Chapter 11 True/False Self-Quiz

. Interviews always should be short.

. The best available source is always a person. Documents and records should only be used to verify facts, not as a primary source.

. Reporters should seek just as many sources when covering a topic that is not controversial as when covering a topic that is controversial.

. Sometimes, a journalist may find it helpful to feign ignorance during an interview.

. If reporters think of questions as a subject is telling story, they should politely stop the interview and ask the question before they forget it or the subject changes.

. Reporters who do not understand things sources say should not ask for clarification if doing so would make them appear naive or silly.

. Reporters should conduct interviews in a neutral location, never in a source's home or office.

. For longer interviews, reporters often begin with a few minutes of small talk to put the source at ease.

. Reporters should ask the most embarrassing or difficult questions at the beginning of an interview.

. Most sources cooperate with reporters because they welcome the opportunity to tell their side

. Reporters should avoid telling sources the purpose of the interview and the story because it may make the source reluctant to talk.

. If sources refuse to talk, hang up the phone or slam the door in reporters' faces, the reporters should go back the next day or next week and try again.

. Even reporters who record major interviews usually augment recordings with written notes.

. If a source refuses to be recorded, reporters should hide the recorder in a pocket or handbag.

. Quotations should be used for emphasis and impact, not for telling the story.

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