A fact check is an editorial process that confirms, or disproves, specific statements and claims in a story. A fact check will often include the source of the claim and a description of its accuracy. Fact checks are usually done by journalists but may also be conducted by students or researchers.
The first step in a fact-checking process is to read the article in question line-by-line and compare it against sources. This may involve calling experts, interviewing people who are mentioned in the story, or reviewing research papers and other written materials. In addition, the fact-checker will also assess whether the back-up material supports the claim. For example, a writer might use one study to support a claim while another solid study contradicts it — the team will need to decide how to address this.
When the fact-checker is done, they will prepare a report of errors and recommend corrections. This may go to the editor, the writer, or both. The report should explain why the claim is incorrect and provide a clear alternative. It is also important to distinguish between facts and opinions, as a well-written opinion can be just as misleading as an unsubstantiated statement.
As the reporter, you should think about and plan for fact check throughout the writing process, especially when working with sources. This includes ensuring that interviewed sources understand what fact checking their quotes, personal stories, trauma-informed practices, or personal identity facts will look like. This will help them to collaborate with you and your fact checker, and it will enable you to make accommodations for sources where necessary.