According to Psycolology Today bias is " a tendency, inclination, or prejudice toward or against something or someone. Some biases are positive and helpful—like choosing to only eat foods that are considered healthy or staying away from someone who has knowingly caused harm. But biases are often based on stereotypes, rather than actual knowledge of an individual or circumstance. Whether positive or negative, such cognitive shortcuts can result in prejudgments that lead to rash decisions or discriminatory practices."
According to Psycolology Today bias is " a tendency, inclination, or prejudice toward or against something or someone. Some biases are positive and helpful—like choosing to only eat foods that are considered healthy or staying away from someone who has knowingly caused harm. But biases are often based on stereotypes, rather than actual knowledge of an individual or circumstance. Whether positive or negative, such cognitive shortcuts can result in prejudgments that lead to rash decisions or discriminatory practices."
When trying to decide if a website or source is biased, ask these 5 things:
1. What kind of information is it?
Is it a news story? An opinion piece? Is it an ad or advertising produced by a company? Is it a reaction to someone else’s content?
2. Who and what are the sources cited and why should you believe them?
As you read, listen or watch a piece of content, note who is being cited. If it’s text, print it out and circle the sources. Is it a police official? A politician? What party? If it’s research, what organization produced it and what background if any is offered about them?
3. What’s the evidence and how was it verified?
What’s the evidence and how was it verified? Is the source a document? Witness? Or is it hearsay/speculation?
4: Is the main point of the piece proven by the evidence?
Does the main point makes sense, and are the conclusions supported by the evidence offered? Look for signs that the author is skeptical and open minded.
5. What’s missing?
If there was important information missing from the story, that is a problem. If something was explained so poorly that it wasn’t clear, that’s also a problem.
From American Press Institute.
