Fact-checking · 1/6

Pin down the exact claim

Create a scoped, traceable object of verification before judging it.

About 15–20 minutes. The following cases are fictional.

Record your first judgment

A group shares: “Starting next month, every city library will close on weekends.” A cropped screenshot has no date and only part of a logo.

My initial judgment, confidence and reasons

Understand the judgment process

Preserve the statement before strengthening or weakening it. Every library, all weekends and next month are distinct qualifiers. A temporary closure at one branch is not the same claim.

Separate checkable components: publisher, affected branches, dates and whether closure is temporary. A factual assertion differs from concern or disapproval. The sharer’s attitude does not settle accuracy.

Record the URL, account or author, access time and context location. This workbench stores text and URLs; retain screenshot files separately and note when no accessible link exists. A screenshot may show a claim was circulated without establishing its authenticity.

Checks you can perform

Preserve the claim and its qualifiers.
Record a traceable entry point and viewing time.
Separate speaker, subject, time and action.
List verification questions and unknowns.

Guided practice

Write three questions about the library message and a response before verification.

My analysis and checking plan

Explore the explanation

Check the publisher, coverage of branches and coverage of dates. Say that the undated crop leaves scope and timing unconfirmed and that you will seek the complete notice before judging it.

Apply it in a new context

A post says new software has removed all free export, but shows only a paid-plan page. What conditions matter?

My independent response

Compare after attempting

Product, version, account type, format and the scope of “all”. Omission from a paid-plan page does not establish that every free export disappeared.

Preserve a revision record

What changed your judgment? What still supports it? When will you review?

Preserving a claim is not endorsing it. Retain the context necessary for checking.

Check whether you supplied inspectable evidence, a feasible next step and revision conditions. Revealing an answer is not mastery.

Source and scope

Reuters — Journalistic Standards

The source provides conceptual or methodological background. Cases, steps and exercises are authored here; they are not the original experiment or evidence of this course’s effectiveness.

I have completed this section; uncheck to undo

Completion is a personal record, not proof of mastery or certification.