Verifiability

Verifiability is a core principle in the creation and maintenance of encyclopedias, including those that are hosted online like Wikipedia. It mandates that all information within an article must be reliable, preferably published, and secondary sources are generally preferred over primary sources. This principle ensures that the content is not only accurate but also can be checked or verified by readers and editors alike.

Overview

Verifiability does not guarantee truth but ensures that the information presented can be traced back to a reliable source. In the context of an online encyclopedia, verifiability allows readers to verify the claims made in an article by consulting the cited sources. This is crucial for maintaining the credibility and reliability of the encyclopedia's content.

Importance

The importance of verifiability lies in its role in building trust among readers. By ensuring that all information can be verified through reliable sources, an encyclopedia upholds the standards of accuracy and accountability. This is particularly important in the digital age, where misinformation can easily spread. Verifiability acts as a safeguard against the inclusion of false or biased information.

Implementation

To implement the principle of verifiability, contributors are encouraged to cite their sources. This can be done through inline citations that directly follow the information being cited. The most commonly used formats for citations include APA style, MLA style, and the Chicago Manual of Style. These citation styles provide a standardized way of acknowledging the sources of information, making it easier for readers to verify the content.

Challenges

One of the challenges in ensuring verifiability is the availability of reliable sources. Not all information, especially on new or niche topics, has been published in sources that meet the criteria for reliability. In such cases, editors must use their judgment to determine the best available sources while adhering to the principle of verifiability.

See also

• Reliability (information sources)
• Fact-checking
• Source criticism