Evaluating the Level of Objectivity & Bias

LET'S PRACTICE
 Sources are rarely 100% objective, However, it's important to be able to identify biased pieces where information is distorted or omitted.

Choose ONE of the sources below to evaluate. Use the links provided, dig deep and read! Try and determine the author's or source's point of view. Look for information that's well-supported. Check to see whether there's any advertising that might influence the content.

Afterwards, click the BIASED? button to view an explanation of the site. If you are turning in this exercise, use the evaluation worksheet.

1. Biotechnology Industry Organization. Farming and Environmental Benefits. Retrieved September 9, 2005, from http://www.bio.org/foodag/background/benefits.asp.

* Does the content reflect a particular bias?
* Is the bias explicit or hidden?
* Does the information appear to be valid and well-researched?

Is this source biased?

2. Kotler, S. (2005, March/April). The Perils of Higher Education. Psychology Today, 38(2), 64+. Retrieved September 1, 2005, from http://cms.psychologytoday.com/articles/index.php?term=pto-20050309-000006.xml&print=1.

* Does the content reflect a bias?
* Is the bias explicit or hidden?
* Does the information appear to be valid and well-researched?

Is this source biased?
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