Proofreading & Editing Fact-Checking & Accuracy 1 — Questions and Answers
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?
- Publish the article with a disclaimer
- Remove the statistic and notify the author (Correct answer)
- Replace it with a similar statistic from a secondary source
- Leave it as-is since the author bears responsibility
Correct answer: Remove the statistic and notify the author
Unverified statistics should be removed and the author notified so they can provide a verifiable source or revise the claim.
Question 2: Which of the following is considered a primary source for fact-checking?
- A Wikipedia article summarizing the topic
- The original peer-reviewed study being cited (Correct answer)
- A news article reporting on the same study
- A textbook chapter referencing the study
Correct answer: The original peer-reviewed study being cited
A primary source is the original document or data, such as the peer-reviewed study itself, not a secondary account of it.
Question 3: When fact-checking a historical date in an article, which approach is most reliable?
- Confirm it with at least two independent authoritative sources (Correct answer)
- Accept it if the author is a recognized expert
- Check a single encyclopedia entry
- Rely on the author's citation alone
Correct answer: Confirm it with at least two independent authoritative sources
Cross-referencing two or more independent authoritative sources is standard practice for verifying historical facts.
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?
- Keep the original wording since no contest implies guilt
- Change 'admitted to fraud' to accurately reflect the legal outcome (Correct answer)
- Remove all mention of the legal case
- Add a footnote explaining the difference
Correct answer: Change 'admitted to fraud' to accurately reflect the legal outcome
A no-contest plea is not an admission of guilt, so the text must be corrected to accurately reflect the legal record.
Question 5: Which of the following best describes the role of fact-checking in the editorial process?
- Ensuring the writing style matches the publication's guidelines
- Verifying that claims, data, and quotes are accurate and attributable (Correct answer)
- Checking that the document is free of grammatical errors
- Confirming the article meets the required word count
Correct answer: Verifying that claims, data, and quotes are accurate and attributable
Fact-checking specifically involves verifying the truthfulness and attributability of factual claims, data, and quotations.
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?
- Flag it as a critical error requiring immediate correction before publication (Correct answer)
- Note it in the margin but allow publication to proceed
- Assume the author has newer information and approve it
- Delete the dosage reference entirely
Correct answer: Flag it as a critical error requiring immediate correction before publication
Incorrect medical dosages pose safety risks and must be flagged as critical errors requiring correction before the content is published.
Question 7: When verifying a direct quotation attributed to a living person, what is the best verification method?
- Search for the quote on any website
- Locate the original source (interview, speech, or publication) where the quote appeared (Correct answer)
- Ask a colleague if they recognize the quote
- Trust the author's judgment since they conducted the interview
Correct answer: Locate the original source (interview, speech, or publication) where the quote appeared
The most reliable verification of a direct quote is tracing it to its original documented source, such as a recorded speech or published interview.
Proofreading & Editing Fact-Checking & Accuracy 1
A fact-checker discovers that a quoted statistic in an article cannot be verified through primary sources.
What is the most appropriate action?