Bias, Persuasion, and Propaganda

From:http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/bsndev-415604-recognizing-bias-propaganda-education-ppt-powerpoint/http://www.authorstream.com/Presentation/MasterFoust-400700-recognizing-bias-education-ppt-powerpoint/

What is Bias?•Bias: (noun) a particular tendency or

inclination, especially one that prevents unprejudiced consideration of a question; prejudice

How do you recognize bias?•Look for

▫Opinions ▫Loaded Words ▫Faulty Reasoning

Opinions•Everyone has an opinion.•Look for evidence that supports a point of

view or an agenda.▫Agenda: hidden motive, secret plan, secret

intention, hidden ploy, ulterior motive.▫What is the author’s opinion? It is likely

that he or she is trying to make YOU agree with him or her by persuading you.

Loaded Words•Denotation

▫The dictionary definition of the word.

•Connotation▫The emotions and

images associated with a word

•Skilled authors and speakers will always choose their words for the greatest emotional impact and clearest possible meaning.

Word Choice (Diction) MattersThin Emaciated

Two words can have the same denotative meaning, but call up

very different images

Word Choice Indicates BiasFreedom Fighter Terrorist

Word Choice Indicates BiasTerrorist? Freedom Fighter?

Faulty Reasoning•Indicate that something just isn’t right

Begging the Question•This is a fallacy in which the author states

that something is true as a proof of itself.•X is true because X is true

▫George W. Bush was the worst president because there was no president who was worse than him.

Propaganda and Persuasive Techniques•People use propaganda to make what they

say or write more convincing. •Propaganda appeals to emotion. •Propaganda is not always logical.

Propaganda and Persuasive Techniques•Bandwagon:

Everyone else is doing it, so I should too.

•Testimonial: A famous person is used to try and influence you to do or buy something.

Questions to Ask Yourself…• Purpose

▫Why is the author writing? What do they want me to believe? Who is the author’s intended audience?

• Tone and Style ▫How do they convey their message differently than

some other author might? • Bias

▫What preferences or prejudices does this author have?

• Propaganda and Persuasive Techniques▫Is the author trying to persuade you by using some

of the techniques we’ve reviewed?