Proofreading & Editing Fact-Checking & Accuracy

Question 1

A fact-checker discovers that a quoted statistic in an article cannot be verified through primary sources. What is the most appropriate action?

Accepted Answer

Remove the statistic and notify the author

Answer

Publish the article with a disclaimer

Answer

Replace it with a similar statistic from a secondary source

Answer

Leave it as-is since the author bears responsibility

Question 2

Which of the following is considered a primary source for fact-checking?

Accepted Answer

The original peer-reviewed study being cited

Answer

A Wikipedia article summarizing the topic

Answer

A news article reporting on the same study

Answer

A textbook chapter referencing the study

Question 3

When fact-checking a historical date in an article, which approach is most reliable?

Accepted Answer

Confirm it with at least two independent authoritative sources

Answer

Accept it if the author is a recognized expert

Answer

Check a single encyclopedia entry

Answer

Rely on the author's citation alone

Question 4

An article states a public figure 'admitted to fraud.' The fact-checker finds only that the person pleaded no contest. What should the editor do?

Accepted Answer

Change 'admitted to fraud' to accurately reflect the legal outcome

Answer

Keep the original wording since no contest implies guilt

Answer

Remove all mention of the legal case

Answer

Add a footnote explaining the difference

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the role of fact-checking in the editorial process?

Accepted Answer

Verifying that claims, data, and quotes are accurate and attributable

Answer

Ensuring the writing style matches the publication's guidelines

Answer

Checking that the document is free of grammatical errors

Answer

Confirming the article meets the required word count

Question 6

A fact-checker is reviewing a medical article and finds a drug dosage that differs from the FDA-approved labeling. What is the correct response?

Accepted Answer

Flag it as a critical error requiring immediate correction before publication

Answer

Note it in the margin but allow publication to proceed

Answer

Assume the author has newer information and approve it

Answer

Delete the dosage reference entirely

Question 7

When verifying a direct quotation attributed to a living person, what is the best verification method?

Accepted Answer

Locate the original source (interview, speech, or publication) where the quote appeared

Answer

Search for the quote on any website

Answer

Ask a colleague if they recognize the quote

Answer

Trust the author's judgment since they conducted the interview