Teaching Tools: Source Analysis

Source Analysis

WHO-IS-WHO?
Analysis of the Stakeholders

WHO IS:
1. directly affected by the problem?
2. directly involved in the problem?
3. directly involved in the dealing with the problem?
4. indirectly affected by the problem?
5. not involved, but aware of the problem?
6. inspecting the problem on behalf of the public?
WHO MIGHT BE:

1. affected by the problem in future?
2. involved in the solution of the problem?
3. influential on decisions concerning the problem?
4. final decision makers?

WHO HAS BEEN:

1. affected by this or similar problems?
2. part of negotiations and decisions?
3. influential on decisions?
4. dealing with similar problems?
5. researching the problem scientifically?
6. commenting on this or similar problems previously?
WHO REPRESENTS:

1. directly affected and involved persons and groups?
2. persons and groups affected by or involved in similar problems?
3. persons and groups likely to affected or involved?
WHO HAS FIRST HAND KNOWLEDGE ON:

1. personal experience with the problem?
2. scientific research or surveys of the problem?
3. decisions?
4. rules and practices in the field?
5. similar problems?

WHO KNOWS:

1. about the causes and background?
2. consequences?
3. decision-makers in the field?

HO WILL GAIN:

1. if the problem is exposed in public?
2. if the problem is solved?
3. by status quo?

WHO WILL LOOSE:

1. if the problem is exposed in public?
2. if the problem is solved?
3. by status quo?

WHO EARNS?
WHO LOOSES?
WHO PAYS?
- always FOLLOW THE MONEY!

WHO CARES ANYWAY?

- remember your audience...

Assess the reliability of the sources

Ask yourself if the sources are:

- real (as existing, not pretending to be)?
- close to the events (in time and space)?
- primary sources (opposite secondary sources)?
- having open or hidden motives (also experts)?
- blinded by opinion, prejudice, interests, fear, personal repression or the like


Mind map more sources

You may also make a mind map on sources. The mind map is a useful tool for journalists to develop our ideas and to find sources for our stories. You can always call on your colleagues to help brainstorming and record it on any piece of paper.