Lesson 4 — Verifying Accuracy

It is critical to fact-check AI output. The user is responsible for the final accuracy.

Use this simple checklist:

1. Historical Facts

  • Ask: “Does this match trusted historical sources?”
  • Beware of:
    • Wrong dates.
    • Made-up events.
    • Misattributed quotes.

Example:

  • AI says: “The internet was invented in 1980.”
    → You should verify with a reliable source, and correct that the development of ARPANET began much earlier, and the term “internet” came before 1980.

2. Current Facts (Time-Sensitive Information)

AI may not always reflect the latest news, prices, or regulations.

  • Ask:
    “Is this information still valid today?”
  • For:
    • Laws and regulations.
    • Product prices.
    • New technologies and features.

Example:

  • AI says: “This software costs $10 per month.”
    → Check the official website or a search engine to confirm the current pricing.

3. Numerical Data and Calculations

  • Ask the AI to show its steps for calculations.
  • Then check them manually or with a calculator.

Example 1 – Basic math:

  • Prompt:
    “Show me step by step how you calculate the compound interest for this loan: principal 1,000, rate 5%, 3 years, annual compounding.”

Example 2 – Statistics:

  • Prompt:
    “Explain step by step how you computed the average and standard deviation for this dataset: [values].”

You can then:

  • Verify the formulas.
  • Recalculate if needed.
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