Which term relates to beliefs held by individuals that can colour their interpretation of facts?

• A. Bias
• B. Opinion
• C. Evidence
• D. Trial Transcripts

Answer: (B)

Bias is a tendency to see things through the lens of our own beliefs, experiences, or preferences, so this personal viewpoint colours how we interpret facts. This makes it the best fit because it captures the idea of a preconception that can distort objectivity and lead to skewed conclusions. An opinion is simply a personal belief about something, not necessarily about how we interpret information. Evidence refers to the data used to support a claim, and trial transcripts are records of what happened in court. In criminology, recognizing bias helps us understand why interpretations of facts can vary and emphasizes the importance of evaluating information objectively and consulting multiple sources.