How to Verify Any Claim Using the Three-Source Rule

Have you ever felt that uneasy flutter when you read something shocking online? That moment where you wonder: is this actually true, or am I about to share misinformation? You're not alone. In today's digital landscape, triangulation—the art of checking claims against multiple independent sources—is your secret weapon for building real confidence in what you know.

The difference between confusion and clarity often comes down to one simple habit: never stop at a single source when a claim truly matters.

Find Two More Independent Sources

Here's where triangulation begins. You've encountered a bold statement—perhaps in a video, an article, or a social media post. Your first instinct might be to accept it or dismiss it immediately. Resist both urges. Instead, actively seek out two additional sources that are genuinely independent of the first.

What does 'independent' mean? Look for sources that aren't simply copying each other. Check different types of media: if you started with a video, try a written article and an academic paper. Search for authors from different institutions or publications. This variety helps you escape echo chambers and spot the real patterns.

Compare What Each Source Actually Says

Now comes the crucial part: don't just skim headlines. Read or watch what each source genuinely claims about the specific point you're investigating. Place them side by side—literally, if you can—and note the exact wording.

• Does Source A make a sweeping generalisation whilst Source B adds important caveats?
• Are all three talking about the same study, or are they citing different evidence?
• Where do the facts end and the interpretation begin?

This close comparison reveals nuances you'd miss if you only glanced at summaries.

Note Where They Agree and Differ

Create a simple mental map—or even jot down notes—of the overlap and divergence. When all three sources align on core facts, that's a strong signal you're looking at reliable information. Your confidence can grow because you've built a small body of evidence, not just accepted a single voice.

But disagreement is valuable too. If your sources clash, you've just identified a red flag. Perhaps the claim is more contested than it first appeared, or maybe one source is less credible. Either way, you've avoided a blind spot before it could trip you up.

Keep Digging or Treat as Unproven

When sources contradict each other, you face a choice. If the claim is urgent or important, keep researching: look for primary sources, expert reviews, or more recent publications. If it's less critical, simply hold the claim in 'unproven' status. There's no shame in saying, 'I don't have enough evidence yet.'

This flexible mindset keeps you intellectually honest. You're building knowledge that can update itself when better information arrives, rather than clinging to a fixed belief.

Build Your Confidence, Support Your Focus

Triangulation doesn't require lab equipment or a PhD. It's a daily habit that transforms how you interact with information. By practising this three-source rule, you'll navigate your studies, work, and life with greater clarity and less anxiety about 'getting it wrong.'

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