Investigating The Origins

Worksheet Description

This educational worksheet is tailored to guide students through the introspective process of identifying the origins of bias. It presents bias as an opinion steeped in prejudice, closed-mindedness, or unfairness, which can be innate or learned. The worksheet highlights that while individuals may be consciously aware of their opinions, the biased nature of these opinions can often remain unrecognized, subtly influencing attitudes and decisions.

In the first section, the worksheet provides a list of social spheres such as family, friends, social groups, neighborhood, workplace, religion, country, and teachers, and prompts students to consider how each of these can contribute to the formation of biases. The second section engages students in a self-reflective exercise, asking them to ponder over a personal opinion they hold strongly against something or someone. It challenges them to delve deeper into their dislikes until they reach a point where the origin of their negative opinion is unclear, suggesting the potential presence of an unrecognized bias. This task encourages critical thinking and self-analysis, pushing students to explore the depth of their beliefs and where these may stem from, fostering awareness and the ability to critically assess one’s viewpoints.