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Library Research Guides

Information Bias/Viewpoint: Information Bias/Viewpoint

This guide will help determine the general viewpoint of various publications, Web sites and television and radio chanels.

Information Bias/Viewpoint

For information consumers it is important to be aware of bias or viewpoint in the sources that we use. This guide will give sources based upon their liberal or conservative points of view. It is only human to have oppinions, feelings and biases on various subjects. When an information source has a bias this does not necessairly mean that it is false or "bad". It is just important to be aware that a particular viewpoint is represented. To detect bias in information here are some questions to ask:

  • What are the author's or speaker's credentials? What are their social or political positions?
  • Does the author/speaker have anything to gain personally from delivering the information?
  • Who is sponsoring or paying for the the information. What do they stand to gain?
  • What are the author's/speaker's sources of information. Are they credible?
  • Is the information one-sided or are alternative viewpoints represented?