What is bias?Library

Understanding bias

Bias means that information comes

from particular viewpoint

It might be trying to persuade you to a

particular way of thinking

Bias might be intentional or

unintentional

Bias example – Preparing for travel

Imagine you are going travelling to an overseas destination, such as Greece

What websites would you use for your research?

Bias can be presenting the

best possible image of an

issue. It aims to persuade you

to a particular point of view.

Researching your travels

I might look at Lonely Planet website;

or plane booking website

The Australian Smart Traveller website

from our government provides useful

information

This is

biased

information

Travel – where would there be bias?

I would not go straight for the Greek government

tourism website. Why?

The Greek government tourism site presents the

country in the best possible light

I need to know the difficulties and possible troubles

as well.

Press Release - Beware

Press Releases

Contain bias

Not a straight presentation of facts

Aims to promote the business or the

government

For example, Contiki travel is promoted.

Credible sources

May include industry/professional body

websites

May include newspaper or magazine article

– straight presentation of facts

Will not include press releases

Watch out for bias