LibGuides: COM 254 (Introduction to Intercultural Communication): Bias and Logical Fallacies

Bias

Bias referes to a tendency to believe that some people, ideas, etc., are better than others, which usually results in treating some people unfairly. When evaluating sources, it is important to look for and recognize bias so as not to confuse a writer's opinion with facts. It is equally important to be aware of your own biases so that you don't discount credible sources just because they differ from your opinions.

How to Recognize Bias
The Internet, print and other forms of media are full of bias in all its forms. Before you believe everything you see or hear, it helps to be able to detect bias and evaluate whether it is worth paying attention to or not.
Test Yourself for Hidden Bias
Psychologists at Harvard, the University of Virginia and the University of Washington created "Project Implicit"to develop Hidden Bias Tests — called Implicit Association Tests, or IATs, in the academic world — to measure unconscious bias. You may be asked to register before taking the online test.

Logical Fallacies

Fallacies are arguments that comes to a conclusion without evidence to support them, and they come in many varieties.

Logical Fallacies
This resource covers using logic within writing— logical vocabulary, logical fallacies, and other types of logos-based reasoning.
An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments
An Illustrated Book of Bad Arguments is a book on critical thinking written by Ali Almossawi and illustrated by Alejandro Giraldo. The book describes 19 logical fallacies using a set of illustrations, in which various cartoon characters participate.