Investigative reporting: build a hypothesis that can fail

Practice pathway
1. Hypothesis and scope: ____________________
2. Original documents: ____________________
3. Independent sources: ____________________
4. Challenge and response: ____________________
5. Attributed writing: ____________________
6. Publication review: ____________________

Worked example
Fictional hypothesis: three contracts exceed their planned budgets. Log each award’s date, amount, original document and later amendments. Check whether amounts include tax and whether an amendment explains the difference. Three stories repeating one press release are not independent confirmations.

Review before publishing
[ ] The main question has a clear answer.
[ ] Claims have a source and date.
[ ] Script, sound and pictures agree.
[ ] Names, numbers and quotes are checked.
[ ] Materials have permission for use.
[ ] The transcript or text alternative is reviewed.

Project deliverable
A reviewed piece, its source sheet and a note explaining what changed.