Bias, Repetition and Omitted Information

1. Bias, Repetition and Omitted Information Recognizing and Using Persuasive Techniques

2. BIAS • Bias can be defined as to favor one over another. • Another way to define bias is when a statement reflects a partiality, preference, or prejudice for or against a person. • Other words that exhibit bias: • One-sided • Partisan • Prejudiced • Bias is writing and speaking is when a person uses a selection of facts, choice of words, and the quality and tone of description, to convey a particular feeling or attitude. • Bias information tries to change your mind, how you think. • Much of what you read and hear expresses a bias

3. BIAS CONTINUED • Questions to ask yourself when reading or listening to bias materials: • What facts has the author omitted? • What additional information is necessary? • What words create positive or negative impressions? • What impression would I have if different words had been used? • Questions to keep in mind as you seek indicators of bias: • What is the author’s point of view? • What does the author stand to gain? • Who is paying for the website, book, commercial? • Does the author present alternate points of view? And if so were those views presented objectively, or with scorn?

4. Political advertisements often show bias Is there bias in this picture? What clues are given that show the audience bias?

5. Repetition • “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, • We shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills, • We shall never surrender.” • ----Winston Churchill

6. Repetition Continued • Repetition is reiterating the main points of your argument more than once and, preferably, in multiple ways. • In the previous statement what was the main theme of the quote? • Do you feel Winston Churchill was for or against war? Explain your answer using the words in the quote. • What word was used over and over? • Was the word that was used in repetition to convey the idea of the quote every used in another way? • Can you give me an example of anywhere you have noticed repetition being used to persuade?

7. Repetition using a specific word What message do they want you to understand? What word do they repeat over and over?

8. Repetition of message in different ways. How is this ad different from the previous one in how it shows repetition? Which of the two ads do you believe convey their message better?

9. Omitted Information • Omitted Information is the important information that gets left out. • No matter how attractive the reasons supporting an opinion may be at first glance, we must always take a second, closer look in search of information that has been omitted. • Questions to ask yourself when deciding if information has been omitted: • Are there research studies that contradict the studies presented? • Is anything missing, such as testimonials and examples that support the other side of the argument? • Are the factual claims supported by well-done research or by reliable sources? • Will the author benefit financially if we accept her idea?

10. Many ads omit what they don’t want you to know What important information might be missing from this ad?

11. Now it is time to practice