Final answer:
Karen Blumenthal's interviews with Steve Jobs are significant as they represent primary research, offering firsthand evidence and insights which add reliability and depth to her work. Option C
Step-by-step explanation:
The fact that Karen Blumenthal had the opportunity to interview Steve Jobs several times before his death holds great significance. As a journalist or researcher, it is extraordinarily beneficial to have direct conversations with the subject of your profile.
These interactions are considered primary research and are invaluable because they provide firsthand evidence and insights that secondary sources may not capture. Conducting interviews is a common technique used to deepen insights into a profile subject and getting information directly from the source adds a level of reliability to your research.
Furthermore, such interviews indicate that Blumenthal likely had a comprehensive understanding of her subject and was able to project that depth in her reporting, leading to a more authentic and informative portrayal of Steve Jobs.
Good mentorship and discussions with knowledgeable individuals can lead to outstanding discoveries and creativity in any field, as noted by Steitz (2010). For Blumenthal, having face-to-face conversations with Steve Jobs could have sparked creativity and enriched her work, much like how discussions with peers can influence one's creative problem-solving abilities.
These conversations exemplify how professional relationships, primary interviews, and the gathering of evidence can significantly contribute to the credibility and depth of one's research. Option C