What is bias?
Being biased can mean displaying “... a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgment” (Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, 3b). In writing, bias may occur when a writer uses disrespectful language, overly dramatic word choices, personal opinions, or does not acknowledge different points of view.
To avoid bias, follow these recommendations:
- Research differing points of view and include them in your discussion.
- Give strong evidence to support all claims.
- Avoid generalizations (e.g., phrases that use all, never, none, always).
- Use objective language.
- Create distance between your personal opinions or experiences and the topic.
- Be sensitive and descriptive in your language choices rather than categorizing.
- Be consistent in your discussion of race, gender, and sexual orientation.
To search for resources that offer differing points of view begin with:
For individual help with researching other points of view, chat with a librarian or schedule a research appointment with a librarian.
For individual help with the tone of your research paper, visit one of the campus Writing, Reading, and Language Centers
