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Evaluating sources: Bias

A guide to evaluating the credibility of the sources of information you use in your assignments.

Bias

Objectivity/Bias

 

It could be argued that it is impossible to be totally value-neutral (unbiased).  As such the best that can be hoped for is that perspectives/bias be recognised. 

Even significantly biased data may still be useful as long as you recognise the bias. You may need to look for resources with differing bias to get a balanced picture.

 

  • Is it clear whether the content comes an advertiser or from a non-commercial source?
  • What is the purpose of the resource?  is it trying to inform you or sell you something?
  • Does it make reasonable statements? Or dramatic claims?
  • Do you know what bias the author or publisher has ? Do a search on the author/publisher to see what other resources they are associated with.
  • Does the source provide a balanced viewpoint, or just one side of an argument?

 

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