Biasing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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biasing

[ˈbaɪəsɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

statistical analysis

Biasing refers to the process of causing a system to deviate from a neutral or fair position, often introducing an error in the results or outcomes. In statistical analysis, biasing may occur due to the selection of samples or the interpretation of data that leads to unfair advantages for one party over another.

Synonyms

distorting, influencing, skewing.

Examples of usage

  • The study was criticized for biasing the sample selection.
  • Biasing the data can lead to misleading conclusions.
  • Unintentionally biasing the results affects the study's reliability.
Context #2 | Noun

psychological influence

Biasing, in psychology, refers to the tendency of people to think in a way that is influenced by personal opinions rather than objective facts. This can lead to cognitive errors and affect decision-making processes.

Synonyms

favoritism, partiality, prejudice.

Examples of usage

  • Cognitive biasing can alter judgment and perception.
  • Biasing in decision-making processes can have significant impacts.
  • The influence of social biasing is often underestimated.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Cognitive biases affect our decision-making by making us overestimate or underestimate things based on our experiences.
  • Confirmation bias is a common type where people favor information that confirms their existing beliefs.
  • Biasing can occur unconsciously, influencing actions and thoughts in subtle, everyday situations.

Media and Communication

  • Media bias refers to the tendency of news organizations to present information in a way that reflects their preferred viewpoint.
  • Biasing in advertisements often aims to shape public perception by highlighting certain benefits over others.
  • In social media, biasing can happen through algorithms that prioritize specific content types over others based on user engagement.

Science

  • In statistics, biasing can affect the results of an experiment by skewing data based on how it's gathered.
  • Experimental bias occurs when researchers unintentionally influence outcomes, leading to inaccurate conclusions.
  • Bias correction methods are employed in data analysis to ensure more accurate, balanced results.

Education

  • In learning environments, biasing can impact teaching methods, potentially leading to unequal opportunities among students.
  • Teachers are encouraged to minimize biasing to ensure fair assessments and inclusivity in classrooms.
  • Educational materials can sometimes reflect bias, highlighting the importance of diverse perspectives in curricula.

Origin of 'biasing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bias' comes from the Old French 'biais,' meaning slant or slope, which reflects the idea of leaning in one direction.
  • 'Biasing' is formed by adding '-ing' to the word 'bias,' indicating an ongoing action of leaning or influencing.
  • The concept has been used in various fields since the 1700s, evolving to include emotional and cognitive perspectives.

The term 'bias' comes from the Old French word 'biais', meaning 'slant' or 'slope', and it can be traced further back to Latin 'bajare', which signifies 'to incline or slope'. Originally, it described a physical slant but over time evolved to capture various forms of prejudice and unfairness in judgment. The verb 'to bias' emerged in the 19th century, reflecting a more metaphorical sense of tilting perspectives. In contemporary usage, 'biasing' has expanded to include various domains such as statistics, psychology, and social sciences, where it denotes the introduction of systematic errors or distortions. Understanding bias and biasing processes is crucial in many fields, especially when aiming for objectivity and fairness.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,948, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.