Basic · module 36 of 100
Checking sources in practice
Make “check the source” a concrete habit.
After this lesson
You have a simple checklist to check AI answers with sources.
In view · Step by step
Check more than the link
Go to the original publication, not just to a search snippet.
Check sender, publication date and the period the source discusses.
Read the relevant passage including exceptions and context.
Part 1 of 3 · Open the source
Your preference for less movement is on. Choose each part yourself.
Ask for traceability
Ask the model to indicate the source for each claim (section, page, quote).
Self-review
Locate the claim in the original text. Check whether nuances or conditions have been omitted.
When in doubt
Use a second source or ask a colleague. Important decisions remain with the human.
New practice example
From explanation to a usable result.
Source checking is a series of small checks on origin, date, and alignment with the claim.
Fictional practice situationFiction: an answer states that everyone receives a discount. The cited announcement says that only members receive a discount on a certain day.
View a possible solution
This is how it can be done
Rewrite the claim with target group and condition: members receive a discount on the stated day. Afterwards, check whether the announcement is still applicable.
Why this works
A reliable name as a source does not rectify an overly broad summary. The precise conditions are part of the fact.
Make it slightly more difficult
Create a control table with claim, source, relevant passage, date, and your judgement: supported, uncertain, or contradicted.
Extra practice, at your own pace. You do not need to submit anything. This does not count towards an automatic assessment.
Your workplace · learning by doing
Make something. See what changes.
Checking the AI connection… You can already view the written example.
Present your assignment to Ende.
Read the answer, change one thing, and compare.
Previously held
New version
You remain in control
What do you want to improve in your next attempt?
On this device only. AI answers remain only in this page memory. This is self-review, not a grade.
Why this approach works
A reliable name as a source does not rectify an overly broad summary. The precise conditions are part of the fact.
A step further
Create a control table with claim, source, relevant passage, date, and your judgement: supported, uncertain, or contradicted.
Try & discover · no obligation
Become the source checker yourself
Only mark statements that the source does not support. Then check your selection.
Fictitious source: the workshop is Saturday from 10 to 11 o'clock, online. The price and calendar date are not yet known.
Select which sentences you would correct above. The answer remains hidden until you check your selection.
This trial works locally with fictitious data and does not count towards your lesson completion. It starts anew with a new lesson or reload.
A prompt to get you started
Summarise the text in 4 points. For each point, mention the relevant section or a short quote from the text. Text: [text].
Apply it
A summary states that everyone receives compensation. The original contains an exception for temporary contracts.
Which approach best fits this situation?
- Restore the exception and refer to the relevant source passage.
- Leave out the exception to keep the text short.
- Only assess whether the summary is pleasant to read.
With JavaScript, you can check your approach and receive immediate feedback.
Test your insight
What is the best check for a summary?
- Checking if it sounds good.
- Finding every important point in the original text.
- Only counting the number of words.
Extra practice
Create a checklist of 3 steps for you to check a AI summary.
1. Locate each key point in the source. 2. Check whether exceptions have been preserved. 3. Mark claims without a clear source.
