ABSTRACT
The word bias is an ambiguous one; it is usually, but not necessarily, used with a negative connotation. Bias can simply mean a particular subjective viewpoint, which is to say, once again, that all of us inevitably have our own biases resulting from the ethnocentric limitations of our experience and temperament, as much as we may try to attain objectivity. Every writer or speaker has subjective opinions and viewpoints, but not all opinions or viewpoints are equally biased, in the negative sense of prejudiced. People with less education are likely to be exposed to a narrower range of information and viewpoints, so it is easier for them to feel sure they know the truth and remain fixed in primary certitude. Education is the process of moving from cocksure ignorance to thoughtful uncertainty. After being exposed to a strong dose of the opposing sources, however, students admit that their attitude has changed from cocksure ignorance to thoughtful uncertainty.
