Bias is a particular tendency, trend, inclination, feeling, or opinion, especially one that is preconceived or unreasoned.

Your own biases can affect your ability to be a knowledgeable digital consumer. It happens to everyone! In order to be better information consumers, it can help to understand both confirmation and implicit bias.

Some definitions:

Confirmation Bias

• From dictionary.com: Bias that results from the tendency to process and analyze information in such a way that it supports one’s preexisting ideas and convictions.
• Wikpedia Entry about confirmation bias
• Confirmation bias from the News Literacy Project 

Implicit Bias

• Entry from Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Research on “implicit bias” suggests that people can act on the basis of prejudice and stereotypes without intending to do so.

Ted Talks:

• Why you think you're right -- even if you're wrong | Julia Galef (11:37 minutes)
   
• 3 Kinds of Bias that Shape Your Worldview | J. Marshall Shepard (12:09 minutes)
   
• How to Avoid Bias in Your Searches  | from Credo Reference Database (1 minute)

• Take the Implicit Bias Test via Harvard University
• Kirwan Institute: Implicit Bias Modules Series
• Implicit Bias Video Series: UCLA Office of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Ted Talks:

• Implicit Bias - How it affects us and how we push through | Melanie Funchess (16:00 minutes)
   
• When Implicit Bias Becomes Explicit | Megan Fuciarelli (17:20 minutes)

• Implicit Bias, Stereotype Threat and Higher Ed | Russell McClain (11:15 minutes)

• We all have implicit biases. So what can we do about it? | Dushaw Hockett (12 minutes)