I am trying to unserstand the difference in bias and opinion. Is there a difference?

Question

http://www.answers.com/topic/bias
Read definition 2a.

http://www.answers.com/topic/opinion

Basically, all people have opinions, by which they express their biases. The two terms are not identical, but they are often closely related in their uses.

=)

I think Writeacher gave you a good explanation.
Generally, a bias is a preference for one outcome or side over another.
An opinion is a conclusion based on one's own experiences and observations.
The two terms are not the same; it is possible to have an opinion, but for it to be biased.
As an ezample, think of two sides rooting for their teams in a sporting event. Members of each side have the opinion their side will win, because they are biased -they want their side to win. Does this help clarify the difference?
Having an unbiased opinion, i.e., being neutral, is very difficult but that is what experts in various professions, such as law and medicine, are supposed to strive for.
_________________
To Bob P.: I saw your request below and forgot to respond. Yes, I would be interested in fielding some question on this board. Math is my field -I don't teach it, but I have tutored some. I've also studied communications and enjoy handling questions like the one jennifer posted here.

I'll weigh in to add my two cents to the great ideas you've read from BobPursley, Writeacher, and Roger.

I think an opinion is a belief held by a person that may or may not ever be expressed. To me, a bias implies action of some kind showing that prejudice or bias.

For instance, I have strong religious opinions, but I don't show a bias for or against other people on the basis of their religious beliefs. My religious opinions are private and have nothing to do with others' beliefs.