ABSTRACT
Research and analysis are hallmarks of effective media writers. This chapter is a primer on the research process. For media writers, research usually begins with a question rather than a hypothesis (theoretical question) because journalists and public relations professionals are not so much trying prove a point as to investigate an issue and report their findings. Nevertheless, media writers should understand the practices of formal research, especially those dealing with validity, reliability, and generalizability. The chapter offers tips on how journalists can cultivate news sources and how to use reference materials such as blogs, meeting agendas and minutes, court transcripts, and government and organizational reports. A section on Math and Media Writers offers guidelines in understanding and using averages, currency conversion, percentages and percentage change, number analogies, and the concept of per capita. It also deals with probability and sampling and offers tips on how to conduct meaningful survey research.
