Bias in Primary Sources
Overview
History consists of humans who each have a unique combination of beliefs, assumptions, values, and biases. The stories we tell and the knowledge we create about the past cannot be separated from their authors. Thus, we should never accept a source at face value. But instead, we must be critical consumers of information. In this activity, you will analyze your primary sources for narratives and consider if any bias is represented.
Prompt
Use the provided Module Four Activity Template: Bias in Primary Sources Word Document to complete this activity. First, you will locate an additional primary source related to your historical event. Next, you will answer questions about your event and the primary source you identified in a previous module. You will then consider whether there is evidence of bias in these sources.
Specifically, you must address the following rubric criteria:
Conduct source analysis on two primary sources relevant to your historical event.
You will respond to specific questions about each source in the activity template.
Analyze the primary sources relevant to your historical event for the presence of bias.
What clues are present in your two sources that may indicate bias? Provide evidence of these clues from your sources. If you do not think there is bias, provide evidence to support your claim.
Compare how your historical event is represented in your primary sources.
Do the two sources tell the same story, or are contrasting perspectives represented? Provide evidence from your sources.
Guidelines for Submission
Submit the Module Four Activity Template: Bias in Primary Sources. Sources should be cited accordin
Bias in Primary Sources
Student’s Name
Institution
Course Number and Name
Instructor’s Name
Date
Bias in Primary Sources
Source One
APA style citation
Manchester Guardian. (1952, December 8). Third Day of London Particular- Busy Time for Thieves: Traffic Disrupted. https://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2012/12/4/1354639047931/London-fog-Great-Smog-of--001.jpg
Who authored or created the primary source?
The source was created by the staff of The Manchester Guardian, now known as The Guardian.
What was the author’s position in society at the time the primary source was created?
It was a newspaper for disseminating information.
When was the primary source created?
The source was created on 8 December 1952.
Where was the primary source created, released, or publicized?
It was publicized in Great Britain.
Who was the intended audience for the primary source?
The intended audience for the newspaper was the public of Great Britain, especially the London residents.
Why was the primary source created?
The source was created to inform the public of what was happening in London due to the ongoing smog.
Whose perspective(s) is presented in the source?
It was written and presented from the perspective of the newspaper's London staff.
Source Two
APA style citation.
Ministry of Health. (1952, December 19). Smoke-Laden Fog. The National Archives: /education/resources/fifties-britain/smoke-laden-fog/
Who authored or created the primary source?
The source was created by a medical officer courtesy of the Ministry of Health.