Take the Information Literacy Test to excel in assessing, evaluating, and applying information effectively. Use flashcards and multiple-choice questions with comprehensive explanations. Prepare for success!

Multiple Choice

You've discovered a source on a controversial contemporary issue and find that the source seems to be ignoring opposing points of view. What can you conclude about this source?

Bias in sources shows up when a source on a controversial issue consistently ignores opposing viewpoints. That pattern signals a slanted presentation, highlighting only arguments that support one side and omitting counterarguments. This one-sidedness is a clear indicator of bias, meaning the source isn’t offering a balanced view even if the factual content might be accurate. Being biased doesn’t automatically invalidate the information, but it does mean you should consult additional sources to gain a fuller, more objective understanding. Other traits—being outdated, authoritative, or secondary—describe different qualities (timeliness, credibility, or the source’s relationship to original materials) and don’t address whether opposing viewpoints are acknowledged.

Bias in sources shows up when a source on a controversial issue consistently ignores opposing viewpoints. That pattern signals a slanted presentation, highlighting only arguments that support one side and omitting counterarguments. This one-sidedness is a clear indicator of bias, meaning the source isn’t offering a balanced view even if the factual content might be accurate. Being biased doesn’t automatically invalidate the information, but it does mean you should consult additional sources to gain a fuller, more objective understanding. Other traits—being outdated, authoritative, or secondary—describe different qualities (timeliness, credibility, or the source’s relationship to original materials) and don’t address whether opposing viewpoints are acknowledged.