PR WRITING: Chapter 4 Response

Chapter four really delves into the first stage in the public relations process which is research.

Takeaway 1: I first think the concept of secondary research and primary research are equally and very important in this chapter. Throughout high school and in other classes secondary may be more important or more accessible than primary information. Fortunately, the business of public relations is one that provides an ideal environment for obtaining primary research. Not only is primary research in this work obtainable it is necessary in ensuring that the material you are producing is as accurate as possible.

Takeaway 2: Interviews are a great way to find out more about what you are researching. Speaking from personal experience, they also give you a way to connect your work to the audience or subject of your topic. I think that is an important step because you get to find out from the direct source, their feelings, beliefs of opinions on whatever it may be you are asking them. An interview also provides you with an opportunity to gage a person’s reaction and ready body language.

Takeaway 3: Lastly, the section in the chapter focused on content analysis stuck out to me because it explained how a company might find some faults with their products and how they could go about making changes to those issues.

This chapter did not make me think about public relations in a different way. However, it did make me think about research in a different way. Within public relations research is something that is now, discovering what you need to know in order to make a difference in a task that is for audiences now. In the past research has been just a means of reporting findings and that was the end.

I think learning more about method and rules of interviewing was very applicable. Knowing what people expect in terms of interview etiquette will be very helpful both upon entering the workforce and now in my academic career.