Detecting Bias

The Student Will Be Able To… recognize bias and value judgments in written work understand the reasons why bias might occur in written text recognize the different ways in which bias can occur in text BIAS

Which is more accurate? More than 900 attend protest. Fewer than 1,000 show up at protest.

Short caption or quote

DEFINITIONS Fact: a piece of information presented as having an objective reality; knowledge or information based on real occurrences. Opinion: a view or judgment formed in the mind about a particular matter; a belief or judgment that rests on grounds insufficient to produce complete certainty. Bias: A judgment based on a personal point of view.

BIAS THROUGH SELECTION AND OMISSION: An writer can express a bias by choosing to use or not to use specific information. Within a given text, some details can be ignored, and others included, to give readers or viewers a different opinion about the events reported.

SELECTION: If, during a speech, a few people boo, the reaction can be described as "remarks greeted by jeers" or they can be ignored as "a handful of dissidents."

OMISSION: Bias through omission is difficult to detect. Only by comparing articles from a wide variety of sources can the form of bias be observed.

BIAS BY WORD CHOICE OR TONE:

Speak the words out loud. Who do you imagine would be comfortable saying these words? Someone speaking fairly? Someone with a cause to promote? If the words or reasoning sounds odd or feels uncomfortable coming from your mouth, they could be biased. to convey key point. Watch for words like always, never, obviously and words that 'jump out at you.' A balanced point of view gives readers options. Biased points of view tend to have only one option: the one being presented. Biased points of view may include words that seem out of place.

Pay attention to images. Biased arguments are often accompanied by pictures, charts, tables, etc. that support only one conclusion. Remember, a picture may be worth a thousand words. Is the picture real? Is it taken out of context? Is the information in the chart accurate?

With partner from Thursday… Scan the link. Complete the activities When you finish, do the extension activity.

Practice…use the QR code or click on the link from my web page.

Extension Activity

When you finish… Follow the link to watch the video. shows/other/videos/k9-cops-sending-in- the-dog.htm shows/other/videos/k9-cops-sending-in- the-dog.htm Complete the Graphic organizer On my page