bias

(noun)

A definite opinion or position on a subject.

Related Terms

  • lab report
  • objectivity
  • IMRAD
  • extrapolate
  • interpolation
  • case study
  • Precision

Examples of bias in the following topics:

  • Principles of Writing in the Sciences

    • Writing in the sciences seeks to explain complex phenomena in clear, straightforward prose that minimizes authorial bias.
    • Also, watch out for logic traps such as bias and faulty causality.
    • These may include cognitive bias (irrational thinking), cultural bias (the imposition of one's own cultural standards upon research subjects), and sampling bias (the tendency during sample collection to include some members of the intended sample more readily than others).
  • Deciphering the Conversation

    • With any source, you must also be aware of the author's possible bias.
    • Even the most credible sources may exhibit forms of bias, as most authors' past experiences and/or personal ties to special interest groups may affect their writing.
  • The Importance of Reliability

    • Author bias is another consideration in choosing a source.
    • "Author bias" means that the author feels strongly about the topic one way or another, which prevents the author from taking a neutral approach to presenting findings.
    • For print sources, you can assess bias by considering the publisher of the book.
    • Similarly, periodicals like scholarly journals or magazines may also have bias.
  • Maintaining an Annotated Bibliography

    • Then explain if the source is credible, and note any potential bias you observe.
  • When to Use APA Style

    • APA style rules are not limited to grammar and formatting; in fact, it was originally developed as a set of guidelines for writing without bias in the sciences.
    • The guidelines for reducing bias in language have been updated over the years and provide practical guidance for writing about race, ethnicity, age, gender, sexual orientation, and disability status.
  • APA: Title Page and Running Head

    • The purpose of the running head is to make the paper identifiable without using the name of the author; this style is commonly used in journal articles, since journals need to be able to evaluate a paper without bias toward the author.
  • Gender-Neutral Language

    • The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association has an oft-cited section on "Guidelines to Reduce Bias in Language."
    • "Avoiding Heterosexual Bias in Language," published by the Committee on Lesbian and Gay Concerns, American Psychological Association.
  • Raising the Stakes of Your Argument

    • Susan Miller, author of the foundational book Religion and Guilt, wrote a paper that questioned his methodology: "Pocket Full of Questions: Methodology and Bias in Recent Scholarship. " Jones responded to her concerns in a post on his personal blog, and Miller responded that she was satisfied.
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  • Writing

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