Evaluating Websites

• Remember CARS?
• Credible: author name & title, type of url (.edu, .gov), links work, etc.
• Accurate: useful info, can verify with other sources
• Reasonable: does it have bias, author's motivation, easy to understand
• Support: sources listed, contact information

What is Bias?

Bias is an unfair preference for or against something.

Why Bias?

• Sometimes, we feel so strongly about something, we want to persuade others to share our feelings.
• Authors sometimes try to persuade their readers.
• Why unfair? It is based on an opinion or generalization—not on solid facts.
• A biased author may not pay attention to all of the facts

How to identify bias...

• Is the website selling something?
• Is it written to inform or educate?
• Is it written to express belief or opinion?
• Does the author(s) use extreme language or use all or nothing statements?
• Does the information appeal to emotion rather than logic?

For the next few examples, you'll indicate whether or not the statement is biased...

Americans with cats are likely to vote for a Democratic candidate.

Approximately 900 people showed up to the rally.

All Americans will benefit from this new government program.

97% of scientists agree that man-made climate change is occurring