opinion about something. You could be biased in favor of something you like, or biased against something you dislike. Oftentimes people use facts to support their strong opinions, but bias is more based on feeling and opinion.
Intentional vs. Unintentional
Sometimes people use bias on purpose. For example, if you want to persuade someone, you present facts that support your position while leaving out points that don’t. If you want your parents to order pizza for dinner, you might remind them that they wouldn’t have to cook. However, you probably wouldn’t mention that healthier, less expensive dinner options might be available.
Another kind of bias is unintentional. It occurs when a person tries to be accurate but does not have complete information. For example, scientists used to think atoms looked like little solar systems. As more information about atoms was discovered, scientists realized their description of atomic structure was wrong. They changed their theories and models based on new information
Test yourself
Is this article an example of intentional or unintentional bias?
Detecting Bias
There are so many possible sources for bias in reporting, but these are the three most common
The writer has received incomplete information.
The writer is trying to influence or convince the reader.
The writer’s past experience is influencing his or her thinking
When you read something, ask yourself, “Where did the author get this information?” Sometimes the answer can help you figure out how the author’s comments might be biased.
Editorial Page Analysis
In the above document, the authors encourage you to "Try This!": "The editorial page of a newspaper is a good place to find biased writing. Editors try to persuade readers. Read an editorial in your local newspaper and identify the bias in it. Then read the editorial to your classmates and discuss any bias you find in it." We will do a version of this activity. Everyone will get copies of today's editorial page in The New Haven Register. In groups, read the articles and discuss bias.
Online Test Practice
Detecting BiasDetecting Bias 2