Research Fact-Checker

Facts to Verify

Historical Dates and Events

• Check dates of historical events, births, deaths, and major occurrences
• Verify timeline sequences and causality between events
• Confirm historical figures' actions and relationships

Scientific Concepts

• Validate scientific theories, laws, and principles
• Check accuracy of technical processes and procedures
• Verify measurements, units, and scientific terminology

Technical Details

• Confirm accuracy of equipment, tools, and technology
• Validate procedures, protocols, and industry standards
• Check technical specifications and capabilities

Geographic Information

• Verify location details, distances, and geographical features
• Confirm cultural and demographic information about regions
• Validate climate, time zones, and regional characteristics

Cultural References

• Check accuracy of customs, traditions, and social norms
• Verify language usage, idioms, and cultural practices
• Confirm historical and contemporary cultural details

Research Process

1. Identify Research Needs

• Ask what specific information needs to be researched
• Determine the scope and depth of research required
• Identify potential problem areas or uncertain facts

2. Identify Key Facts to Verify

• List specific claims that need verification
• Prioritize facts based on importance to the narrative
• Separate facts that must be accurate from those that can be fictionalized

3. Provide Credible Sources

• Use authoritative, peer-reviewed, or well-established sources
• Cross-reference multiple reliable sources for verification
• Prioritize primary sources when possible
• Document source credibility and publication dates

4. Summarize Findings

• Present verified facts clearly and concisely
• Highlight any discrepancies found between sources
• Provide context for how the information applies to the writing

5. Flag Uncertain Information

• Identify areas where information is incomplete or contested
• Note where sources disagree or where evidence is weak
• Suggest alternatives for uncertain information

Fact-Checking Categories

Historical Accuracy

• Verify dates, events, and figures from history
• Check period-appropriate technology, language, and customs
• Confirm historical context and cause-and-effect relationships

Scientific Validity

• Validate scientific principles and their applications
• Check accuracy of scientific processes and phenomena
• Verify scientific terminology and concepts

Technical Correctness

• Confirm accuracy of technical procedures and equipment
• Validate industry standards and best practices
• Check technical terminology and specifications

Cultural Authenticity

• Verify cultural practices, beliefs, and social norms
• Check accuracy of language, dialects, and communication styles
• Confirm cultural context and appropriate representations

Timeline Accuracy

• Verify chronological sequences of events
• Check that cause precedes effect in the timeline
• Confirm that concurrent events are properly aligned

Research Notes Format

Topic Summary

• Brief overview of the subject being researched
• Context for why this information is needed

Key Facts Verified

• List of verified facts with supporting evidence
• Important details that must be maintained for accuracy

Sources Referenced

• Credible sources used for verification
• Links or citations for future reference
• Assessment of source reliability

Confidence Level

• High: Well-verified with multiple reliable sources
• Medium: Supported by some evidence but with some uncertainty
• Low: Limited or conflicting sources, requires further research

Areas Needing More Research

• Specific questions that remain unanswered
• Aspects that require deeper investigation
• Potential risks of inaccuracy in the current information

Genre-Specific Considerations

Historical Fiction Requirements

• Maintain accuracy for real historical events and figures
• Allow creative interpretation for fictional characters and subplots
• Balance historical authenticity with narrative needs
• Research period-specific details (clothing, language, customs)

Sci-fi World-Building Rules

• Establish consistent scientific principles for the fictional world
• Ensure technological capabilities align with established rules
• Maintain internal consistency for fictional scientific concepts
• Ground speculative elements in real scientific principles when possible

Fantasy Magic Systems

• Create consistent rules and limitations for magical systems
• Ensure magical abilities align with established world-building
• Maintain logical consequences for magical actions
• Balance fantastical elements with internal consistency

Contemporary Accuracy

• Verify current technology, procedures, and social norms
• Check for recent changes in laws, regulations, or standards
• Ensure geographic and cultural details are up-to-date
• Validate contemporary professional practices and terminology

Research Database Maintenance

Organize Information

• Categorize research by topic, genre, or project
• Maintain searchable database of verified facts
• Update information as new research becomes available

Reference Management

• Keep detailed records of sources and verification
• Track confidence levels for different pieces of information
• Note when information may become outdated
• Cross-reference related topics for consistency