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Objective vs Subjective: The Difference Explained

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Objective information is fact and analysis that isn't influenced by emotion, opinion or biases.
Subjective information is communication that is influenced by emotion, opinions, biases or an agenda.

The Difference

Objective information is based on facts, analysis, rational thought and logic. It doesn't need to be measurable and can include qualitative judgement based on your powers of reason.
Subjective information is a personal analysis based on your individual opinions, emotions, world view, political alliances and biases.

The Point

Generally speaking, objective information is more accurate and useful. Subjective information may be useful to you or friends who care how you feel about something. However, it isn't widely useful as a knowledge source. For example, decisions based on objective information are more likely to be optimal.

Example

An objective review of a university states facts about the school's history, values, governance, programs, academic reputation and its culture. Analysis presents both sides of the story including negative and positive details.
A subject review of a university is based on an individual's bad experience and looks at everything from a negative perspective. It is overly dramatic and tries hard to convince the reader of a particular opinion.
Objective vs Subjective
Objective
Subjective
Definition
Information and analysis based on diligent research and rational thought.
Information and analysis based on opinion, emotion or an agenda.

Knowledge

This is the complete list of articles we have written about knowledge.
A Posteriori
A Priori
Anti-Information
Artifact
Artificial Knowledge
Background Knowledge
Body Of Knowledge
Classification
Data
Defensive Publication
Disinformation
Dispersed Knowledge
Domain Knowledge
Filter Bubble
Half-life Of Knowledge
Independent Knowledge
Information
Information Asymmetry
Know-how
Knowledge
Knowledge Capital
Knowledge Economy
Knowledge Gap
Knowledge Loss
Knowledge Management
Knowledge Processes
Knowledge Product
Knowledge Quality
Knowledge Use
Knowledge Velocity
Knowledge Waste
Known Unknowns
Meta Knowledge
Myth
Originality
Pessimistic Induction
Prior Art
Qualitative Data
Situated Knowledge
Storytelling
Tacit Knowledge
Traditional Knowledge
Types Of Knowledge
Uncertainty Principle
Understanding
Unknown Unknowns
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Types Of Knowledge

The differences between types of knowledge.

Curse Of Knowledge

Why experts have trouble communicating.

Tacit Knowledge

Knowledge that escapes documentation.

Disinformation vs Anti-Information

Two types of broken knowledge.

Knowledge Work

A definition of knowledge work with examples.

Information vs Knowledge

The difference between information and knowledge.

Expert Generalist

A definition of expert generalist with an example.

Qualitative Data

A definition of qualitative data with examples.

Knowledge Value

A definition of knowledge value with examples.

Thought Processes

A list of thinking approaches and types.

Logic

A few logic terms explained.

Cognitive Biases

A list of common cognitive biases explained.

Abstract Ideas

A few dangers of being too abstract.

Intellectual Diversity

A definition of intellectual diversity with examples.

Creative Value

The definition of creative value with examples.

Anecdotal Evidence

The definition of anecdotal evidence with examples.

Benefit Of Doubt

The definition of benefit of doubt with examples.

Pessimism

The definition of pessimism with examples.
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