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.
Evaluating Sources
| Criteria | Questions to Ask |
|---|---|
| Agenda | What was the author’s purpose? Does he or she have a particular bias? |
| Credentials | Who is the author? Does he or she have expertise or certain qualifications? |
| Citations | Does the author cite the work of others? What types of sources are cited? |
| Oversight | Does someone have to approve the publication? Was the information reviewed or refereed prior to publication? |
| Relevance | Does the source fit your needs? Does it meet the requirements of your assignment? |
| Date | How recent is the source? Has it been updated? |
| 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. | |
Types of Sources
Why does it matter?
- In your research project or paper, you need to show how your ideas relate to those of others.
- In most cases, you'll want to use articles from scholarly journals to support your arguments because these are written by experts, include references you can consult, and have been carefully edited.
- Sometimes, depending on your topic, you'll need to use articles from popular magazines. Be sure to check with your professor or instructor that the sources you're using are acceptable for the assignment's requirements.
- Finally, whatever sources you use, evaluate them carefully: Does the author show bias and does it affect his/her conclusions? Is the information accurate? Does the author support his/her arguments with credible evidence?
A Quick Comparison
| Scholarly Sources | Popular Sources |
| Examples: Journal of Politics, Philosophical Quarterly, World Politics, Human Biology | Examples: People, Time, Newsweek, Vogue, National Geographic |
| Written by experts: often professors | Written by non-specialists |
| Explore theories, introduce new ideas, present research findings, and add to the body of research in a particular discipline | Cover news and current events in a field; report on news of general interest; write profiles of people, places, or events; and express political opinions |
| Articles often go through a peer review process: independent experts evaluate the article before it's published | Articles are reviewed by an editor, but not by a panel of experts |
| Articles have footnotes and bibliographies | Articles may or may not mention sources in the text |
| Minimal advertising, graphics, or illustrations unless relevant to the article (for example, art journals) | Extensive advertising, lavish photos, colorful cover to market the magazine |
