Objective means dependent on factual evidence and/or measurement.

Subjective means dependent on perception, personal feelings, and/or opinions.

Being able to distinguish between objective and subjective concepts is an essential skill, which often has to be learned, since humans inherently exist subjectively. Everyone carries bias from our individual experiences, and that bias is built into the way we view, describe, and interact with the world around us.

Objectivity is typically viewed as a tool for reducing the bias that all language has. Fluency when identifying bias in daily life will allow us to better interpret and analyze information we encounter. While doing so, we should also aim to recognize the value of a subjective lens.

Check Your Understanding

For each of the following examples, evaluate if the statement is objective or subjective, then click the arrow to reveal the answer.

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Objective facts are described through operationalization.

Operationalization means defining something in terms of the operations used to determine, evaluate, or assess it. This aims to minimize bias by calling attention to the methods used to define terms, allowing us to more directly assess the value & evidence behind the claim.

Subjective concepts are described through labels & constructs.

Labels & constructs are classifying phrases or names and do not give reference to the operations used to determine, evaluate, or assess them. This is often simpler & easier than giving a detailed, operationalized description.