Bias / Objectivity

It is necessary to identify any possible bias that the authors and hosts of a website may have. Bias is prejudice, a partiality that prevents objective consideration of an issue or situation.

It is especially crucial to evaluate openly-editable sources like weblogs and wikis. For these resources, it may not be possible to evaluate authority, making it even more important to critically examine accuracy and bias.

• Is there supporting evidence for the claims made?
  
  
• Who is the author, creator, or producer - an individual, a non-profit organization, a government agency, or an academic department?
  
  
• Does the website only present one side of an issue?

Bias isn't always blatant - you must critically evaluate the ideas presented on websites.

Bias doesn't mean you can't use the website. Just:

• Be aware of the bias.
  
  
• Offset one point of view with the opposing point of view.

Does this web page have a bias?