Bias In Data Visualizations

The chart below shows a media bias outlay as proposed by its source, https://www.adfontesmedia.com
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The raw data set gives a horizontal and vertical view of how they have classified media bias. One of the major issues is the X axis, which classifies Left, Neutral, and Right political leanings. This can be subjective. One of the major issues in visualizations in data science is introducing subjective categories for analysis.

The Y axis is somewhat mixed. For example, we can see how a classification for Original Fact Reporting can be defended, as for the rest of the categories to a certain degree, but classification of the X axis is substantially more difficult to quantify.

This is much different than graphing opinions from surveys to quantitative data. While the X, Y graph's data set is open to the public it merely contains the news outlet and the X and Y values. While I agree with many of its classifications from my personal viewing consumption, there are questions as to the qualitative methodology listed on the graph.

The point of this blog entry is not to quarrel with its findings, but to highlight what we see every day. Without insight into the methodology, one would have to first see if they agree or disagree with the findings. The next step would be to ask why and refer to a white paper on the methods to dig down.

It is ironic to be questioning bias on a graph about bias.