Community of Online Research Assignments

Lesson Plan May 6, 2021

What’s Behind a Web Search? Bias and Algorithms

Short Description

We use Google every day, but we do really understand why we get certain results? This event will explain what an algorithm is, how search engines use them, and how bias exists in our search results. Attendees will have a chance to reflect on the ways biased results can echo larger biases for representation in society.  Access this site at your convenience at: https://jmu.libwizard.com/f/algorithms-bias

Co-creators: Malia Willey and Alyssa Young.

Learning Outcomes

Learning goals: 

  • Defining a broader context for algorithms 

  • Analyzing Google results for algorithmic bias 

  • Identifying actions for countering algorithmic bias

Additional Instructor Resources (e.g. in-class activities, worksheets, supplements, etc.)

Suggested Citation

Schubert, Carolyn. "What’s Behind a Web Search? Bias and Algorithms." CORA (Community of Online Research Assignments). 2021. https://projectcora.org/lesson/whats-behind-web-search-bias-and-algorithms

Carolyn Schubert

Malia Willey and Alyssa Young are co-authors. Please include them in any citations or attributions of this work.