How to Detect Bias in the NewsReview

How to Detect Bias in the NewsReview

Bias through selection and omission– The author chooses what details to leave in,

and what details to leave out

Bias through placement– ie. if it’s on the front page,

it seems more important to us

How to Detect Bias in the NewsReview

Bias by headline– Every single word is chosen carefully

Bias by photos, captions and camera angles– Editors will choose photos / videos that make

people look good or bad, depending on how they want you to see them

How to Detect Bias in the NewsReview

Bias through use of names and titles– Some names or titles are more favorable than others – Example: “ex-con” vs. “a person who served time a

long time ago for a minor offense”

Bias through statistics and crowd counts– Stats can be used to change how you feel about an

event

How to Detect Bias in the NewsReview

Bias by source control– Depending on who is the author, they will

have a particular perspective

Word choice and tone– Some words are ‘stronger’ or more extreme

than others

How to Detect Bias in the NewsQuestions

Why do you think the words convey a value judgement?

Are these words or phrases found in a news story, a column, an editorial or a review? Why is this significant?

Present your findings to the class.

Two Views of OriginsArchaeological and Aboriginal perspectives

Pg. 12-131. a) What was the Bering Strait (Land Route) Theory?

b) What were some of the problems with this theory?

2. a) Describe two Aboriginal perspectives on origins.

b) What common world view do Aboriginal creation stories share?