"Finally, you now have a chance to kick this mob out" The author is very biased against the politician (Kevin Rudd). The author wants you to vote against the politician. "Finally" = it has taken too long. "You have the chance" = you should "Kick this mob out" = not vote for them (using disrespectful language) The Daily Telegraph is one of many newspapers owned by Rupert Murdoch (a rich man) who was accused of being biased. |
Other ways to show bias Even if a text itself isn't biased, other things can show bias. Positioning: In a newspaper, what's on the front page? Important issues should be big articles and make front page news. If an important issue is only written in a tiny article on page 6 ... we probably have bias! What about disclaimers, retractions or warnings? Are they clear and easy to read, or hidden at the bottom or on the last page? Selective quoting As mentioned earlier, some people will choose to quote only the information from a study which will confirm their beliefs - which isn't always accurate. Images & Angles Images can be biased- photos can look very different depending on when they're taken, what angle they are taken from, and what caption is used. Are attractive or unattractive pictures being used? Does the person look happy, angry, upset? Is the picture actually showing what they say it is showing? Comments Check online comments if you have an opportunity - people may discuss bias in the comments! |
Unreliable studies Not all studies are equal! The best studies are reliable (reproduced successfully by other scientists), have large, varied sample sizes (lots of participants), and have effective rules for making sure their results are valid. Quoting a small study is less likely to be reliable and accurate - and these may be used to influence people! Headlines Lots of people only read the headline and the first sentence - so check towards the top for strong bias! Publisher & adverts By checking the source publisher for credibility and bias, you can get an idea of whether the article is likely to be biased. Likewise, check out any adverts - if it's an online article, who is paying to advertise their products, and why? This may tell you about what the website believes and supports. Source control Where does the article or information come from? Is it a reporter? Eyewitness? Police? Government? Each group of people may have bias. Companies often give news stations their own stories, through photos, videos and press releases- demonstrations, ribbon cuttings, speeches and ceremonies. These supplied stories are usually biased in favour of the company who submitted them. |