BIAS

What is BIAS? Bias is a leaning in a particular direction or a

tendency to think or feel in a particular manner.

Example: Terri loves sports while her brother Ben spends his spare time playing his violin. If their school suddenly had money to build either a new weight room or new practice rooms for the orchestra, we can see that Terri and Ben would be likely to have differing opinions about how that money should be spent.

Why does BIAS matter? How we deal with our biases is important.

Whether we have an argument with a friend, wish to prove a point to our family, write a letter to the principal or an editorial for the newspaper – WE ARE EXPRESSING OUR OPINION.

How convincing we are, depends on:

How convincingly and respectfully we present the case for our opinion.

How well we take into account the possible biases of our audience.

BIAS Scale

Examples of BIAS The Bears overtook their unprepared and

hapless opponents. It was a sweet victory for our favorite team.

Examples of BIAS The mayor’s wife spoke to the Women’s

Committee on Monday. Her words were followed by a dramatic speech by Mayor William Smith.

Examples of BIAS Two groups lobbied for the new law –

Man’s Best Friend, an alternative, hippie organization; and Animals for All, a well-funded, well-organized advocacy institute.

Examples of BIAS A man on a motor bike is riding by the zoo

when he sees a little girl leaning into the lion’s enclosure.

Examples of BIAS Suddenly, the lion grabs her by the cuff of

her jacket and tries to pull her inside to slaughter her, under the eyes of her screaming parents.