Learning Resource Type

Classroom Resource

Why Do Our Brains Love Fake News?

Subject Area

Digital Literacy and Computer Science

Grade(s)

8

Overview

Ever have an argument with someone, and no matter how many facts you provide, you just can’t get that person to see it your way? One big reason for this is cognitive bias, which is a limitation in our thinking that can cause flaws in our judgment. Confirmation bias is a specific type of cognitive bias that motivates us to seek out the information we already believe and ignore or minimize facts that threaten what we believe. Studies show that when people are presented with facts that contradict what they believe, the parts of the brain that control reason and rationality go inactive. But, the parts of the brain that process emotion light up like the Fourth of July. Have your students watch the video and respond to the question in KQED Learn. This video has a learning activity in the Support Materials section.

    Digital Literacy and Computer Science (2018) Grade(s): 8

    DLCS18.8.20

    Examine an artifact that demonstrates bias through distorting, exaggerating, or misrepresenting data and redesign it using factual, relevant, unbiased content to more accurately reflect the truth.

    Unpacked Content

    UP:DLCS18.8.20

    Vocabulary

    • bias

    Knowledge

    Students know:
    • that publications can display bias.
    • that information should always be checked with multiple sources.

    Skills

    Students are able to:
    • research information to either support what is being shared or to refute what is being shared.

    Understanding

    Students understand that:
    • bias exists in our society, therefore all information should be researched before assuming it is accurate.
    Link to Resource

    CR Resource Type

    Audio/Video

    Resource Provider

    PBS
    Accessibility

    Accessibility

    Video resources: includes closed captioning or subtitles
    License

    License Type

    CUSTOM
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