Framing Cognitive Bias in Journalism Essay

PART 1

Overcoming Cognitive Biases

It is easy to be taken in by cognitive biases, especially given that they operate at a subconscious or non-rational level. It is therefore important that we be aware of them. Accordingly, this week’s assignment will be a poster project in which you design warning posters. You will be creating three warning posters for three different cognitive biases. A warning poster might look something like this:

Here is a direct link to the image.

Begin by selecting three cognitive biases covered in this week’s reading or lectures. Using an online tool or application such as Microsoft Word, create three warning posters that explain the dangers behind the three cognitive biases you have selected. Each warning poster should contain the name of the cognitive bias, a very brief explanation of what it is, a message on how to avoid falling into it, and at least one image. All three posters should be different.

Feel free to be creative!

PART 2

Analyzing the News

News reporting is done by journalists, who are charged with the important responsibility of curating information in ways that are fair and honest.

This week you will assume the role of a news editor or executive. Using the knowledge gained from this week’s readings and lectures, write a mock job posting for a journalist. Your job posting should include:

A description of what the journalist will do (feel free to be creative, given that there are many different kinds of journalists)

A list of qualities necessary for being a good journalist

A list of expectations that the journalist will fulfill. Make sure to include required skills that address reliability and validity in reporting.

Make your mock job posting look as realistic as possible. If you are unsure about how to write a job posting, look for examples online.