The Difference Between Subjective and Objective Information

Subjective is a term that refers to someone’s personal opinions or feelings regarding a particular subject matter. Subjective views or opinions are not based on truth or fact. They are one person’s unique interpretation of an idea and their own thoughts, feelings, and background. A subjective observation is influenced by a number of factors, including many different types of biases. In grammar, subjective means any qualities that refer to the subject of a sentence.

The word “objective” refers to factual, data-based information that is not informed by bias. Although feelings and personal opinions are not objective, objective data like facts or historical information can form the basis for an opinion or feeling. When someone gives you an objective assessment of a topic, it is formulated from data, verifiable facts, or other irrefutable evidence without considering the speaker’s personal feelings. Journalists strive to objectively report facts, as not to influence their readership with their subjective personal biases. Objectivity in grammar can also refer to the “object” or a sentence, meaning a noun that the subject of the sentence acts on.

Subjective and objective are two forms of perception, and the main difference between them is that a subjective point of view focuses on a personal interpretation of the subject, while an objective viewpoint is based on factual data. Here are the three main differences between subjective and objective.

1. 1. Facts versus feelings. An objective reading of a text focuses on the facts and data-based information, regardless of the person’s feelings. A subjective reading of a text focuses on a person’s unique feelings and experience.
2. 2. Embracing versus denying bias. Subjectivity refers to the personal opinion that a subject has, embracing personal biases. Being objective means erasing any personal bias that a reader may have.
3. 3. Grammatical meanings. In grammar, subjective refers to the subject of a sentence, or the noun performing an action. Objective refers to qualities dealing with the object of a sentence, or a noun that an action is done to.

There are many different ways to express objectivity and subjectivity. Creative topics in arts and entertainment are always subjective as they are based on a person’s personal preference, while hard news reporting must always remain objective. Read on for some examples of objective and subjective statements.

• Subjective: “This carpet is my favorite color of red.”
• Objective: “This carpet is red.”
• Subjective: “I don’t like folk music.”
• Objective: “Even though I don’t like folk music, many professional folk musicians are objectively skilled players.”
• Subjective: “Living in a place that doesn’t have cold winters is better than living in a place that does.”
• Objective: “Places that are close to the equator do not have cold winters.”

Here are some general tips on how to differentiate between subjective and objective, and how to use the two in your everyday life.

1. 1. Examine the context. Think critically about the context of the information before you make an objective or subjective statement. In formal debates, the debating parties are asked to keep their arguments objective. If you’re giving advice to a friend, they may want your subjective opinion on the matter rather than what you surmise the logical choice would be.
2. 2. Distinguish between feeling and fact. Word choice is important when making a subjective or objective statement. When distinguishing between making subjective and objective statements, remember that using “I think” or “I feel” indicates your point of view is based on emotion or bias rather than an objective perspective.
3. 3. Use a mnemonic. If you’re simply trying to remember the difference between the terms, you can use a handy mnemonic. Subjective opinions are ones shaped by your own sensibilities, both which start with ‘s.’ Objective opinions are ones shaped by facts or impartial observations, both of which start with an ‘o.’

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