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Objectivity: To be objective is to lack judgment, bias, and favoritism toward one side of a perspective.
The importance of objectivity: Objectivity in writing strengthens arguments by ensuring they are fact-based, balanced, and free from personal bias, fostering credibility and intellectual rigor. Maintaining objectivity is a critical part of an effective argument, ensuring credibility and fairness. Writers should try to implement objectivity in academic writing when presenting an argument. Objective writing prioritizes facts and evidence and includes multiple perspectives to balance the narrative. USC Libraries research guide explains evidence-based reasoning: “[The argument] should be an objective stance presented as a logical argument; the quality of the evidence cited will determine the strength of your argument. The overarching objective is to convince the reader of the validity of your thoughts through a well-documented, coherent, and logically structured piece of writing” (np). Without judgment, readers can think critically and make conclusions based on research information with balanced perspectives. Objectivity starts from the research, evidence and facts should be chosen without bias or with the sole intent of supporting one perspective of an argument. However, bias can be conscious or unconscious and sometimes difficult to avoid, but with thorough research, bias can be reduced. Bias can exist in multiple forms including research, writing, and individual bias. Writers have an ethical responsibility to readers to provide information without bias, resulting in a reduction of miscommunication and greater trust. Maintaining objectivity in writing not only reduces bias but also ensures clear communication, helping readers trust and critically engage with the information presented.
Evaluating Sources
Refer chart: below illustrating new sources and potential bias. Objective more neutral sources can be found in the upper middle section of the chart (Fontes Media np.)
Sources are essential while learning, but the objectivity of the sources is crucial for gaining knowledge in the correct information. Determining whether a source is objective may be challenging because many contain biases pertaining to the information that the source aims to convey to the reader. One way to refrain from using “crap” sources is by utilizing the CRAAP method: "CRAAP is an acronym for currency, relevance, authority, accuracy, and purpose" (Van Kampen np). These are all key aspects to evaluate in determining if a source is biased or objective. An example of a source to avoid is a think tank. Think tanks are platforms where scholars and specialists from various fields communicate together on specific topics that include economics and politics. Stella Ladi defines think tanks as, “distinct from government, and many are nonprofit organizations, but their work may be conducted for governmental as well as commercial clients” (Ladi np). For this reason, think tanks are not an objective source because they are frequently being funded by certain groups with a specific motive. In contrast, sources that remain objective would include peer-reviewed articles. Peer-reviewed articles are submitted articles that go through an extensive process of being evaluated by other scholars before being published. Due to the thorough editing of these sources through many other different lenses of scholars the article remains objective. When looking for reliable and objective sources of information on abortion, the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Abortion Federation (NAF) provide a wide range of robust and accurate information intended to represent and support abortion providers and abortion patients and unite them with patient-centered, evidence-based care.
RIGHT / ANTI-CHOICE
This Americans United for Life headline and homepage is designed to appeal towards pro-life Americans. We can infer that the choice of underlined words acts to emphasize the importance of defending the lives of unborn fetuses until they enter into the real world. The image on the right, also implies a very heartwarming, loving, affectionate tone of a new mother and her newborn baby rejoicing in a golden glow of sunlight, signifying how much happier a mother is with her baby, rather than a mother who has no children.
NEUTRAL
This World Health Organization (WHO) headline and homepage accomplishes the task of providing an accurate and informed description of abortion and the possible implications of receiving an abortion. The image of two women sitting above signifies strong, independent women who could be at risk of lacking the appropriate abortion services, or someone who could have undergone an abortion. The image provokes the viewer to self-reflect on the very nature of requiring medical care - If someone is suffering from a medical health risk – that person deserves to be attended to, cared for, and assisted, in a timely and efficient manor, by trained medical professionals and accurate, evidence-based reasoning to support the patient's decision. The webpage does not attempt to sway its viewers political or religious beliefs, and by fairly stating the science and process of abortions, the website remains objective and does not lose credibility.
LEFT/ PRO-CHOICE
This Planned Parenthood homepage and headline appeal towards the emotions of viewers who feel scared, directly harmed, and attacked by abortion restrictions and anti-abortion laws. The large colorful bold words “we won't back down” is very confrontational and implies that there is conflict between Planned Parenthood and someone else. The word choice such as “fight”, “reject”, and “At risk” all create a very serious, perhaps dangerous tone exacerbating the message of the graphic. There are no images present which emphasizes the importance of the wording. This webpage, while presenting a powerful message, relies heavily on pathos by scaring or rushing people to “join the fight” and stand up for abortion rights. By stating that tens of millions of people are at risk of losing healthcare or abortion rights, the headline relies too heavily on the pathos of strength in numbers which acts to relieve people of fear and gives people confidence that there is someone ‘fighting for the little guy’, in this case, abortion rights and people who may need to receive an abortion in the future.
Defining Bias
According to Cambridge Dictionary, bias is "the action of supporting or opposing a particular person or thing in an unfair way, by allowing personal opinions, rather than evidence and facts, to influence your judgment" (“Confirmation Bias” np). Yet, bias does not have to only be negative. For example, those that write about something in an overly favorable way are also displaying bias and a lack of objectivity. Oftentimes, bias is unconscious, and one needs to understand and fight their biases. Unconscious bias, also known as implicit bias, is the type of bias that most people fall victim to. They are beliefs and attitudes outside of a person’s awareness that influence behavior without one realizing (Lubbert np). There are several types of biases. Confirmation bias is when one looks for and overvalues information that supports their existing beliefs. This is usually unintentional and causes research data and evidence that contradicts one's preconceived ideas about the subject to be overlooked (Lubbert np). Anchoring bias is relying too heavily on a single piece of information or evidence to make decisions or act. This leads one to ignore other viewpoints and information that does not support the “anchoring” piece of information (Lubbert np). Imbalance and Selectivity, also referred to as cherry picking, is selecting only one interpretation of an event, situation, or group. This simplifies and distorts complex issues but only presenting one side (Sadker np). For example, literature and history primarily being based on only perspectives of western, white, male authors or only choosing sources that agree with one’s opinion and ignoring the counterargument.
Neutral Language and Tone
Additionally, neutral language and tone are critical in maintaining objectivity because they minimize the influence of personal opinions, biases, and emotions, ensuring fairness and clarity in writing. The key reasons for the importance of maintaining neutral language and tone are for promoting fairness and balance, building credibility and trust, critical thinking, reducing emotional influence, and facilitating professionalism. As implementing neutral language helps a writer maintain objectivity. Some of the best practices for maintaining neutral tone include relying on facts and evidence, using inclusive phrasing, providing balanced perspectives, and providing context. Neutral language and tone are important for maintaining objectivity, as they do not have bias, build trust, and encourage independent analysis by the reader. By prioritizing neutrality, students can ensure that their writing remains credible and effective.
Example of anti-choice bias language and tone: “‘By illegally approving dangerous chemical abortion drugs, the FDA put women and girls in harm’s way…” said ADF Senior Counsel Erik Baptist. "Pregnancy is not an illness, and chemical abortion drugs don’t provide a therapeutic benefit—they can pose serious and life-threatening complications to the mother, in addition to ending a baby’s life. The FDA never had the authority to approve these hazardous drugs or to remove important safeguards’ ” (Pandolfo n.p.).
This quotation shows bias through the use of subjective language to convey personal opinions and beliefs, writing that is reinforced with emotions, and only considers one side of the argument. Through the bias demonstrated in the quote, readers are not allowed to form their own opinion about the matter, the source is formulating an opinion for them.
Ways to adjust quotation to maintain objectivity:
Replace subjective language, namely “ending a baby’s life”, with words that have a neutral connotation such as “pregnancy termination”. This removes the emotion behind the words, presenting the information without the insertion of an opinion.
Provide counter arguments or other perspectives for this claim, for example, how mifepristone has had the intended effect.
Present evidence, specifically statistics, that demonstrate the effects of mifepristone in a neutral, more depth manner to promote credibility, support the claim being stated, and provide the audience with enough information to make an informed decision on the matter.
Example of pro-choice language and tone: “The anti-abortion movement is pursuing its aims on many legal fronts. One focus of intense activity is so-called fetal-personhood laws, which endow fetuses (and, in some cases, even fertilized eggs) with the same legal rights as living, breathing human beings” (“The Persistent Threat” n.p.).
This quotation shows opinion-based verbiage, demonstrating the importance of evidence and providing multiple perspectives to maintain objectivity. Since this article is an opinion piece by The Editorial Board, this source would not be effective when maintaining objectivity.
Ways to adjust quotation to remain objective:
Removal of subjective language, namely “so-called”. This language is dismissive of the presented laws and should be removed to promote a neutral tone.
Present all arguments without providing an opinion on them, for example, the removal of the language “living, breathing human beings”. Through the use of “living” the author is stating their opinion that fertilized eggs or fetuses are not living. To remain objective, the author could state the specific legal rights that fertilized eggs or fetuses are receiving through these laws. By doing so, the negative connotation and the author’s opinions on the matter would be removed, while also boosting credibility by providing evidence and differing perspectives.
Example of neutral language and tone: “With this growing body of research, earlier abortion methods have been refined, discontinued, and new approaches have been developed (Chen and Creinin, 2015; Jatlaoui et al., 2016; Lichtenberg and Paul, 2013). For example, the use of dilation and sharp curettage is now considered obsolete in most cases because safer alternatives, such as aspiration methods, have been developed (Edelman et al, 1974; Lean et al, 1976; RCOG, 2015). The use of abortion medications in the United States began in 2000 with the approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) of the drug mifepristone. In 2016, the FDA, citing extensive clinical research, updated the indications for mifepristone for medication abortion up to 10 weeks’ (70 days’) gestation (FDA, 2016; Woodcock, 2016)” (Varner et al. 19).
This statement explains how abortion methods have changed while maintaining objectivity due to the neutral language, facts, and evidence present. This book is published by the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine, making this source credible.
Ways the quotation is objective:
Maintains a neutral tone and verbiage while using facts and statistics to substantiate the information concerning changes in abortion that are being provided.
Credible sources are used to validate the information being discussed and to promote credibility and balanced perspectives.
No opinion is presented, allowing the audience to form their own opinion on the matter.
Ways to spot and avoid bias in sources or media:
Search for credible sources, specifically peer-reviewed articles, and avoid using news sources other than the approved ones.
Inspect sources for emotional, judgemental, interpretive, opinion-based language, or verbiage that contains exaggerations or assumptions.
Consider the context of the information, the way information is presented, and how that influences perception. Avoid sources that exhibit any type of framing.
Challenges to Maintaining Objectivity
Image from Thabreez.
The challenges to avoiding objectivity include cultural influences and the potential for subjectivity and bias in interpretation. Preventing and identifying objectivity can be complex in written works and real-world decisions. As Dwayne H. Mulder explains, the challenges to objectivity include “John Locke’s example of holding one hand in ice water and the other hand in hot water for a few moments. When one places both hands into a bucket of tepid water, one experiences competing subjective experiences of one and the same objective reality. One hand feels it as cold, the other feels it as hot” (np). From the same experience, one has two different perspectives, which is very similar to the concept of maintaining objectivity. Even though the objective reality (the tepid water) remained constant, the subjective reality (the hands) experienced was vastly different. Students are challenged with maintaining objectivity like this in their essays. Understanding the challenges of maintaining objectivity is crucial for producing more impartial and credible work.
Maintaining Objectivity: Using Abortion as an Example
With a topic like abortion, many people have an opinion, regardless of if they have received this specific medical procedure. Factors like religion, cultural beliefs, and laws form the basis for many opinions regarding abortion and thus contribute to arguments regarding the topic. For example, Pew Research Center found that those who hold 71% of those who hold conservative beliefs feel that abortion should be illegal in all or most cases, while 96% of people who hold liberal beliefs feel that abortion should be legal in all or most cases. The Republican Party platform statement uses the word abortion only once, when it announces its opposition to late term abortion, however Project 2025, encourages pro-life policies through the Republican administration (Brookings). On the other hand, the Democratic platform is often seen using the phrase “reproductive freedom” when addressing the topic of abortion. These statements made by the two largest political parties in the United States add to the growing list of variables that influence a person’s opinion regarding the topic of abortion. Additionally, the Catholic Church as firmly maintained a position against abortion, with Pope Francis consistently expressing his disapproval with statements regarding the procedure like, “It is like hiring a hitman,” or “abortion is murder” (CNA). These statements are powerful and ultimately have great influence on large sections of the population. While these anti-abortion statements have greater influence over the catholic population, Exodus 21:22-25 implies that a fetus does not have the status of human life, and laws from The Talmud permit abortions to save the mother’s life (Brandies U).
There are many factors that contribute to differing opinions, however these opinions demonstrate the challenges presented when trying to maintain objectivity when discussing subjects like abortion. While these opinions that people hold are vital to their identity as a person, they are not vital, nor necessary when forming opinions. When writing with an objective tone, the audience is presented with facts and analysis of these facts, thus allowing them to create their own arguments or opinions freely. Walter Lippmann stated that objectivity can help readers to “victories over superstitions of the mind” (Qtd. In Nieman). A question that might be useful to think when writing is examining if the argument presented coaxes readers to believe or think a certain way, or if the argument allows the audience to form opinions by themselves. Arguments that are impartial and stem from credible sources like statistics or data are crucial to the writing process, thus maintaining objectivity, especially in a subjective world, is one of the greater challenges posed to the student writer.
Dr. Kendra H. Gaines has created a list of potential questions to ask during the process of developing an argument, and to continuously ask during the writing process:
1) Have I looked at a variety of evidence to support my position? Do I have evidence from multiple angles?
2) How concrete or material is the evidence that I’ve found?
3) If using statistics or opinions of other researchers, how credible are they? Could they potentially hold bias?
4) What is the other side to my argument? Can I counter it with evidence that I’ve found?
(Adapted from Gaines)
Conclusion
Maintaining objectivity is crucial in creating an effective argument and credibility. Objective writing presents information without bias with multiple perspectives; in doing this, readers can draw individual conclusions and think critically. Being objective can be challenging with personal emotions, unconscious bias, and individual experiences that influence opinion. Trying to maintain objectivity and present arguments without bias ensures that conclusions are based on evidence and logic, fostering credibility and trust in perspective.
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