You want to donate to a cause close to your heart, but you aren't sure how to cut through the biased news to make informed decisions. How do you find the nuggets of truthful, useful information in all the noise? Understanding the role of bias can make it easier.

Media Bias

The media is often criticized for its bias, regardless of which way an outlet leans. What is covered in the story? What is left out? What details did the reporter determine to be salient? You might even consider that data included in a story is part of the bias because it was deemed important enough to state. This does not mean that it should be discounted, but we should be aware that even the most basic decisions reveal bias.

While it is true that media can be biased, it is patently untrue to say that it is all biased to the same degree. There are shades of bias, and knowing how to tell how the difference will help you evaluate the news.

How to Identify Biased Data:

In the scientific community, peer review and replication studies are used to ensure that scientific data remain as free from bias as is practicably possible. If you are unsure about the quality of data, ask yourself these questions to help you judge the extent of its bias:

  • Who funded the study? If the group that funded the study has an obvious interest in the result, keep that in mind when you look at the conclusions drawn within.
  • Where was the study published? Was it published by a respected, peer-reviewed journal?
  • Have similar studies been conducted? If not, it's probably too early to draw a definite conclusion. If there is existing literature on the subject, what is the general consensus? Are there several similar studies conducted by independent groups that shows similar results? If the data you are looking at dramatically contradicts a significant body of literature without offering a reasonable explanation (i.e. other experiments were conducted before a significant turning point), consider its accuracy.
How to Identify Biased Analysis:

Once we get away from data and into analysis, bias becomes more obvious. This is generally where it becomes clear what the point of citing the data was. Data can be misused at this stage. If possible, look at the study and determine if logical conclusions are being drawn from it. Remember that reasonable people may disagree. Just because you do not concur with the conclusions made by the author does not make them wrong. More importantly, just because you concur with the conclusions made by the author does not make them right. Here are some possible red flags that may tip you off to excessive bias:

  • Have they relied on logical fallacies? That is to say: Are they making illegitimate connections between facts in order to twist the truth or divert the conversation?
  • Is the argument extremely one-sided? Sometimes factually backed and legitimately concluded arguments are presented as the whole picture. When a story completely ignores unfavorable parts of the discussion, it's not a helpful contribution.
  • What sort of language is used? Intense emotional language that is used not to describe how people felt but to characterize facts are a red flag.
  • Are they pushing your buttons? Does the work send you into a flight of rage or joy? If it does, consider whether there are mitigating facts being left out.
Consuming Bias:

Google can tell you the political leaning of most news organization. Well-known authors are similarly easy to investigate. However, not all sources are equally biased. Relying on one liberal-leaning source and one conservative-leaning source will not necessarily bring balance.

Finding several sources with less significant bias may be a better way to consume information, particularly news.

Local sources can be a great way to find out more about issues that will directly impact you. National sources will offer greater perspective and insight into people and places that you may never interact with in person. International sources will give the greatest context and help keep the other information in perspective.

Take time to explore a variety of media along all spectrums. Understanding the range of available information will help you hone in on what is truly the most useful and informative for you.

The key to consuming bias is simple: It isn't about what you read, it's about how you read it.

Giving in a Biased World:

As a donor, you don’t have to give up your biases. Bias is an inevitability of humanity, and a reality we all must cope with. But bias doesn’t mean that there is not good information out there. Bias isn’t a huge problem as long as we accept, understand, and manage it. So don't let your fear of bias stop you from acting on information - just make sure you know everything you need to before you take the plunge.

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Original contribution by Clarissa Coburn, liberal millennial.