Journalism research is an iterative process that creates new threads of inquiry and helps identify and scope story ideas.
Inquiry is an integral part of the research process in reporting, often leading down different lines of questioning as journalists learn more about the issue(s) they are covering, and identify gaps in existing news coverage. Expert journalists recognize the importance of following those paths and digging for answers. They also understand that research is an integral part of the process in determining the credibility of an information source and confirming what they have been told. The range and depth of questions that journalists ask and examine can vary depending on the nature of the topic, with some issues requiring more investigation to provide further support for a story. Novice journalists stick to a limited number of research methods, while experts have developed a wider variety of strategies for researching and questioning. Experts are also able to recognize the scope of inquiry needed (depending on the topic), the demands of the publication cycle, and the importance of deadlines. Novices will feel their research is complete once there is enough information for a reader to understand the story and will typically stay at the surface level, whereas an expert will also ensure that they have explored multiple sides of a story.
Journalists who are developing their information literate abilities
Journalists who are developing their information literate abilities
