Check an answer
Break an answer into claims that can be checked.
An answer can explain a topic clearly while getting a date, number, or reference wrong. Start with claims that would change a decision: exact figures, recent rules, quotations, and statements about research. Confidence of tone is not evidence.
Ask for a source and open it yourself. Check the author, date, scope, and whether it actually supports the claim. A model reviewing its own answer can help, but is not independent verification. A plausible paper title does not rescue a nonexistent reference.
Use three columns: claim, finding, and effect on action. Findings can be supported, partly supported, or unverified. Not finding evidence does not prove a claim false; it means you should not yet treat it as a dependable basis for action.
Make your understanding visible
An AI says an event is free next week and starts at 3 pm. What do you check, and where?
Compare with a reference response
Check the event, exact date, time zone, venue, price, and booking conditions. Prefer the organiser’s current event page; old posters and reposts are leads, not confirmation.