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Decode Fake News: Confirmation Bias

This Library Guide provides resources to help students to identify "fake" news, bias, and propaganda, as well as good journalism, with a goal of encouraging them to become engaged consumers of information.

Definitions

Confirmation bias, as the term is typically used in the psychological literature, connotes the seeking or interpreting of evidence in ways that are partial to existing beliefs, expectations, or a hypothesis in hand. Raymond S. Nickerson

You are not so smart

The Misconception: Your opinions are the result of years of rational, objective analysis.

The Truth: Your opinions are the result of years of paying attention to information which confirmed what you believed while ignoring information which challenged your preconceived notions.

David McRaney, "You are not so smart"

Research?

Activity: Wishful thinking

In pairs, students should read these articles, noting any statements that you are

Unconscious Bias Video