Data Journalism and Reporting Techniques

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Questions and Answers

What is a key benefit of data journalism?

It simplifies the journalist's role in news reporting.

It exclusively uses data as its primary source.

It helps in telling complex stories through infographics. (correct)

It eliminates the need for traditional reporting.

What principle is emphasized for data journalism?

Creativity over verification.

Data should be trusted without skepticism.

Speed over accuracy.

Verification of data is critical. (correct)

Which of the following best describes the relationship between computer-assisted reporting (CAR) and traditional journalism practices?

CAR complements and enhances traditional journalistic practices. (correct)

CAR completely replaces traditional practices.

CAR creates more complexity in reporting.

CAR has no impact on journalistic techniques.

What becomes increasingly crucial in data journalism according to the content?

Interviewing multiple sources. Signup and view all the answers

What is a misconception regarding the role of computers in journalism?

They improve a poor journalist's skills. Signup and view all the answers

How should data be treated in data journalism according to the content?

With skepticism and responsibility. Signup and view all the answers

What role does trend analysis play in data journalism?

It serves to enhance understanding of complex stories. Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of data journalism requires enhanced accountability?

The interpretation and presentation of data. Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of personalized news gathering?

Engaging with individuals on a personal level Signup and view all the answers

Which step of the reporting process involves organizing gathered information?

News gathering Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of fact-checking is highlighted in the reporting process?

Proofreading written content Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a part of Reuters' approaches to news gathering?

Television broadcasting Signup and view all the answers

What is crucial when interacting with sources during personalized news gathering?

Building rapport and showing genuine curiosity Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of the population reported using social media as news participants according to a 2016 survey?

31% Signup and view all the answers

What should journalists focus on when gathering data?

Cleaning and organizing their data Signup and view all the answers

During the writing process, what is considered the ideal word count range for long-form articles?

1,000-1,500 words Signup and view all the answers

What significant development in journalism occurred in 1967?

Recognition of data analysis in journalism Signup and view all the answers

What is a key benefit of using data journalism?

It allows for better fact-checking and impactful reporting. Signup and view all the answers

Which approach is advised for journalism coverage?

Start with anecdotal leads for specific stories. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes citizen journalism?

Initiated and built by communities and ordinary people. Signup and view all the answers

How has the importance of journalists' ability to analyze data been acknowledged?

It is crucial for understanding public and business documents. Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the main insights provided by data visualization?

It helps journalists identify what they did or should have seen. Signup and view all the answers

What role does computer-assisted reporting (CAR) play in journalism?

It allows for quicker collection and analysis of complex data. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes the macro perspective in data journalism?

Focusing on large-scale data trends. Signup and view all the answers

What is a preferred tool for building a database in data journalism now?

Google Sheets Signup and view all the answers

What should a journalist ensure before building a spreadsheet?

The dataset does not already exist Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why graphs and tables were previously used in dealing with data?

They facilitate understanding of complex data Signup and view all the answers

What is a basic requirement when building a spreadsheet for journalism?

A clear topic and variables Signup and view all the answers

Why is accessing data in real-time considered preferable in data journalism?

It allows for immediate reporting and updates Signup and view all the answers

What mindset should a journalist adopt when building a database?

They need to continuously validate their data Signup and view all the answers

Before gathering information for a database, what important aspect should be established?

What the journalist wants to know or prove Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT considered a requirement for effective data journalism?

Employing static data tables Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of using quotation marks in a Google search?

To find a specific phrase or sentence Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a reliable source for information in a data journalism story?

Social media influencers Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic must a topic have to be considered data-driven?

It must have a data aspect that is new Signup and view all the answers

How does the order of words typed in a search affect the results?

It can significantly change the relevance of the results Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes primary sources in data journalism?

Data collected through surveys and experiments Signup and view all the answers

What type of queries are typically used for Google searches to find more accurate results?

Simple queries without conjunctions Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following URL suffixes indicates an educational institution?

.edu Signup and view all the answers

Which item is NOT a recommendation when sourcing information from the internet?

Rely solely on government websites Signup and view all the answers

What does the SMART criteria stand for in selecting a topic for data journalism?

Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Time-bound Signup and view all the answers

In data journalism, when verifying information, which of the following questions is important to ask?

Who wrote it and why? Signup and view all the answers

What strategy can be employed to focus a search specifically on journalism issues in a particular country?

Type the keywords followed by the country name Signup and view all the answers

Why is Google considered a valuable tool for sourcing information?

It provides a wide variety of sources including non-governmental organizations Signup and view all the answers

What is a notable feature of Google's search functionality?

It treats all letters equally in searches Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the recommended approach for crafting effective search queries?

Use simple language for better search results Signup and view all the answers

What is the main advantage of using open source investigation in data sourcing?

It utilizes freely available information Signup and view all the answers

When should one rely on real-life sources for data in journalism?

Only when online data is not comprehensive Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Data Journalism

Data journalism can tell complex stories through infographics.
Data can be the story's source, tool, or both.
News and features can also be used in data journalism.
Data collection involves finding trends and making data palatable.

Computer-Assisted Reporting

Some argue data has always been part of journalism (maps, tables).
Data analysis gained traction in the 1960s and 1980s.
Computer-assisted reporting (CAR) has become more widespread since the 2000s.
The ability to analyze and visualize data is critical for modern journalists.

Technology and Journalism

The rise of AI is creating a new debate about the future of journalism.
Data journalism utilizes technology to craft better stories.
Technology is not a replacement for critical journalistic practices.
Verification and skepticism are important.

Tools and Techniques

Journalists should be vigilant and thorough when using data.
Fact-checking is critical (numbers don't lie).
Storytelling techniques (macro/micro) are useful.
Anecdotal leads and case studies are valuable techniques.
Journalists need to know how to search and analyze digital data.

News Gathering and Reporting

Adaptability is key in journalism (e.g., COVID-19).
Reporting process often begins with an idea or tip.
Secondary and primary information are used.
News gathering often involves field work.
Analysis and angle creation are crucial.
Writing and fact-checking are necessary steps.
Submission of the article is the final step.

Social media is used by many for proactive news participation.
Journalists often make their own databases for in-depth analysis.

Data Sourcing and Workflow

Journalists need to source data from various places.
Data can come from government, libraries, or real people.
Think of the topic, get the data, organize it, then analyze it.

Database Building Process

Topic selection, data sourcing, and database building are steps in the process.
Data collection, storage, and retrieval in databases is important.
Accessing and managing information within a database system are necessary skills.
Data visualization is often one of last steps.

Working With Data

Data needs to be checked for accuracy and reliability.
Journalists need to consider the source of the data.
Effective data visualization is key to communicating insights.
Use quotation marks to ensure accuracy when searching for words/phrases.
"Or" can be used in searches to create variations.
Data requirements should be precise about what data is needed.
Spreadsheets are helpful for organizing data.

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Description

Explore the essentials of data journalism and computer-assisted reporting. This quiz covers the impact of technology on journalism, the importance of verification, and the tools and techniques used in data storytelling. Test your knowledge on how data can be both a source and a tool in modern journalism.