The American Psychological Association has authored a publication manual, from which this section entitled "Guidelines to Reduce Bias in Language" was taken. The manual offers insightful suggestions.
Bias categories included in the section are: gender, sexual orientation, racial/ ethnic groups, disabled people, and ageism. The article describes three guidelines for bias reduction: be specific, avoid labels and acknowledge participation.
In order to describe at the appropriate level of specificity the writer should be familiar with the knowledge base of their audience. As a general rule it is better to be more specific rather than less. The second guideline warns of biased stereotypes. Labeling of a group which is being studied may lead to a biased portrayal of that group. The third guideline--acknowledging participation--also reduces bias in language. Writing about people in the study in a passive manner suggests that the individuals were acted upon. It is best to acknowledge participation in order to reduce bias in writing.
The article offers two ways to test or proofread papers for bias: first, substitute the writer's group for the group or groups discussed; second, imagine the writer is a member of the group being discussed.
The section gives examples of each of the bias categories. The
article describes ageism reduction by using specifics like "ages
65-83" rather than "over 65". This selection also
contains a seven page table which contrasts problematic writing
with preferred examples for bias reduction. A problematic example
of this table is "the elderly" and preferred would read
"older people". The selection contains a list of recommended
readings--in the bibliography--for further research on reducing
bias.
The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association is most used by writers and students in psychology, behavioral and social sciences, nursing, criminology, and personnel areas. The fourth edition of the American Psychological Association's publication manual was expanded and revised to include: new information on technological tools, contemporary language issues, and publishing standards.
The American Psychological Association spent 10 years collecting data, and 2 years on research and development to complete this revision. According to the Publication Manual the APA had two goals to guide the changes: encourage authors to write about their research with specificity, and guide them in writing about the participants with sensitivity and accuracy.
The rules provided in the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association are drawn from a large body of psychological literature, from editors and authors experienced in psychological writing, and from recognized authorities on publication practices. The fourth edition contains an updated section on bias reduction. It is my understanding that the updated version is more extensive--more categories in which bias is reduced-- and speaks to more topics that may be affected by biased language. Because biases are ever-changing it is important to keep updating the information on bias reduction. Full texts of these guidelines are available through the Office of Communications: American Psychological Association, Publications Office, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, DC 20002-4242.
I believe that this publication manual illustrates a proper and thorough way to reduce bias in language. The five categories, gender, sexual orientation, racial/ ethnic groups, disability, and age, are current categories which must be included when discussing bias reduction. It is best to say--there were 300 Asian participants, 150 from Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, and Vietnam) and 150 from East Asia (North and South Korea)--rather than participants were 300 Orientals.
The authors of this manual have been researching and writing on these topics since 1928. The American Psychological Association is simply offering suggestions to improve writing. The prescriptive nature of this article makes it comfortable to use. The publication manual offers a full list of alternative references on such topics as bias reduction. The table which is found at the end of the article is a helpful tool. Not only does the manual list the guidelines they also offer detailed examples. These detailed examples reiterate the suggestions to bias reduction in language.
Bias is problematic for effective communication of thoughts and
ideas on many topics today. It is my opinion that even the best
writer can succumb to biased writing. By proofreading the paper
not only for grammar but for bias also, we can avoid this pitfall
of communication.
© Angie Lettner, Winona (MN) State University, 30 January 1997. This document may be freely distributed for educational use as long as this notice of its authorship accompanies its distribution.
Return to annotated bibliography on language, gender, and writing.