Final answer:
Bias refers to a preconceived opinion that can affect judgments and decisions. Identifying and mitigating bias is essential in research to maintain objectivity. Awareness of different types of biases, such as confirmation bias and availability heuristic, is important for balanced analysis.
Step-by-step explanation:
Bias is a preconceived opinion or prejudice that favors or disfavors something or someone based on personal judgments rather than facts. It can manifest in various forms, such as confirmation bias, where one seeks out information that aligns with their preexisting beliefs while dismissing contradictory evidence. Additionally, cognitive biases like the availability heuristic influence decisions based on readily accessible information rather than comprehensive evaluation, and the bandwagon fallacy, where one's opinions may align with those of a larger group without critical analysis.
Recognizing bias in oneself and in research is crucial to conducting unbiased work. Whether writing a report or analyzing sources, being aware of potential biases helps to maintain objectivity. To mitigate bias, researchers may explicitly state their biases, carefully select balanced sources, and continuously question personal assumptions and decision-making processes.