Research Background

Definition

Research background refers to the process of gathering and analyzing information about a subject before conducting interviews or reporting. It involves understanding the context, key players, and relevant events related to the topic, which helps in formulating informed questions and facilitating more meaningful conversations during interviews.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Effective research background can lead to more insightful questions, allowing for deeper responses from interview subjects.
2. Knowing the subject's background helps build rapport and trust during interviews, making interviewees feel more comfortable sharing information.
3. Research background is essential for identifying biases and understanding different perspectives on a topic.
4. It can involve reviewing articles, books, reports, and any available multimedia related to the subject before conducting interviews.
5. A strong research background not only aids in interviews but also enhances overall narrative quality by ensuring accuracy and context in storytelling.

Review Questions

• How does having a solid research background influence the types of questions you ask during an interview?
  • A solid research background enables you to ask informed and relevant questions that are tailored to the subject matter. This understanding allows you to dig deeper into topics that may be important or nuanced, leading to richer responses. Without this preparation, questions may be too generic or miss critical angles that could yield more engaging insights from the interviewee.
• What strategies can you employ to effectively gather research background before an interview?
  • To gather effective research background, you can start by reading articles, watching documentaries, and reviewing reports related to your subject. Utilize credible sources and pay attention to recent developments to ensure your knowledge is current. Additionally, creating a list of key themes or points you want to explore during the interview can guide your research efforts and keep your focus sharp.
• Evaluate the potential consequences of neglecting research background when preparing for an interview and how it affects narrative journalism.
  • Neglecting research background can lead to a lack of depth in interviews, resulting in surface-level responses that fail to capture the essence of the story. This oversight can create inaccuracies in reporting, which may misinform audiences or perpetuate biases. Ultimately, it compromises the integrity of narrative journalism by undermining the thoroughness required for compelling storytelling, reducing its impact and credibility.

Related terms

Contextual Knowledge: Understanding the circumstances or background information surrounding a topic that can inform and enhance the depth of an interview.

Pre-Interview Preparation: The steps taken before an interview to ensure the interviewer is ready, including reviewing notes, formulating questions, and understanding the interviewee's background.

Source Evaluation: The process of assessing the credibility and relevance of information sources to ensure accuracy in reporting.