Meaning & Definition of word "Bias"
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Bias
/ˈbaɪəs/
noun:
- 1. Prejudice in favor of or against one thing, person, or group compared with another, usually in a way considered to be unfair.
- Example: The study showed a significant bias against minority groups in the hiring process.
- 2. A particular preference or point of view that is personal, rather than scientific.
- Example: His bias toward traditional methods made him hesitant to adopt new technology.
- 3. In statistics, a systematic error introduced into sampling or testing by selecting or encouraging one outcome or answer over others.
- Example: The bias in the survey results raised concerns about the validity of the research.
verb:
- 1. To influence in a particular, especially unfair direction; to cause to tilt or lean.
- Example: The article was written to bias readers against the opposing political party.
Etymology
Middle English, from Old French 'biais', meaning 'slant, oblique'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
unconscious bias:
Prejudices or preferences individuals are not aware of that affect their choices and judgments.
confirmation bias:
The tendency to search for, interpret, and remember information in a way that confirms one’s preexisting beliefs.
cognitive bias:
Systematic patterns of deviation from norm or rationality in judgment.
selection bias:
The bias introduced by selecting individuals for analysis in a way that is not random.
social bias:
Prejudiced viewpoints held about certain social groups.
Related Words
prejudice:
A preconceived opinion not based on reason or actual experience.
partiality:
Unfair bias in favor of one thing or person compared with another.
favoritism:
The practice of giving unfair preferential treatment to one person or group at the expense of another.
Slang Meanings of bias
Meaning: Bias against someone.
Example Sentence: He has a major bias against that rival team.
Meaning: To show bias in a discussion.
Example Sentence: Don't bias the conversation with your opinions.