10.3 Research and Reporting for Features

Feature writers rely on diverse research methods to uncover compelling stories. From primary sources like interviews and documents to secondary sources like academic journals, journalists gather a rich tapestry of information to inform their narratives.

Effective interviewing techniques are crucial for extracting valuable insights from sources. Preparation, active listening, and building rapport help journalists elicit detailed responses, while post-interview procedures ensure accuracy. These methods, combined with data analysis, form the foundation of engaging narrative structures.

Research Methods and Source Identification

Research methods for feature stories

Top images from around the web for Research methods for feature stories

• 

  Preliminary Research Strategies | Guide to Writing View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Planning Your Sources – Choosing & Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Why Is Research Important? | Guide to Writing View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Preliminary Research Strategies | Guide to Writing View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Planning Your Sources – Choosing & Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

Top images from around the web for Research methods for feature stories

• 

  Preliminary Research Strategies | Guide to Writing View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Planning Your Sources – Choosing & Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Why Is Research Important? | Guide to Writing View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Preliminary Research Strategies | Guide to Writing View original

  Is this image relevant?

• 

  Planning Your Sources – Choosing & Using Sources: A Guide to Academic Research View original

  Is this image relevant?

1 of 3

• Primary sources provide firsthand accounts and original information
  • Interviews with subjects, experts, and witnesses yield direct perspectives
  • Original documents and records offer unfiltered data (court transcripts)
  • Direct observation of events or locations captures immediate details
• Secondary sources offer analysis and context
  • Books and academic journals provide in-depth background
  • News articles and reports offer current information and updates
  • Government publications and statistics present official data
• Online research techniques enhance information gathering
  • Advanced search operators narrow down results (site:edu, filetype:pdf)
  • Fact-checking websites verify claims (Snopes, PolitiFact)
  • Digital archives and databases store historical records (newspaper archives)
• Field research methods involve direct engagement
  • Participant observation immerses researcher in subject's environment
  • Ethnographic studies examine cultural phenomena over extended periods
  • Site visits and immersion provide firsthand experience of locations

Sources for in-depth reporting

• Source types contribute diverse perspectives
  • Subject matter experts offer specialized knowledge (climate scientists)
  • Eyewitnesses provide immediate accounts of events
  • People directly affected by the story share personal experiences
  • Officials and authorities present official positions (mayors, police chiefs)
• Source identification strategies expand network
  • Snowball sampling uses existing contacts to find new sources
  • Social media outreach connects with potential sources online
  • Professional networking leverages industry connections
• Establishing credibility of sources ensures reliability
  • Verifying credentials and expertise confirms authority
  • Cross-referencing information corroborates facts
  • Assessing potential biases identifies conflicts of interest
• Building rapport with potential sources fosters trust
  • Clear communication of story goals sets expectations
  • Transparency about the reporting process builds credibility
  • Respecting boundaries and privacy concerns demonstrates professionalism

Interview Techniques and Data Analysis

Effective interview techniques

• Pre-interview preparation enhances productivity
  • Background research on the interviewee informs question development
  • Developing a list of key questions ensures coverage of important topics
  • Preparing necessary equipment prevents technical issues (recorder, notebook)
• Interview techniques elicit valuable information
  • Open-ended questions encourage detailed responses
  • Active listening allows for follow-up on important points
  • Follow-up questions clarify and expand on initial answers
• Types of interviews suit different situations
  • In-person interviews allow for observation of body language
  • Phone interviews accommodate distant sources
  • Video calls combine visual cues with remote accessibility
  • Email interviews provide written records for fact-checking
• Building trust during interviews improves rapport
  • Maintaining eye contact demonstrates engagement
  • Showing empathy encourages openness
  • Respecting sensitive topics maintains professionalism
• Post-interview procedures ensure accuracy
  • Transcribing recordings creates written records
  • Fact-checking information verifies details
  • Sending follow-up questions clarifies uncertainties

Narrative structure from research

• Data organization methods structure information
  • Chronological timelines sequence events
  • Thematic grouping categorizes related information
  • Character profiles compile details about key individuals
• Narrative structure techniques shape storytelling
  • Inverted pyramid presents most important information first
  • Narrative arc creates engaging flow (exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, resolution)
  • Parallel storylines interweave multiple perspectives
• Identifying key story elements focuses narrative
  • Central conflict or tension drives reader interest
  • Turning points mark significant shifts in story
  • Character development reveals growth and change
• Analysis tools visualize information
  • Mind mapping connects related concepts
  • Storyboarding outlines visual elements
  • Outline creation structures main points and supporting details
• Synthesizing information develops deeper understanding
  • Identifying patterns and trends reveals underlying themes
  • Drawing connections between seemingly unrelated facts uncovers new insights
  • Developing a central thesis or argument guides overall narrative