Search and verify sources

Turn an answer into evidence you can check#

A current question needs more than a convincing summary. The result should say where information came from, when it applies and what could not be established. Define the decision the research supports first; collect evidence that affects that decision.

Distinguish a general answer from model knowledge, a search for current information and analysis of your own document. For a current fact, explicitly request search and then inspect the links. The words “I verified it” do not replace an opened source.

For tool controls, see Models, search and connections. This chapter focuses on the quality of the result.

Specify the date, region and evidence#

Find the current state of [topic] for [country or region] as of [date]. Purpose: [the decision this research supports].
Search for information and prefer original official sources. For each important claim, give a direct link, source date and scope.
Distinguish the event date from the article’s publication date. Separate confirmed facts, statements by involved parties and your own estimates.
If sources disagree, explain the difference and link both. Say when a source cannot be opened.
Output: a short conclusion, an evidence table and unresolved questions. Do not invent citations or missing information.

Use a specific period. “The last 24 hours” differs from “today”. Include a time zone for deadlines; for prices, specify currency, tax and billing period.

A five-minute source check#

1. Open the two most important links. A headline or search snippet is not enough. Confirm that the page is the right one.
2. Find support for the claim. A specific sentence, table or document must support what the answer says. Otherwise mark the claim as unverified.
3. Check date and scope. An older article may be correct for its time but wrong for today’s price, plan or region.
4. Trace the original source. Five articles repeating the same press release are not five independent confirmations.
5. Recalculate one decisive number. Check the percentage base, unit and whether totals mix currencies or periods.

Spend more time when an important decision depends on the evidence. An honest gap is more useful than a precise unsupported number.

Use a table to expose weak claims#

Make the same table for your topic: claim, source, date, scope and verification status. Write the conclusion after filling in the evidence.

Treat an X post as a lead#

For a story on X, verify the author, timestamp and original post. A repost, screenshot or high view count does not establish truth. A quote may be shortened; a video may come from another place or date.

An official account’s statement is evidence of what that party said. It does not necessarily establish every claim in the statement. Compare important facts with a document or independent evidence.

Separate the material into original documents, statements by participants and commentary. For each claim from X, find the original post and available independent confirmation. If you cannot find confirmation, label it an unconfirmed claim.

Repair the specific weakness#

Check the revised answer again. New wording without new evidence has not resolved the original problem.