Identify three common sources of bias in media.

• A. Selection bias, framing bias, and source bias.
• B. Framing bias, selection bias, and confirmation bias.
• C. Context bias, humor bias, and color bias.
• D. Sampling bias, recall bias, and publication bias.

Answer: (A)

In media bias analysis, the most influential ways bias sneaks into content are through what gets included or left out, how the story is presented, and whose voices or sources are used. Selection bias happens when editorial choices determine which events or viewpoints appear, so some perspectives never reach the audience. Framing bias is about the angle or context given to a story — the way a report is packaged can push readers to interpret it in a particular light, emphasizing certain aspects over others. Source bias occurs when the information relies predominantly on sources that share a specific agenda or perspective, shaping the narrative through who is quoted or cited.

These three capture the core mechanisms by which media can sway perception: what is shown, how it’s shown, and who is trusted to provide information. Other terms listed are less representative of common media bias factors; some come from research methodology or are not standard categories used to describe everyday media content.