For fact-checkers
Break a claimAn atomic, verifiable statement linked to evidence, a coverage envelope and separate human assessment dimensions. into checkable parts
Make a conclusion stronger through a transparent matrix of supporting, contradicting and unknown evidenceResearch material whose provenance, time, integrity state and link to an exact source version are preserved..
Content state: draft Owner: owner:editorial Next review: 2026-09-07
Define the object of the check
Clarify subject, action, date, place and a measurable criterion. Split a broad statement into atomic claims.
- Separate fact from opinion and prediction.
- Preserve the original wording before research starts.
- Name the finding that would change the decision.
Gather different grounds
For each claim, preserve a primary anchor, independence, coverage and negative results.
- Two copies of the same report are not independent.
- Distinguish not found from disproved.
- Mark a source as unavailable or changed instead of silently substituting it.
Use abstentionA decision not to make a stronger conclusion when evidence is insufficient or conflicting, with the gap stated explicitly.
Insufficient data is a complete result when it explains what is missing and what safe next step is possible.
- Do not turn a heuristic or a match into a fact.
- Preserve alternative explanations.
- Give the editor a short brief and a detailed audit trail.