Facts, Opinions, Interpretation, Assumptions and Biases Flashcards
Facts
Something that truly exists or happens; something that has actual evidence
A true piece of information
Verifiable
Opinions
A belief, judgement, or way of thinking about something: what someone thinks about a particular thing
Advice from someone with special knowledge: advice from an expert
A formal statement by a judge, court, etc, explaining the reasons a decision was made according to laws or rules
6 Ways Opinions can be Disguised as Facts
Weasel words Implication Hiding Inconvenient Facts Photos Active vs. Passive Voice Speculation
Weasel Words
Implies a fact without giving enough information to back it up
Term used when somebody chooses language that implies a definite fact without stating it outright, generally by attributing opinions to unnamed sources
Example: “many experts agree…”
Implication
When generic phrasing suggests one thing is linked to another
Creating an emotional response by insinuating a connection between two things that may be unrelated
Hiding Inconvenient Facts
Consider the structure of the argument/information
People will bring up things that support their personal views and leave things out that do not
Photos
Photos will create an emotional response when they are combined with words
Example: Using a photo that will create a negative emotional response for an article emphasizing a negative opinion
Active vs Passive Voice
Reveals how the presenter wants you to feel about a specific event or subject
Active Voice
When the subject performs the action, more direct and clear
Example: Children like Legos
Passive Voice
The subject follows the verb, less direct and clear
Example: Legos are liked by children
Speculation
The forming of a theory or conjecture without firm evidence
Assumptions are made and presented as facts
Inference
Something that you can find out indirectly from what you already know
Assumption
A belief or feeling that something is true or that something will happen, although there is no proof
Can reveal bias
Typically broad scale
Can be made based on inference
Inference vs. Assumption
What we infer (or interpret) when we observe an event or situation tells a lot about assumptions we make
Assumptions can change depending on the inference
Bias
An inclination of temperament or outlook; especially a personal and sometimes unreasoned judgement: prejudice
Assumptions can reveal bias
