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The Two Independent Sources Rule

Do not use AI-sourced info before verifying it in two independent external sources.

8 min Beginner

Goal

Build a permanent verification habit before using AI info in any decision or post.

Steps

  1. 1
    Copy the claim (number, date, quote, name).
4 more steps locked

Expected Outcome

Immediate
You catch at least one hallucination in the first week.

Evidence base

School: Information Literacy / SIFT Method

Founders: Mike Caulfield · News Literacy Project (2020)

SIFT method (Stop, Investigate, Find, Trace) from Caulfield 2019 recommends tracing two independent sources before accepting.

Keywords

Frequently asked questions

How long does "The Two Independent Sources Rule" take?
This exercise takes about 8 minutes, practiced solo in a Behavioral format.
When will I notice the effect of "The Two Independent Sources Rule"?
You catch at least one hallucination in the first week. In the short term: You earn a "reliable source" reputation around you.
Is "The Two Independent Sources Rule" evidence-based?
Yes — it draws on Information Literacy / SIFT Method (Mike Caulfield, News Literacy Project (2020)). SIFT method (Stop, Investigate, Find, Trace) from Caulfield 2019 recommends tracing two independent sources before accepting.
Is "The Two Independent Sources Rule" suitable for beginners?
Its difficulty level is: Beginner. No external tools required — it can be practiced directly inside the app.

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