Detecting Bias on the Internet
Finding a one-sided or slanted point of
view
Definitions

According to Webster’s Dictionary Online:
◦ BIAS (adj) A. bent; tendency
 B. an inclination of temperament or outlook; especially: a
personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment:
PREJUDICE
 C. an instance of such prejudice
 D. (1): deviation of the expected value of a statistical
estimate from the quantity it estimates (2): systematic
error introduced into sampling or testing by selecting or
encouraging one outcome or answer over others
Examples of Bias
POLITICAL
 Rush Limbaugh, Radio Talk Show
Host
 Example: Proclaimed right wing
republican uses his talk show to
promote his party's platform beliefs.

Examples of Bias
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.

Examples of Bias
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.

Examples of Bias
SPONSORS
 An 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.

Facts VS. Bias

Steps to follow to detect bias while
reviewing websites:
◦ Step One:
 Identify the main idea or topic
◦ Step Two:
 Identify the purpose or intentions
Facts VS. Bias
◦ Step Three:
 Identify the source of the site.
 .com, ,gov, .edu, etc
◦ Step Four:
 Look for facts
Facts VS. Bias
◦ Step Five:
 Look for Biases
 Biased cues or slanted points of views come in
various forms. The easiest way to recognize them is
to identifying them using these characteristics:
 Emotional Responses
 Exaggerations
 Overgeneralizations: All or none statements
 Stereotypical comments
 Opinions stated as facts
 Imbalances or one-sided views: What seems to be
the view of the site promoters or creators?
Facts VS. Bias
◦ Step Six:
 Compare the lists
◦ Step Seven:
 Formulate a decision
Website Review
As you have already learned, the
Internet is inundated with
information created by anyone and
everyone.
 Review and compare the two
websites below using the seven steps
we just learned, review and record
your findings.

Website Review

The following websites include
comparable information about
automobiles. Navigate to each
website with the intention of buying
a Toyota Tacoma Truck. Compare
each website.
 http://www.toyota.com/
 http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/01/toyota/in
dex.html