Korsverifiera

Korsverifiera, or cross-verifying in English, is the practice of confirming information by checking it against multiple independent sources to ensure accuracy and reliability. It is commonly used in journalism, research, public safety, and data management to reduce errors and misinformation.

The process typically involves several steps: identifying the claim to be verified, selecting independent sources, gathering evidence from those sources, and comparing details for consistency. Any discrepancies are investigated and resolved where possible, and the credibility and provenance of each source are assessed. Documentation of the verification process and the level of confidence in the final conclusion is often maintained. Triangulation, or using multiple methods or sources, is a common underpinning principle of korsverifiera.

Criteria used to evaluate sources include independence (sources should originate from different entities), credibility and authority (expertise, track record), recency and relevance, lack of known bias or conflict of interest, and the sufficiency of data to support a claim. The aim is to assemble a coherent evidence base that supports or refutes the claim with a transparent basis for reasoning.

Applications span journalism (verifying quotes, dates, and statistics), academic research (validating datasets and results), governance and public communication (confirming official statements), and data analysis or software testing (cross-checking results produced by different methods).

Benefits include increased reliability, reduced risk of spreading false information, and improved auditability. Limitations involve time and resource requirements, the possibility that independent sources are not available, and the need for expert judgment when sources disagree. See also triangulation, corroboration, validation, and cross-check.