Argument Unit - Media Bias

As you are researching for your final project, you have probably come across some pretty biased information. What's bias? I'm so glad you asked! Allow me to illustrate bias with an example.

Right now, kids from both Team J and Team S are reading this lesson. So, let me ask you this: Who do you like better - me or Miss Mosher?

This is a hypothetical question - I don't need or want to know the answer. :) BUT I can guess what the results will be. By and large, Team J kids probably chose me and Team S kids probably chose Miss Mosher. And why? Because you're biased. Bias, more simply put, is favoritism. It would make sense for Team J kids to like me better because they see and interact with me every day. Likewise, Team S kids like Miss Mosher better for the same reasons. Most people like what they know.

What does this have to do with your research? Everything! The internet is media, and media is full of bias.

Typically, media is divided up into two major camps: liberal or conservative. Most media outlets fall somewhere between those two extremes. MSNBC is typically viewed as more liberal leaning, whereas FOX News is seen as more conservative.

But how do you know the difference? Student News Daily has a really great (and unbiased!) article that you can read here: http://www.studentnewsdaily.com/conservative-vs-liberal-beliefs/ Many of you chose controversial topics such as abortion, gun control, or marriage equality - each of which is discussed from both perspectives in the link above. It's a great read if you're wondering which side of things you typically fall on - liberal or conservative?

To help you understand bias more deeply, please view this prezi: https://prezi.com/o9ovcyvm8x28/media-bias/ The author of this prezi talks about different types of bias and provides great examples. Pay special attention to the blue underlining in the examples. This is something that will really help you determine whether your sources are biased or not, so view it more than once if you need to!

Once you've completed this lesson and the Credible Sources lesson, head back to your Google Classroom page, open part two of the scavenger hunt, and get searching!