What does bias refer to?

Bias refers to favoritism or prejudice towards one individual or group. This concept highlights how personal perspectives, preconceived notions, or societal influences can affect objectivity in judgment or decision-making. When a person is biased, they might favor one side over another based on subjective opinions rather than relying solely on facts or fair evaluation. This can manifest in various contexts such as media representation, hiring practices, or academic research, where individuals or groups may receive unequal treatment.

The other choices describe perspectives that are contrary to the definition of bias. An objective view involves impartiality and fairness, which directly opposes the idea of favoritism. A neutral perspective also signifies a lack of bias, as it indicates an even-handed approach without favoritism. Similarly, an accurate analysis of facts implies a thorough and true evaluation devoid of personal prejudices. Therefore, understanding bias as favoritism or prejudice is essential for recognizing its impact on fairness and decision-making processes.