How to Recognize Author's Bias in a Text?

People have their own preferences in life. Some may choose coffee over tea or vice versa. Some are fond of painting rather than listening to songs. Some prefer other countries’ movies to their local shows. Some love staying in the countryside rather than in cities. Our own choices may depend on the following reasons:

We have our own perspectives in life.
We have different skills and interests.
We have our own opinions and beliefs.
We practice our own cultures, traditions and mores.
We are raised with varied standards.

However, our choices, sometimes, can lead us to be biased. But it is unquestionable, anyway. We are all humans who make mistakes and biases. In writing, authors, too, may tend to put bias in their writings. Remember that in every piece of writing, there is a little bit of bias on it.

But what is bias in writing? How do we know if someone or something is biased?

Bias Defined

In writing, bias refers to the prejudice or partiality of the author against what he/she is writing. There is a clear favoritism in his/her writing because of presenting one-sided stories; letting the emotions and feelings reign over his/her objectivity.

For example:

Writing and speaking are both communication skills. More people can express themselves through writing. It helps them organize their ideas without fear and anxieties. Speaking, most of the time, can lead people into a difficult situation which results in losing self-esteem. That’s why, when expressing ideas, writing is still the best way.

In the above example, the author clearly prefers writing in expressing ideas, making the statement biased because of the disproportionate weight of judgment in favor of writing.

Recognizing Author’s Bias in a Text

There are easy ways to detect if a text contains bias. As a reader, one must always spot biases and think critically about the effect of the author’s presentation of ideas.

To help you become detectives on biases in a text, here are some tips to follow:

Find loaded words and phrases that indicate emotions or feelings; whether positive or negative. These words reveal how the writer feels about the topic.

For example:

Teenagers who are sociable are not boring to be with. They are unafraid to speak what they want. They act freely without minding what others may say about them. On the other hand, teenagers who prefer to be alone have high tendency of committing suicide because of depression and sadness. They live a life full of misery and it is actually their choice.

Look for stereotypes. If the author tags or labels an entire group or specific types of individuals, there is bias in his or her writing. There is no guarantee that his/ her thoughts about them accurately reflect reality.

For example:

Women are exactly better than men. Most women excel in international events like beauty pageants. They can do jobs at home and can earn a living at the same time. Women also excel in politics, a manifestation that people can count on the way they lead. The truth is, women do almost all work better than men.

Spot unclear language or generalizations. One indicator of bias is the author’s failure to use specific language to present a credible and evidence-based generalization.

For example:

Online learning is the best modality of learning nowadays. Students who use online platforms are more competent than those who are using a modular approach. They can easily access information relevant to what they are about to learn.

Notice one-sided arguments. There are two sides of a story; thus if the author presented only the other side, there is bias.

For example:

My friend, who is an owner of a certain beauty product company fires employees for no reason. She is being confronted with a lot of allegations because of her unprofessionalism. Actually, she did not change a bit. If she doesn’t want someone, she acts that way.

Determine opinion. Opinions are based on feelings and perspective; they are not objective. If the author becomes subjective in his/her writing, there is bias.

For example:

Some parents show their love for their children through giving all what they need and what they ask from them. They buy them different stuff and gadgets. But for me, showing love for children is manifested in the quality time spent with them and the efforts to teach them good things about life.

These are the things to remember when determining an author's bias in a certain text. Remember your role to be more vigilant in the way the writers present their ideas in a specific writing.

You may also read:

https://study.com/academy/lesson/recognizing-biases-assumptions-stereotypes-in-written-works.html