How To Understand the Bias of a Publication
Whether you are writing a research paper or preparing for a debate, understanding the bias or leaning of a
book or periodical will help you discern all sides of an issue. It will also aid you in organizing your research to
produce an effective paper or presentation. A book, magazine or journal’s bias may be thought of as that
particular publication’s outlook or perspective on topics.
Broadly speaking, there are three different types of bias that will be discussed in this guide:
 Right wing or conservative
 Left wing or liberal
 Center or moderate
Right Wing or Conservative
You may be the most familiar with right/conservative viewpoints in terms of political and social issues.
In political circles, a conservative leaning is generally associated with the Republican Party. Republicans
generally favor such issues as lower taxes or tax cuts, private health care, and limited regulation of private
business or corporations.
In the social realm, conservative viewpoints are associated with:
 opposition to a woman’s right to choose abortion (pro-life)
 support of the death penalty
 opposition to same-sex marriage
 support of individual gun ownership
In Points of View Reference Center the following publications have a right or conservative bias:
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American Spectator
Human Events
National Review
New American
Policy Review
Left Wing or Liberal
Left or liberal viewpoints are typically associated with the Democratic Party. Democrats may support issues
such as a progressive tax system, stricter regulation of business through measures like anti-trust laws and
child labor laws, and more government support for health care.
On social issues, liberal viewpoints are associated with:
 Support of a woman’s right to choose abortion (pro-choice)
 Separation of church and state
 Protection of the environment
 Support of animal rights and welfare
In POV, the following publications have a left or liberal viewpoint:
 American Prospect
 Counterpunch
 Mother Jones
• Nation
 New Republic
 Progressive
Center or Moderate
Both the Democratic and Republican political parties in the United States have individuals who favor what is
known as centrist or moderate viewpoints. This type of viewpoint would stand in the middle ground between
far-left and far-right ideologies and may incorporate both liberal and conservative perspectives.
In POV, the following publications have a center or moderate viewpoint:
 Economist
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• Time
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Newsweek
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U.S. News & World Report
USA Today Magazine
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