1. What is information gathering?
1.1. Journalists and strategic communicators require information to solve a problem. It's information for a reason, whether it's to...
1.1.1. Write a news story
1.1.2. Create a tweet
1.1.3. Write a press release
1.1.4. Design an advertisement
1.1.5. Shoot a video
1.1.6. Create a website
1.1.7. Design a web app
1.1.8. Map a pattern of facts
1.1.9. Make a photographic record of an event
2. Examples of Information
2.1. Information (results of research) can be primary, secondary or both.
2.1.1. Primary information: you are involved in the collection of information.
2.1.2. Secondary information: you are using data and information someone else collects.
2.1.3. Examples of primary and secondary information
3. Where does information come from?
3.1. This may seem like a silly question, but increasingly information is coming from new and different places.
3.1.1. Journalists and strategic communicators need to be on the forefront of how to get, make sense of and present a growing number of sources of information. People who can do this, will get hired.
3.1.1.1. Twitter, Google Analytics and data visualization programs such as mapping are all new sources of information.
4. Tools of the trade
4.1. Statistical analysis programs such as SPSS and spreadsheet programs such as Excel
4.2. Knowledge of database languages
4.3. Coding ability
4.4. Mapping and other apps for data visualization
4.5. Online analytics programs and services
4.6. Social media and related widgets or apps
5. Useful talents and traits for specialization
5.1. If you are efficient and innovative in your information gathering, your job as a journalist or strategic communicator will be much easier. You should have:
5.1.1. A working knowledge of current technology and software
5.1.2. Strong analytical and strategic thinking abilities
5.1.3. A knack for understanding target audience by using tools such as Google Analytics
5.1.4. The ability to visualize data's presentation
5.1.5. Project management skills
6. Information Gathering at MU
6.1. At the Missouri School of Journalism, students can gain in-depth experience in information gathering through many courses. For more information, click the arrow to browse the many suggested courses on the Interest Areas page of the J-School website.
6.1.1. Mapping courses
6.1.2. Qualitative or Quantitative methods/research
6.1.3. Media planning
6.1.4. Data journalism
6.1.5. App development
6.1.6. Analytics
6.1.7. Computer-assisted reporting
6.1.8. Psychology of Advertising