Tools and Techniques
The Pearl Project is an advanced hands-on research project that applies the tools and techniques of in-depth reporting and research. The Pearl Project follows a scientific model toward conducting an investigation, working both as a individual researchers and as part of a team. We use advanced reporting methods of collecting evidence, including Freedom of Information Act requests, public records, database searches, interviewing and other techniques.
This Pearl Project is intended to be extremely practical, while at the same time causing researchers to think deeply about the issues we explore and why we study them. The Pearl Projects is immersed in the practice of investigative journalism and research.
Goals
Apply strategies for gathering and analyzing information, and developing background information. Pearl Project members apply the research and analysis techniques of in-depth research and reporting, investigative journalism and narration techniques used in in-depth news writing and reporting.
Goals for Investigative Research:
- Go beyond the day-to-day journalism done at most newspapers, magazines and broadcast outlets.
- Gather information by using documents and databases, interviewing more effectively and getting out into the field.
- Use primary and secondary sources including people sources, paper sources, electronic documents and databases, both online and offline.
- Organize research materials and then write a compelling narrative that covers not only the who, what, when and where, but also the why, the how and the “so what?”