When conducting scientific research, any information that is found must be analyzed to determine its validity. Joel is a firm believer that exposure to cold weather can cause the common cold. He conducts online research about this topic. Of the excerpts below, which would be considered biased?
Answer
A
The flu and the common cold are caused by viruses.
B
Viruses are passed by contact between people.
C
Cold and flu season occurs when the weather is cold, so there must be a connection.
D
All of the above excerpts are biased.
Explanation
Choice c is biased because it treats the fact that cold and flu season happens during colder weather as proof that cold weather causes illness. This supports Joel’s existing belief without establishing a cause-and-effect link. Choices a and b state information about viruses without showing the same bias.
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