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Evaluate Sources - A Self-Guided Tutorial: Bias v Agenda

Types of Bias

Everyone has some form of bias, shaped by our experiences and perspectives. While bias is not always negative, it can influence how we understand and interpret information.

Recognizing bias can help you avoid misinformation, determine a source's reliability, and make informed decisions. Below are some types of biases that can affect our interpretation of information.

  • Authority Bias: Giving greater credibility to information or opinions provided by authority figures or experts without supporting evidence.
  • Selection Bias: Choosing data that is not representative of a complete data set or reflective of additional sources. 
  • Implicit Bias: Unconscious attitudes or stereotypes that influence decision and judgements about people or ideas.  
  • Framing Bias: Accepting information based on how it is worded, not on the content.
  • Confirmation Bias: Favoring information that supports your preexisting beliefs or values, while ignoring contradictory evidence. 

Bias appears in many forms, each influencing how information is created, presented, and interpreted. By recognizing these different types of bias, we can better evaluate sources and ensure we’re using them effectively.

The comic below illustrates how a headline can shape our interpretation of data, leading us to fall prey to framing bias. When conducting research, be sure to read beyond the title evaluating the full context to avoid misleading or exaggerated information.

 

Comic about Bias

Detailed description of comic (Comic made at Pixton.com)

Agenda

Bias is focused on the action of people. Agenda refers to the specific intentions or motivations of a group or organization. Recognizing agenda helps us better evaluate the credibility and purpose behind information.

There are various types of agendas that may skew how someone presents information. 

  • Politics: Advocating for policy changes or supporting specific ideologies. 
  • Economics: Promoting products, services, or financial interests. 
  • Societal: Raising awareness or promoting certain social causes. 
  • Academic: Seeking recognition, funding, or publication within a scholarly field. 

To help identify agenda, ask yourself:

  1. Who created or funded the source? What do they stand to gain? 
  2. Does the source provide balanced evidence or seem one-sided? 
  3. Is the purpose of the source to inform, persuade, entertain, or sell something?