What are the Author's Biases?

Introduction

Consider the Purpose and Audience of a Source

Learn about the Author(s) of a Source

Who is the author, and what are his or her credentials?

Is the author a recognized authority?

With what institutions or organizations is the author affiliated?

In what ways does the author’s biases affect the source?

What if a source doesn’t identify its author?

Learn about the Publisher of a Source

Strategies for Evaluating the General Outlook of a Web Site

Strategies for Evaluating the General Outlook of Periodical

Consider the Accuracy and Balance of Evidence in a Source

Consider the Publication Date of a Source

Consider the Role a Source Can Play in Your Paper

Consider the Role of Primary and Secondary Sources

Consider the Level of Specialization of a Source

Consider the Medium in Which a Source is Published

Questions to ask about Print Sources

Questions to ask about Electronic Sources

Questions to ask about Field Sources

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Authors & Contributors

Writing@CSU Home Page | Writing Guides | Evaluating Sources

What are the Author's Biases?

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Every author holds opinions that affect his or her discussion of an issue, opinions that you as a reader must try to recognize and understand. Even the most seemingly factual report, such as an encyclopedia article, is necessarily filled with judgments, often unstated. These judgments reflect an author’s bias, or preference for a particular side of an issue.

As you evaluate a source, consider whether its author's bias affects the presentation of information and opinions in a source. Instead, ask whether this bias has resulted in a source that treats one side of an issue more favorably than another. To explore for bias, ask where the author is coming from. Where are his or her allegiances? Is the bias hidden or stated? Do you need to look for a balancing viewpoint or approach?

Just because the author has a strong bias does not mean that everything he or she has written is invalid. However, you will be better prepared to fend off attacks from those who want to challenge your analysis or argument if you recognize such biases early on.