3 Interviewing and Sources Free Online FlashCards

What is the purpose of a journalistic interview?

A purposeful conversation in which a reporter seeks accurate information, explanation, and perspective for an audience.

What should a reporter research before an interview?

Research the topic and the interviewee’s role, review relevant documents or public statements, and identify gaps or claims needing clarification.

How should an interview question outline be ordered?

Begin with accessible background, move to specific and more difficult issues, and leave time for follow-up questions.

What qualities make an interview question useful?

Short, neutral, open-ended questions invite useful answers without suggesting the response the reporter expects.

Why should a reporter ask one thing at a time?

Ask one thing at a time; when several issues are bundled together, the interviewee may answer only the easiest part.

When are closed interview questions useful?

Closed questions can confirm a specific fact, but usually need a follow-up that supplies context.

How can a reporter probe the evidence behind a claim?

Ask questions such as “How do you know?” or “What records support that?” to establish the basis for a claim.

How should a reporter listen during an interview?

Listen to understand the answer, let the person finish, and use unexpected details to guide follow-up questions.

How do an interview observation and a judgment differ?

An observation records what happened; a judgment interprets it. For example, “paused before answering” is an observation, while “seemed dishonest” is a judgment.

Why take notes even when an interview is recorded?

Keep notes as a backup because devices can fail and recordings may not capture useful context.

What should a reporter do soon after an interview?

Review the recording and expand notes promptly, while details are fresh; confirm spellings and titles and follow up on gaps.

How should a reporter respond when an interviewee evades a question?

Stay calm, state what remains unanswered, and restate the question plainly to request a direct response.