Checking for Bias
- How to Detect Media Bias (FAIR)Guidelines for detecting bias in media from Fairness in Accuracy & Reporting (FAIR).
- Media Bias Chart (Ad Fontes Media)Provides static and interactive media bias charts. Create a free account for access to the full interactive chart.
- AllSides
Exposes bias and provides multiple angles on the same story so you can quickly get the full picture, not just one slant. - Media Bias / Fact Check
The most comprehensive media bias resource on the internet. Currently lists 1800+ media sources in their database.
Hands-On Exercise
Review the following three articles and evaluate the credibility. Be prepared to discuss which you feel are academic and why or why not.
Evaluating Sources - CRAAP Method
| Criteria | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Currency | The timeliness of the information. - When was it published? - Has the information been updated or revised? - Does your topic require current information, or will historic information meet your needs? |
| Relevance |
The importance of the information for your needs. - Does the information in the source relate to your topic or answer your question? - Who is the intended audience? - Is the information at an appropriate level? |
| Authority | The source of the information. - Who is the author or publisher? - What are the author's credentials? - Does the URL reveal any thing about the source (e.g., .com .edu .gov .org) |
| Accuracy |
The reliability, truthfulness, and correctness of the content. - Where does the information come from? - Is the information supported by evidence? - Is the publication peer reviewed or refereed? - Does the language seem unbiased and free of emotion? - Are there spelling, grammar, or typographical errors? |
| Purpose | The reason the information exists. - What is the purpose of the information (e.g., to inform, teach, sell, entertain, or persuade)? - Do the authors make their intentions or purpose clear? - Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda? - Does the point of view appear objective and impartial? - Are there political, ideological, cultural, religious, institutional, or personal biases? |
| Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to find additional sources that verify the information you found on a website to make sure that the information provided is true and accurate. | |
