Comprehensive Guide: What Is Fact-Checking, and Why Does It Matter?

Fact-checking is one of the most important elements of the proofreading process. As the name implies, fact-checking in proofreading involves verifying the accuracy of the information included in a document. This practice is essential for producing factually accurate content material that is both reliable and credible.

What is Fact-checking?

Fact-checking is the method used to verify the integrity of unsettled reporting and statements. It can be done before or after the content or material is released or distributed. There are two types of Fact-checking:

1. Internal fact-checking- It can be done in-house by the publication to protect factually incorrect content from being published;
2. External fact-checking- It occurs when a third party examines the text.

On the other hand, proofreading is verifying text for mistakes and grammatical errors. It typically focuses on aspects of writing such as grammar, spelling, and punctuation, although more in-depth proofreading may also highlight style, clarity, and structure issues. In academic writing, users must also double-check the referencing, formatting, and way the numbers are presented.

It can be done by going through the text carefully and systematically, line by line, to check for any errors or anomalies that may have been overlooked in the initial writing process. It is also important to read out loud, as this will help to identify any potential issues with clarity and flow. Also, a Proofreader should check for consistency in the use of languages, such as spelling and capitalization, as well as for the accuracy of the content itself.

For example, a Proofreader may check that the proper names of people and places have been spelled correctly throughout the text or that all dates and numbers are accurate.

To ensure the text is accurate and clear, a Proofreader should also examine the text for any grammatical errors, typos, and other mistakes that could detract from the overall quality and readability of the written material. It exemplifies the importance of fact-checking and how it can be carried out perfectly before it is published online.

Interesting Read: Difference Between Copy Editor and Proofreader

Is it Important to Fact-Check Content?

Fact-checking is important in the content writing and formation approach since less-factual content can greatly influence people's opinions, and it can largely report their actions. People will make the wrong decisions if they build their actions on the wrong information, and these decisions can lead to unintended results.

For instance, posting biased or un-factual content on social media without checking credibility could negatively impact the public's point of view of your trustworthiness.

Un-factual content or writeups could lead to serious consequences, both legal and reputational. It is important to take some time to verify the accuracy of any written piece before publishing it. Also, knowing the potential consequences of sharing inaccurate information is essential.

Fact-checking in proofreading is essential to ensure accuracy and prevent the spread of misinformation. It requires Subject Matter Expert (SME) involvement to ensure the accuracy and credibility of the information being verified. The responsibilities of subject matter experts in fact-checking include verifying the accuracy of claims, cross-referencing multiple sources, and ensuring that the information is unbiased and reliable. SMEs possess deep knowledge and expertise in their respective fields, enabling them to evaluate claims and provide reliable assessments. It involves:

• Demonstrating the accuracy of statements and sources
• Cross-referencing and researching the claims made
• Providing context for the information presented

Doing so ensures that the information is accurate, complete, and current. Procuring online fact-checking services also helps ensure the information is relevant to the topic and properly interpreted. Cross-referencing and researching claims makes it easier to distinguish between fact and opinion and to identify any potential bias in the information presented.

Fact-checking and Proofreading Tips

Cross-checking the facts while proofreading with reputable sources can help verify the accuracy of the information. It can help identify any potential bias or manipulation of information in the text, allowing people to ensure that the information is relevant to the topic and properly interpreted. What can you do?

• Verify multiple sources
• Consult experts
• Research the author's background

Fact-checking requires careful examination of any data presented and an analysis of the potential implications of the information.

Comparing the author's sources, researching their publications, and examining the credentials they possess are all important steps in fact-checking. It is also necessary to assess the author's intent, any potential biases, and the accuracy of their claims.

For example, when analyzing a source, it is important to consider whether the facts presented are supported by reliable evidence, such as peer-reviewed studies, or if the claims are backed by personal opinion or hearsay.

It is also important to consider the source's motives, such as whether they have a vested interest in the information they present. Moreover, one should consider any potential biases that may be present in the source.

Is Fact-Checking Part of Proofreading or Editing?

Freshers in the field are confused about whether fact-checking is part of the proofreading or editing process. And, if you have the same question, we can assure you it will be gone after reading this.

Fact-checking is an important element in both the proofreading and editing process.

Various online fact-checking services in the industry today use verifying the accuracy of the facts mentioned in the text, such as statistics, dates, and quotes. It helps to ensure that the information presented is accurate and up-to-date.

There is a thin line and a minor difference between proofreading and editing; people consider both of them alike. Fact-checking helps to ensure that the information presented is credible and reliable. It also ensures that the text is free of errors that could lead to misinterpretation or confusion. Also, fact-checking can help identify any potential issues arising from incorrect information.

For example, if an article discusses a new law, the editor should fact-check the article to make sure the facts, such as dates, names, and numbers, are correct.

The editor should also ensure that the article is unbiased and does not express the author's opinion. Finally, the editor should ensure the article follows the publication's style guide.

Also Read: 8 Different Types of Copy Editing

What to Check?

Facts that demand checking in non-fictional documents are:

• Names of places, people, or companies.
• Official titles and other labels.
• Historical affairs dates.
• Addresses - Physical or email.
• Teachings for conducting an action or process.
• Different verifiable events and facts.

Rules can provide step-by-step instructions on completing a task, ensuring the action is completed correctly and efficiently. They can also be used to document historical events, providing facts and evidence that can be used to verify the accuracy of a narrative. Hence, Fact-checking is an essential part of proofreading content.

Counter Un-factual Content with Different Approaches

There are different approaches, in different societies, against fake news or fictitious types of typesetting content. It includes:

• media and news literacy programs
• awareness campaigns
• legal measures against those involved in coordinated misinformation drives
• warning the public through fact-checking

Numerous studies confirm that fact-checking is an effective tool to counter misinformation. Two researchers from The Ohio State University in the US and George Washington University conducted such a study. The researchers found that experiments conducted simultaneously in Nigeria, Argentina, the United Kingdom, and South Africa reveal that fact-checks decrease belief in misinformation while increasing factual accuracy.

Benefits of Checking Facts while Proofreading

Proofreading is essential to the writing process, whether you are writing a book, an article, or a blog post. It ensures that your content is accurate, well-structured, and error-free. As discussed above, fact-checking is an essential part of the proofreading process.

In writing, accuracy is key, and Fact-checking helps ensure that your content is reliable, trustworthy, and free from errors. It helps to ensure that the information you present is accurate and up-to-date. It can help to ensure that your document is credible and authoritative. Some important benefits it offers are:

Fact-checking can help to improve your writing

By verifying the accuracy of facts, you can reduce errors and ensure that your claims are supported by evidence. It can help to make your write-up more persuasive. In addition, it can help to build trust with your readers and ensure that your content is reliable and trustworthy.

Fact-checking can help to prevent plagiarism

By verifying the accuracy of facts, you can avoid using others' work without giving credit. It can help to protect your work and preserve your intellectual property.

Fact-checking saves time

By verifying facts, you can avoid wasting time researching and verifying information. It can help to streamline the writing process and make it more efficient.

To Conclude

Fact-checking is an important part of the proofreading process and a modern, classifiable category of Journalism. Its goal is to provide unbiased, accurate analysis of public statements to restore public confusion and increase understanding of vital issues.

Modern fact-checking analyses rates and claims them as true or false. Fact-checkers may clarify their claim assessment by providing background and context information.

If you are looking for fact-checking services, Acadecraft can assist you with it. Our professional proofreading services ensure that our information is accurate and reliable.

References: 

National Library of Medicine