EXPLANATION AND EXAMPLE
Bias in writing refers to unfounded and unreasonably negative or positive treatment of a topic. APA mandates that authors avoid “perpetuating demeaning attitudes and biased assumptions about people in their writing” (pp. 70-71). Biases can be made regarding the treatment of gender, sexual orientation, racial/ethnic group, disability, and age. To avoid these biases, APA recommends adhering to three specific guidelines for reducing bias:
Guideline One: Describe at the Appropriate Level of Specificity
To avoid biases, writers should choose language that accurately represents the topic or person(s) discussed. To avoid biases, follow these specification guidelines:
Guideline Two: Be Sensitive to Labels
To avoid biases, APA recommends that writers be respectful in choosing labels and names for both individuals and groups. Here are three strategies for selecting labels:
Guideline Three: Acknowledge Participation
APA has specific rules regarding certain types of pronoun usage in attributions, gendered reference.
WHERE TO FIND MORE INFORMATION
For more information about formatting for APA Style, see pages 70-77 of the Publication Manual, Sixth Edition (Reducing Bias in Language 3.11, General Guidelines for Reducing Bias 3.11, Reducing Bias by Topic 3.11).
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
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