How much do you know about the evidence on what causes crime and violence and what works to reduce it? How did you learn what you know?
Causal ClaimsVerification
Discussion Question
Do journalists have a responsibility to report on causes of and solutions to crime and violence?
Causal ClaimsVerification
Discussion Question
What should reporters do when a source in their story claims to know what causes crime or what works to reduce it?
Causal ClaimsVerification
Discussion Question
What processes and resources are available in the newsroom to determine whether a claim is backed up by evidence?
Causal ClaimsVerification
Discussion Question
Who can journalists contact to learn more about the research on what causes crime and what works to reduce it?
Causal ClaimsVerification
Discussion Question
How does publishing claims about what causes and/or reduces crime that can’t be back up by evidence impact readers/viewers?
Causal ClaimsVerification
Discussion Question
Are there other beats that require journalists to assess evidence and research? What can crime reporters learn from reporters assigned to those beats?
Causal ClaimsVerification
Discussion Question
Is it the responsibility of journalists to inform the public about crime prevention/reduction policies other than the status quo responses of policing, prosecution, and incarceration? Why or why not?
Causal ClaimsVerification
Discussion Question
Are there times when it is justifiable to publish claims that are not supported by evidence?
Causal ClaimsVerification
Discussion Question
How can journalists express skepticism about claims that aren’t backed up by evidence to readers/viewers?
Arrests and AllegationsCausal ClaimsCrime vs. HarmPolice StatementsSensationalism and AnecdotesSource PerspectivesSourcingStory SelectionVerificationPractice change