Finding Data

In this session, we were given the task to working in pairs and conduct research into multiple of things about data.

1. What is data?

‘1.Information in raw or unorganized form (such as alphabets, numbers, or symbols) that refer to, or represent, conditions, ideas, or objects. Data is limitless and present everywhere in the universe’.

http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/data.html

“Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis”
Google

2.What are the different types of data?

Qualitative datais descriptive information (it describes something)

Quantitative data, is numerical information (numbers).

https://www.mathsisfun.com/data/data.html

     3. What is data journalism?

Data journalism is a journalism specialty reflecting the increased role that numerical data is used in the production and distribution of information in the digital era. It reflects the increased interaction between content producers (journalist) and several other fields such as design, computer science and statistics.

http://datajournalismhandbook.org/1.0/en/introduction_1.html

      4. Why is data journalism important?

This is why data journalism is so important. Gathering, filtering and visualizing what is happening beyond what the eye can see has a growing value. – See more at:

http://datajournalismhandbook.org/1.0/en/introduction_1.html#sthash.7lXeW0G6.dpuf

         5.What are different sources of data?

Alphanumeric or Text, Number, Currency, Date/Time, Autonumber and Logical, Boolean, Yes/No

Sources of Data

• survey results
• newspapers
• books
• magazines
• internet – data websites from organisations. i.e. data.gov
• social media
• posters/flyers
• leaflets
• annuals
• infographics

This task, was a done in pairs, (worked with Danielle Hayes). Then we shared the information with the rest of the class and collated all results in order to gain a better understanding.

Writing for Purpose – News Story Exercise

In todays session we where given a handout of a story that was featured in the news a while ago. Before, we got the handout carmen changed and moved about sections of the passage.

The challenge was to place and rewrite the article. I had to take into consideration the skills and techniques already leant and put them into practice. For instance, the inverted pyramid, place the most important information at the top. So ideally the 5 W’s (who, what, when, where and why) and sometimes how. Also when rewriting it, it had to be factual, short and snappy to grip the attention of the audience. By doing this it is a lot more likely that they will read on. In the first couple of paragraphs the audience, should know exactly what the article is about. The ending paragraphs should be additional and less important information that gives more background to the topic. Also could give quotes that people have said.

 This was my attempt

A Huddersfield pub goes up into flames and is a suspected arson attack

The Woolpack, on Deighton Road has been subjected to a history of trouble from a number of break-ins and arsonist attacks, over the years.

On Saturday morning the blaze broke out at around 12:30 am, according, to a member of the public.

Members of the public called fire services immediately, it took three fire crews over two hours to get the fire under control as the flames reached the roof and spread throughout the building.

Watch Commander, told police that he suspects that the fire was started from setting a mattress a light, upstairs.

Mr Bagley went on to explain the fire investigation officer worked alongside the police a treat the incident as suspected arson.

At the time of the fire the owner was believed to be in London and no one was injured.

“The pub was undergoing renovations and it looked to be getting towards being finished”

Self Evaluation

Overall I thought the task was fairly challenging. However, I do feel that I placed a lot of the most important information at the top. If I was to do this task again I think that there are things I could of changed and moved around to make more drama. This would draw more people into reading it.