Fact check is an independent editorial process that takes place after a story has been reported and edited but before it is published. As a reporter, you are expected to help your fact checkers and should be familiar with the publication’s fact-checking guidelines.

As you work, you should keep in mind the Four Fact-Checking Moves:

The Research Principle: A fact checker will rely on different forms of knowledge to verify a claim. How a fact is verified will depend on its type, such as whether it’s an objective or subjective statement, and the information available. For example, a fact about a public figure is likely to be verified with their spokesperson while a fact about an individual will be confirmed by speaking directly to the person involved.

For example, when a claim is made about the health of an individual, you can confirm that claim with the medical community or consult with a physician who knows the person. You can also verify facts from public data sources, authenticate images and videos and use other tools to support your findings.

In some cases, you may be working with a source who is not comfortable sharing personal information or may be sensitive to being the subject of a fact-checking story. It is important to communicate with your sources early in the interview and to ensure that they are aware of the fact-checking process and what it will entail. You should also make sure that they know how to contact you if they have any questions about the story or its research, including how to find their contact information.