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.

What does that mean? Here are 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)