Where data comes from

Class 4 Feb. 8, 2017

Thinking about data, how it’s collected, how to get it.

POP QUIZ!

Story

Readings from homework

Discussion points

Presentations

Lab

Walkthroughs


Homework

Read

Type Where Details
Reading MuckRock What is a public record?

Read up on MuckRock and think of some good questions to ask its executive editor JPat Brown next week because he’ll be joining us in class via Google Hangout

Lab

Part 1

Part 2

Create a data memo in a beat you’re interested in

Regarding the data you’re envisioning, answer

  • Why this data source is interesting and what you’re curious about
  • Where this data exists, or where you expect to find it
  • Anticipated problems in collecting or analyzing it

This is just brainstorming and you don’t have to commit to what you come up with for the homework for your midterm or final project.

This will hopefully set you on the path toward thinking of data as soon as possible.

Length: Between 1/2 and a 1 page long

DUE before class Feb. 15

I will give feedback and help you refine researching possibilities.