Reader 21
When Personal Preference Affects Objectivity
Personal preference is not automatically a problem, but it can create partiality without a person realizing it. Someone may choose one method, product, idea, or explanation over another because it feels familiar or comfortable. Although the decision is ostensibly based on facts, personal taste may be influencing it. This creates the possibility of conflation, in which a person treats preference and proven effectiveness as though they were the same thing. For example, someone may prefer a familiar process and describe it as more effective even when there is little evidence to support that conclusion. The person may sincerely believe the judgment is fair while overlooking information that challenges it.
Complete impartiality may be impossible because everyone has experiences, habits, and expectations that affect how they interpret a situation. A person may also have a predisposition toward ideas that agree with what they already believe. The goal, therefore, is not to eliminate every preference. It is to recognize when preference is exerting too much influence. Someone may accept a choice because it feels right and then search for information to corroborate it. Likewise, a person may reject a new idea simply because it feels unfamiliar. In both cases, the decision is being made before the evidence has received adequate scrutiny.
A stronger approach is to establish a clear criterion for evaluating every option. People can ask, “Would I reach the same conclusion if this were not my preferred choice?” They should also consider counterevidence rather than focusing exclusively on details that support their initial view. This process requires discernment, particularly when a decision affects other people. Preference may still play a reasonable role, but it should not determine the entire outcome. Objectivity does not require people to have no personal views. It requires them to examine those views honestly and measure them against reliable evidence. When people acknowledge their preferences, they are better able to prevent those preferences from controlling their judgment.
SPEAK
Answer the questions in complete thoughts. Use evidence from the article when possible.
What is the main argument of the article?
How can personal preference create partiality without a person realizing it?
Why is complete impartiality difficult to achieve?
How can considering counterevidence improve a decision?
Do you think personal experience is a reliable criterion for making decisions? Explain your answer with support from the reading.
WRITE
Write one strong paragraph explaining this idea and feel free to use the article to support your answer.
Personal experience may justify a preference, but the preference should still be examined against objective evidence.
VOCABULARY
Review the vocabulary from this reader. Which words are new to you? List the new words and write a short meaning or example for each one.
partiality
ostensibly
conflation
impartiality
predisposition
corroborate
scrutiny
criterion
counterevidence
discernment
LISTEN
Listen to the recording and respond.
What did the speaker say?
How do you respond to the speaker’s opinion?
Use the reading to support your response.
