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Early Presidents Research: Bias and Perspective in History Research

Understand Bias

Understand Bias and Perspective in Historical Research

Perspective refers to the point of view.

  • Some sources have a stated point of view, often about a marginalized population
  • Some sources have a default point of view, often from the perspective of those in power.

Bias refers to resources that are prejudiced in favor of a specific point of view.

  • Historical Bias does NOT mean that the information or source is unreliable (although some biased sources do have unreliable information).
  • BUT it is incredibly important that you seek other perspectives and look for red flags.

Taking time to understand bias, helps you to:

  • Better evaluate your sources
  • Gain deeper understanding of the topic as a whole by learning from multiple perspectives

 

Green Flags Red Flags
  • Upfront about their purpose or perspective
  • Well-respected organization (see Lateral Reading)
  • Credible facts and information
  • Clear about the source of their information
  • Avoids fear mongering or manipulating emotions.
  • Hidden extreme bias (claiming to be unbiased when clearly not)
  • Fact manipulated or distorted to induce emotions
  • Makes large claims unsupported by evidence
  • Broad historical claims without supported evidence.

Key Take Aways: 

  • Students will cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what a text states explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
  • Students Integrate and evaluate multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats in order to address a question or solve a problem.

Bias and Perspective in Primary Sources

Within Primary Sources

Primary sources are documents or media from a historical time period or event that can provide greater insight into history.

These often have an inherent perspective or bias. It is important to seek out a variety for a more well-rounded understanding.

Some of my favorite resources for historical primary sources are linked below.

Expand Perspectives

Expand Perspectives

Gain greater understanding by expanding the perspectives you review for your research.

Consider and seek out perspectives based on identities, specifically those who were affected but often not included in the story. Think about race, ethnicity, immigration, disability, gender, sexuality, class, and education.

You may find a broader variety of historical perspectives from the following resources.

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