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Being Your Own Fact-checker: Tips and Methodologies for Research Rebecca Staff White Paper for NINA Symposium 2014Anachronisms can throw a reader right out of a novel. A factual error in nonfiction

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How to be your own fact-checker:

1. Start by developing a healthy skepticism: Being a good fact-checker requires you to question information before accepting it as true. Doubt everything and seek evidence to support or refute claims.
2. Verify the credibility of your sources: Conduct a thorough background check on the sources of information. Look for reputable publications, trusted experts, and unbiased organizations. Be wary of sources with questionable motives or those known for spreading misinformation.
3. Cross-reference information: To ensure accuracy, compare the information you come across with multiple reliable sources. Look for consistent and verifiable facts across different platforms or publications.
4. Check for supporting evidence: A credible piece of information is usually backed by evidence. Look for sources that provide supporting data, research, or quotes from experts. Be cautious of claims without any substantial proof.
5. Pay attention to context: Understand the context in which the information is presented. Misinformation can often be spread by taking statements out of context. Read or listen to the full context to avoid being misled.
6. Use fact-checking tools and resources: There are numerous fact-checking websites and tools available that can help you verify information. Utilize these resources to verify claims, debunk myths, and stay informed.
7. Stay updated with current events: Being well-informed about current events can help you identify misleading information. Stay updated with reliable news sources and follow trusted journalists or experts in specific fields.
8. Double-check before sharing: Before sharing any information, ensure its accuracy. Misinformation can spread quickly, so take responsibility by only sharing verified facts to prevent its further dissemination.

Who needs to be their own fact-checker:

1. Journalists: As purveyors of news and information, it is crucial for journalists to ensure accuracy in their reporting. Being their own fact-checker helps maintain credibility and provides reliable information to the public.
2. Students and researchers: When conducting research or working on academic projects, students and researchers need to verify the accuracy of the information they use. Being their own fact-checker ensures they base their work on reliable and trustworthy sources.
3. Social media users: With the growing influence of social media, being a responsible user means fact-checking information before sharing it. Users must take the initiative to verify claims to prevent the spread of misinformation.
4. General public: In this age of information overload, the general public needs to be cautious consumers of information. Being their own fact-checker enables individuals to make informed decisions and protect themselves from falling victim to falsehoods.

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