This document provides an introduction to data journalism and working with raw data files. It discusses different file formats for requesting and receiving data, including comma-delimited text files. An example of a comma-delimited data file is shown, with field names, types, formats, and descriptions. Tips are provided for working with delimited data files, including making a master copy, keeping a log, and using the data to sort, filter, and perform calculations to answer questions.

1. DATA JOURNALISM 101
MICHAEL J. BERENS | MBERENS@SEATTLETIMES.COM | @MJBERENS1
1

2. 2
The Death Ray
No piece of information is insignificant

3. 3
The Death Ray

4. 4
How to request data
1 - Fixed Width
2 - Delimited

5. 5
Preferred format:
Comma delimited text file

6. COMMA DELIMITED “RAW” DATA
6
Text for slides is ARIAL (BODY) 36 PT

7. 7

8. Field Number
Variable
Type
Format
Label
Comment
1
SEQ_NO
Char
$10.
Sequence Number
Unique sequence number assigned to each record within a year. First four digits are the year of discharge.
2
REC_KEY
Num
11.
Record Key
Unique number assigned to each CHARS record. Added in 2003.
3
STAYTYPE
Char
$1
Type of Stay
1 = Inpatient 2 = Observation patient
4
HOSPITAL
Char
$4
Hospital Number
DOH assigned hospital number. Fourth character describes the Medicare certified unit type with: blank = acute care R = Rehabilitation unit P = Psychiatric unit S = Swing bed unit - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - A = Alcohol (discontinued after 1992) B = Bone marrow transplants (discontinued after 2000) E = Extended care (discontinued after 2001) H = Tacoma General & Group Health combined (discontinued after 1992) I = Group Health only at Tacoma General (discontinued after 1992)
5
LINENO
Num
3.
Number of Reported Revenue Items Codes
6
ZIPCODE
Char
$5
Patient's Zip Code
99999 indicates the zip code is unknown. 99998 indicates homelessness (some homeless patients may have a zip code for a shelter or other temporary location). Blanks indicate non-U.S. residence.
7
STATERES
Char
$2
State of Residence
State abbreviation used by U.S. Postal Service. This is assigned from the zip code. Residents with zip code 99998 are assigned to Washington XX = invalid zip code or a non-U.S. residence.

12. REPORTING TIP
Make a master copy
12

13. REPORTING TIP
Keep a log
13

14. DELIMITED FILE
14
Text for slides is ARIAL (BODY) 36 PT

15. HUNTING DATABASE
15
Text for slides is ARIAL (BODY) 36 PT

16. OTHER TYPES OF DELIMITERS
16

17. FIXED WIDTH
17

18. FIXED WIDTH
18

19. FPDS.GOV
19

20. SEARCHING FOR MICROSOFT
20

21. CSV = EXCEL FORMAT
21

22. INSTANT DATABASE 17,583 RECORDS
22

23. FDA.GOV
23

24. 24

25. WEB SCRAPING – COPY / PASTE
25

26. WORKING WITH DATA
SORT * FILTER * CALCULATIONS

27. THE TIP
It’s hunting season, again, and your editor wants a daily story about this seasonal rite of passage.
What is the most common type of injury?
What day was the deadliest for hunters?
How often is impairment (drugs / alcohol) a factor?
And dozens of other questions
“Interview the data”

28. HUNTING DATABASE

29. THE TIP
•Sources say that football coaches routinely earn higher salaries than the most experienced teachers.
•Anecdotally, it appears to be true but other sources say it’s an isolated issue.
•How do you attack the story and QUANTIFY the issue conclusively – avoiding the he said, she said conundrum?

30. CALCULATIONS

31. Don’t be obsolete
Journalism is a continuing education job
31