Journalism Terms

Question 1

Attribution

Answer 1

Stating who said something. Clearly identifying the source of the information given

Question 2

Off/on the record

Answer 2

Off the record is something either giving information, but NOT revealing the source (anonymous) OR gathering information with the understanding that it will not be used at all. On the record is used in reference to the making of an official of public statement with the understanding that it can be used and the source can be identified

Question 3

Formal interview

Answer 3

One on one meeting based on a fixed list of questions in which interviewees respond

Question 4

News judgement

Answer 4

When you make a judgment based on information that you have. Deciding if this should be used, published, if it fits your audience, etc.

Question 5

Confidential source

Answer 5

Protection of sources. Confidential means their identity will not be revealed

Question 6

Investigative reporting

Answer 6

Reporters deeply investigate one single topic of interest, such as crimes

Question 7

Informed consent

Answer 7

Permission granted in the knowledge of the possible consequences

Question 8

Open/closed-ended question

Answer 8

An open ended question is one that requires information while a closed ended question is a question that be answered with yes or no

Question 9

Follow-up question

Answer 9

A question that further investigates information a person needs, did not receive in the first question

Question 10

Probe

Answer 10

An attempt to find the truth about an issue, problem, OR to gain a deeper understanding, through thorough questioning

Question 11

Softball/hardball questions

Answer 11

Hardball questions are questions that are difficult to answer while softball questions are questions that are easy to answer

Question 12

Primary/secondary source

Answer 12

A primary source is the original source such as an original document, with the key being that it was written/told by some present at the event
A secondary source is an account or interpretation of an event, often analyzes a primary source

Question 13

Two-part question

Answer 13

Two questions, the first in which you receive information and use it to ask another question with knowledge. Different from follow up because two part question is pre-planned

Question 14

Rephrase

Answer 14

An idea or question in an alternative way, changing detail of the original idea or question

Question 15

Indirect/direct quote

Answer 15

An indirect quote is when a writer paraphrases what someone said; a direct quote is a quote directly from the source of person word for word