Discussion : Ethical Challenges

The Internet provides the reporter with many avenues for obtaining information, and with these information opportunities come unique ethical challenges. Based on your reading of Chapter Seven in The Investigative Reporter's Handbook and other outside reading, choose one of the following issues and respond:

? Obtaining Information Covertly

? Under what circumstances would you, as a reporter, obtain information covertly? What rules, if any, would you consider as you gather this information?

? Exposing Private Behaviors of Public Figures

? Under what circumstances would you, as a reporter, expose the private behaviors of public figures? What rules, if any, would you consider to determine if you would expose private behaviors? Under what circumstances would the private behaviors of public figures be relevant?

? Using Unidentified and Paid Sources

? Under what circumstances would you, as a reporter, use unidentified or paid sources to gather information to report an important news story? What ethical standards would guide your decision to use this type of information?

Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length. Properly cite any references used to support your claims.

Final Research Project : Investigative Reporting

Investigative reporting relies upon the effective utilization of information from a variety of sources. Throughout this course, you will develop the skills necessary to locate and research Internet sites for valid information, and evaluate those resources for credibility.

In the Final Research Project, you will apply the research and analysis skills you have developed throughout the course to an investigation of an area of interest.

Using the resources found in The Investigative Reporter's Handbook as a guide, select one of the following focus areas for your research project:

? Punishment: Prison, Probation, Commutations and Pardons

? Law Enforcement

? Education

? Business: For Profit or Non-Profit

? Health Care

? Environment

Based on your reading of The Investigative Reporter's Handbook and other outside reading, respond to each of the following in at least two to three pages per area. Please note that the Final Research Project should be contained within one Word document.

1. Explain the unique issues confronting the topic you investigated.

2. Assess the major players and how they interact with each other and the public at-large.

3. Summarize your findings on the two specific questions investigated.

4. Critique each of the references you used to cover both the topic at large and the specific issue you covered.

Writing the Final Research Project

The Final Research Project:

1. Must be at least eight double-spaced pages in length, and formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

2. Must include a title page with the following:

1. Title of paper

2. Student's name

3. Course name and number

4. Instructor's name

5. Date submitted

3. Must begin with an introductory paragraph that has a succinct thesis statement.

4. Must address the topic of the paper with critical thought.

5. Must end with a conclusion that reaffirms your thesis.

6. Must use at least six scholarly resources, including a minimum of three from the Ashford University Library.

7. Must document all sources in APA style, as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.

8. Must include a separate reference page, formatted according to APA style as outlined in the Ashford Writing Center.