Module 8 - Bias and Assumptions

Activity 1 : : Activity 2 : : Activity 3 : : Activity 4

Activity 4: TaskStream

Now that you have completed Module 8, you are ready to work on RUA1 Task 6 in TaskStream.  In Task 6, you will return to one of the writings you introduced in Task 5.  The purpose here is to identify a bias and related assumptions an author is demonstrating.  The second part of Task 6 asks you to return to the Task 1 in order to identify your own bias and assumptions when you first started your study of this issue or problem.  First try to identify a bias—what is this author for or against?—and then try to identify the assumptions that accompany that way of viewing the issue or problem.   Go to TaskStream to read the directions for Task 6.  Draft and edit your response outside of TaskStream and then send your responses as an attachment for grading.

• After reading Chapters 5 and 6 in Asking the Right Questions, return again to your submitted work for both Task 5A and 5B. Now the purpose will be to identify the biases and assumptions you can recognize in the authors’ writing.
• Be careful not to identify general biases or assumptions of the position or argument itself. This might lead you away to something this particular author didn’t even state. Stick carefully to the author’s writing only.
• Consider possible value assumptions and descriptive assumptions as discussed in the text.
• After you identify some of the biases and assumptions, note that the instructions ask you to discuss both the strengths and weaknesses of them.
• Review Chapter 1 of Asking the Right Questions, especially about weak-sense and strong-sense critical thinking. Now you are ready to critically evaluate your own writing.
• Reread your response for Task 1A and write a one-page essay explaining what kind of critical thinking your writing includes.
• Another purpose of this task is to prepare you for RUA2 Task C. Read through the rubric for RUA2 Task C and note what is required to score a Level 4. Using the rubric, you should identify in your essay what skill level you started at, your strengths and weaknesses and at least one concept that you will include in your RUA2 final essay to reach a level 4.