BIAS

What is Bias?

• a particular tendency or inclination, esp. one that prevents unprejudiced consideration of a question; prejudice.

• influence in an unfair way; "you are biasing my choice by telling me yours"

• a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation

Identify Bias

• Overgeneralization (All or nothing)• Opinions stated as fact• Emotional responses• Stereotypical comments• One-sided views• Exaggerations

POLITICAL

Rush Limbaugh, Radio Talk Show Host

Example: Proclaimed right wing republican uses his talk show to promote his party's platform beliefs

SELF-PROMOTERS

Authors of books, websites, or various written works promote their works for self-gratification.

Example: Toyota Today Magazine rating its Toyota cars as the best in its class based on some specifications outlined by them.

FINANCIAL

A individual or company creates website to advertise a product or service.

Example: Receiving Tax Tips from a website designed and maintained by H&R Block.

SPONSORS

A individual or company supports a website with the intention of gaining exposure.

Example: Gaining interview and resume writing tips from a website sponsored by Kelly and Manpower Temporary Services.

Steps to Identify Bias

Step One: Identify the main idea or topic

Step Two: Identify the purpose or intentions

Step Three: Identify the source of the site

Step Four: Look for facts

Step Five: Look for biases

Step Six: Compare the lists

Step Seven: Formulate a decisions

Assignment:

• Navigate the following sites as if you were wanting to purchase a Toyota Tacoma. Compare and review the two websites using the 7 steps.

• http://www.toyota.com/• http://consumerreports.transium.com/templa

tes/newcar.html