1. Forms of Bias
A Review of Source

2. 1. Invisibility
One of the oldest forms of bias is the complete and relative exclusion of a group.

3. 2. Stereotyping
Perhaps the most familiar form of bias, which assigns a rigid set of characteristics to ALL members of a group, at the cost of individual differences.

4. 3. Imbalance and Selectivity A Tale Half Told
Some sources may perpetuate bias by presenting only one interpretation of an issue, situation, or group of people.
Such accounts often simplify or distort complex issues by omitting different perspectives.
Example: A text reporting that Aboriginals were ‘given’ land, but it omits the work, sacrifices, and abuses suffered by the Aboriginals

5. 4. Unreality Rose-Coloured Glasses
Some source gloss over unpleasant facts and events in our history.
By ignoring prejudice, racism, discrimination, exploitation or oppression, these sources deny readers the information needed to recognize, understand, and reconcile.

6. 5. Linguistic Bias Words Count
Language can be a powerful conveyor of bias in both blatant and subtle forms.
Example: Aboriginals are often described as roaming, wandering, or roving across the land. This language often justifies the seizure of Native lands by more goal directed explorers who traveled and settled.

7. 6. Fragmentation and Isolation The parts are less than the whole
This is when textbooks dedicate a special chapter or section to a subject.
Example: A book has a chapter dedicated to Aboriginal Affairs, but does not mention Aboriginals anywhere else in the text.
This often promotes indigenous people as being ‘stuck in time’ or ‘peripheral’ members of society.

8. 7. Cosmetic Shiny Covers
This kind of bias suggests that a text is bias free, but beyond the attractive covers and photos, bias persists.
Look for books that have glossy pictures of aboriginals but narrative of their contributions.

9. Group Task
In groups of 3-4 assess four textbooks on their level of bias.
Fill in the charts with the type(s) of bias, a description of it, and a rating of the text as a learning tool.
As a group answer the discussion questions.