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Reflection of My Research and Investigation Skills Development: A Journey Toward Mastery in Journalism and Film

When I first enrolled in the Research and Investigation Skills Development course at Full Sail University, I set out with three succinct goals:

To improve my ability to conduct thorough online research.

To develop a stronger understanding of how to critically evaluate sources.

To better grasp the ethical responsibilities involved in investigative journalism and how those principles can be applied across both fields.

As I reflect on the knowledge I've gained throughout the course, I can confidently say that these goals have been met, but I’ve also acquired a deeper understanding of the research process, insights that will serve me well in pursuing a journalistic and film career.

1. Improving Online Research Skills

One of my primary goals was to enhance my ability to conduct effective online research. In journalism and film, robust research is the cornerstone of creating credible, engaging content. This course introduced me to various research methods and platforms, such as Google Scholar and academic databases, to find reliable information. I learned how to access and evaluate scholarly sources, official reports, and even interviews that might be part of public records (Creswell, 2014). Additionally, I was introduced to the importance of cross-referencing information across multiple outlets, which helps identify discrepancies and confirm the reliability of sources. This has made me more confident in finding trustworthy sources and organizing research effectively, whether for investigative journalism or documentary filmmaking.

2. Developing Critical Source Evaluation Skills

Another key goal was to strengthen my ability to critically evaluate sources. In the course, we discussed assessing sources' authority, accuracy, and relevance, which is crucial in investigative journalism. I learned to recognize the nuances of bias, misinformation, and false narratives, particularly when dealing with online sources (Silverman, 2016). One lesson that stood out to me was the necessity of verifying sources by consulting multiple perspectives before drawing any conclusions. This skill will prove invaluable in my future work in today’s digital age, where misinformation is rampant. For example, when cultivating a documentary or historical film, relying on verified sources is essential to avoid misleading the audience.

3. Understanding Ethical Standards in Investigative Journalism

My third goal was to deepen my understanding of the ethical standards in investigative journalism. Throughout the course, we explored various ethical and legal dilemmas and case studies in journalism. We learned how to approach sensitive topics with respect and transparency while adhering to ethical guidelines to protect sources and individuals involved in a story (American Press Institute, 2020). This is particularly critical in filmmaking, where creators must be cautious about how they portray their subjects, often walking the line between objectivity and creative interpretation (Nichols, 2017). The course emphasized the importance of avoiding plagiarism, giving proper attribution, and adhering to privacy laws.

How This Knowledge Prepares Me for My Journalistic Career

The skills and principles I've developed during this course will directly apply to my future journalism and film career. Journalism, research, and ethical reporting are at the heart of maintaining trust with the audience. Knowing how to conduct thorough, objective research, cross-check facts, and evaluate sources will help ensure the accuracy of my stories. Research is crucial for building a credible narrative in film, especially documentary filmmaking. Ethical considerations, such as respecting privacy and the story's integrity, are fundamental in telling truthful, compelling stories (Aufderheide, 2012). This course has equipped me with tools to navigate both disciplines ethically and effectively.

In conclusion, this course has equipped me with a set of skills that will be invaluable in my journalistic and filmmaking career. I possess the ability to conduct thorough research, critically evaluate sources, and maintain ethical standards in both fields. This will help me produce well-researched, accurate, and responsible content to engage audiences and positively contribute to public discourse.

References

American Press Institute. (2020). Ethics and standards in journalism. Retrieved from https://www.americanpressinstitute.org Aufderheide, P. (2012). Documentary film: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press. Creswell, J. W. (2014). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications. Nichols, B. (2017). Introduction to documentary (3rd ed.). Indiana University Press. Silverman, C. (2016). The verification handbook: A definitive guide to verifying digital content for emergency coverage. European Journalism Centre.