Investigative Research for Journalism: A Comprehensive Guide

Question 1

Which of the following is NOT a challenge faced by investigative journalists?

Accepted Answer

Ample resources

Answer

Access to restricted information

Answer

Threats and intimidation

Answer

Bias and preconceived notions

Question 2

Which of these is NOT a core principle of investigative research?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism and exaggeration

Answer

Objectivity and impartiality

Answer

Thoroughness and comprehensiveness

Answer

Analytical thinking and critical evaluation

Question 3

Which of the following practices violates the ethical principles of investigative journalism?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Objectivity

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Thoroughness

Question 4

What is the primary purpose of gathering and analyzing background information during investigative research?

Accepted Answer

To understand the broader context and significance of the investigation

Answer

To identify potential sources

Answer

To confirm the accuracy of allegations and claims

Answer

To write the story's introduction

Question 5

Which principle is NOT essential in investigative research?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism and emotional appeal

Answer

Objectivity and impartiality

Answer

Accuracy and verification of information

Question 6

The initial step in conducting an investigative research project is to:

Accepted Answer

Define a research question

Answer

Gather information

Answer

Formulate a hypothesis

Answer

Analyze data

Question 7

Which of the following is considered a credible source for investigative research?

Accepted Answer

Official government documents

Answer

Anonymous online forums

Answer

Social media posts

Answer

Personal anecdotes

Question 8

What is the primary purpose of a Freedom of Information (FOI) request?

Accepted Answer

To obtain public records from government agencies

Answer

To protect the confidentiality of sources

Answer

To verify the accuracy of information

Answer

To circumvent ethical considerations

Question 9

Which of the following is NOT a potential challenge faced by investigative journalists?

Accepted Answer

Guarantee of success

Answer

Access to information

Answer

Bias and preconceptions

Answer

Time constraints

Question 10

Which step is **not** essential in conducting investigative research?

Accepted Answer

Writing a research proposal

Answer

Identifying sources of information

Answer

Collecting data and evidence

Answer

Analyzing and interpreting findings

Question 11

When searching for sources during investigative research, it is advisable to:

Accepted Answer

Consider a diverse range of potential sources, including confidential informants.

Answer

Limit your search to official documents only.

Answer

Only approach sources who are willing to be named in the report.

Answer

Offer monetary incentives to sources in exchange for their cooperation.

Question 12

During investigative research, effective information gathering methods include:

Accepted Answer

Utilizing all of these methods

Answer

Monitoring social media platforms

Answer

Conducting thorough interviews

Answer

Analyzing public records

Question 13

Which option is **not** a distinguishing characteristic of investigative research?

Accepted Answer

Solely relying on official sources for information

Answer

Emphasizing in-depth research and analysis

Answer

Aiming to reveal hidden truths and hold power to account

Answer

Focusing on uncovering new and significant information

Question 14

What is the primary purpose of carefully verifying sources in investigative research?

Accepted Answer

To ensure the accuracy and authenticity of information

Answer

To establish trust and credibility with sources

Answer

To identify potential biases or conflicts of interest

Answer

To avoid legal consequences

Question 15

To effectively build rapport during an investigative interview, which approach is crucial?

Accepted Answer

Demonstrating empathy and understanding

Answer

Maintaining a neutral demeanor

Answer

Asking direct and specific questions

Answer

Recording the conversation without the interviewee's knowledge

Question 16

When encountering conflicting information during an investigation, the most appropriate course of action is to:

Accepted Answer

Evaluate the credibility and reliability of the sources

Answer

Ignore the conflicting information entirely

Answer

Report the conflicting information without providing context

Answer

Present the conflicting information as factual

Question 17

In investigative research, which of these is NOT a trait of trustworthy sources?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism

Answer

Accuracy

Answer

Transparency

Answer

Objectivity

Question 18

Which principle is NOT essential in investigative research?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism and Speculation

Answer

Objectivity and Unbiased Reporting

Answer

Accuracy and Fact-Checking

Answer

Thoroughness and Comprehensive Analysis

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of investigative research?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism and Bias

Answer

Accuracy and Objectivity

Answer

Thoroughness

Answer

Ethical Considerations

Question 20

Which of the following is NOT a fundamental principle of ethical investigative research?

Accepted Answer

Sensationalism and conjecture

Answer

Objectivity and impartiality

Answer

Accuracy and verification

Answer

Thoroughness and comprehensiveness

Question 21

Which step is essential to avoid misleading information during investigative research?

Accepted Answer

Identifying and evaluating sources

Answer

Gathering data from a limited number of sources

Answer

Analyzing data without considering multiple perspectives

Answer

Writing a report without thoroughly verifying information

Question 22

Which database is widely used by investigative journalists to access hidden information?

Accepted Answer

LexisNexis

Answer

Google Scholar

Answer

JSTOR

Answer

Wikipedia

Question 23

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) in the UK primarily aims to:

Accepted Answer

Guarantee access to information held by public bodies

Answer

Protect journalists from prosecution

Answer

Restrict the publication of sensitive information

Answer

Establish guidelines for media ownership

Question 24

Which technique is commonly employed by investigative journalists to ensure the accuracy of information?

Accepted Answer

Cross-referencing

Answer

Selective fact-checking

Answer

Relying solely on official statements

Answer

Ignoring contradictory evidence

Question 25

In investigative reporting, a 'straw man' is used to:

Accepted Answer

Create a hypothetical scenario to elicit responses and gather information

Answer

Protect the identities of confidential sources

Answer

Strengthen the main argument by presenting a weaker opposing view

Answer

Distort the focus of the investigation

Question 26

When using social media for investigative research, it is crucial to:

Accepted Answer

Verify the authenticity of accounts and content

Answer

Disregard privacy concerns of individuals involved

Answer

Take information out of context to support claims

Answer

Ignore potential biases and misinformation

Question 27

The principle of 'attributed reporting' in investigative journalism means:

Accepted Answer

Citing sources for factual claims to ensure transparency

Answer

Protecting the anonymity of confidential sources at all costs

Answer

Using only direct quotes to avoid misinterpretation

Answer

Avoiding subjective language and opinions

Question 28

The Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) primarily serves to:

Accepted Answer

Grant access to public documents and information

Answer

Facilitate investigations by law enforcement agencies

Answer

Protect individuals' privacy from government intrusion

Answer

Regulate the collection and use of personal data

Question 29

When gathering information for an investigative research project, it is essential to:

Accepted Answer

Verify information from multiple sources

Answer

Interview only official sources

Answer

Accept all information at face value

Answer

Exclusively rely on online databases

Question 30

The purpose of using public records in investigative research is to:

Accepted Answer

Substantiate claims and verify facts

Answer

Access confidential information

Answer

Build personal connections with sources

Answer

Avoid the need for interviews

Question 31

In investigative journalism, what is considered a primary source?

Accepted Answer

A firsthand account from a witness

Answer

A government document

Answer

A newspaper article summarizing events

Answer

A social media post sharing opinions

Question 32

What is the fundamental responsibility of an investigative journalist?

Accepted Answer

Holding those in power accountable

Answer

Reporting news with accuracy

Answer

Shaping public opinion

Answer

Providing entertainment to readers

Question 33

In the United Kingdom, what is the significance of the Freedom of Information Act?

Accepted Answer

It empowers citizens to access official government documents

Answer

It protects journalists from prosecution

Answer

It regulates the use of investigative techniques

Answer

It establishes ethical guidelines for journalism

Question 34

How does data analysis aid in uncovering hidden patterns and connections during investigative research?

Accepted Answer

By identifying trends, anomalies, and correlations within the data.

Answer

By providing a comprehensive overview of all collected information.

Answer

By eliminating the need for qualitative research methods.

Question 35

Which type of interview technique is most appropriate for gathering sensitive information from reluctant sources?

Accepted Answer

Off-the-record interviews

Answer

Structured interviews

Answer

Telephone interviews

Answer

Group interviews

Question 36

What is the primary objective of triangulation in investigative research?

Accepted Answer

Validating findings by comparing information from multiple sources

Answer

Enhancing credibility by relying solely on official documents

Answer

Avoiding bias by considering only one perspective

Question 37

Which factor can significantly influence the reliability of investigative research findings?

Accepted Answer

The researcher's preconceived assumptions and biases

Answer

The number of sources consulted

Answer

The use of advanced statistical techniques

Question 38

What is a key distinction between an investigative research project and a news story?

Accepted Answer

Investigative research is generally more in-depth, evidence-based, and driven by public interest, while news stories often focus on immediacy and current events

Answer

Investigative research is not held to the same ethical standards as news stories

Question 39

Which of the following is an example of a public records request?

Accepted Answer

Requesting copies of government documents relating to a specific issue

Answer

Conducting a survey among members of the public

Answer

Interviewing a politician about their legislative agenda

Question 40

What is the primary goal of utilizing data visualization in investigative research?

Accepted Answer

Presenting complex information in a clear and accessible way to enhance understanding

Answer

Manipulating data to support a specific argument

Answer

Impressing readers with the researcher's technical expertise

Question 41

Which of the following is a common challenge faced by investigative researchers during their work?

Accepted Answer

Gaining access to confidential or restricted information

Answer

Writing engaging and accessible prose

Answer

Finding a compelling story

Answer

Getting published in reputable journals

Question 42

What is the significance of whistleblowers in investigative journalism?

Accepted Answer

They can provide valuable information and insights to journalists, helping to expose wrongdoing and corruption

Answer

Their information should be dismissed out of hand

Answer

They are always motivated by personal gain and should be treated with caution