How to check if AI is correct

This guide shows you how to check if AI is correct. Find evidence for every claim the AI makes. Label each claim 'Verified' or 'Unverified'. Then ask another person to check.

AI tools can help with many tasks. AI can sometimes make mistakes or give information that is not true. This guide will help you develop a process to check an AI's work and make sure the information you use is reliable.

Why checking AI's work matters

When you use AI for important tasks, the accuracy of the information is crucial. For example, if you are using AI to draft a report, plan an event, or summarise research, incorrect information can lead to problems. Checking the AI's work helps you maintain quality and trust in your outputs. It also helps you understand the limitations of the AI tool and where you might need to do more research yourself. Developing a systematic way to check if AI is correct will save you time and prevent errors in the long run.

Prepare for checking

Before you ask the AI to do a task, think about what kind of information you expect to get. If you ask the AI to summarise a document, you will need to have the original document ready to compare. If you ask for facts, be prepared to look up those facts in reliable sources. Have a clear idea of what 'correct' looks like for your specific task. This preparation makes the checking process more efficient and helps you focus on the most important parts of the AI's response. Knowing what you are looking for will guide your review.

Step-by-step checking process

Start by reading through the AI's entire response. Do not assume any part of it is correct. As you read, identify each distinct claim or piece of information the AI provides. For each claim, ask yourself: 'Where is the evidence for this?' If the AI provides a source, check that source. If it does not, you will need to find a source yourself. This systematic approach helps you break down a large response into manageable parts and ensures you do not miss any details.

Verify every claim

For every claim the AI makes, you need to find independent evidence. This means looking at sources that were not generated by the AI. For example, if the AI states a fact, search for that fact on reputable websites, in books, or in official reports. If the AI summarises a document, compare its summary sentence by sentence with the original document. Once you have found evidence that supports a claim, label that claim 'Verified'. If you cannot find evidence, or if the evidence contradicts the AI's claim, label it 'Unverified'. Be thorough; do not skip any claims.

Get an independent check

After you have gone through and verified or unverified each claim, it is a good idea to ask another person to review your work. This independent check provides a fresh perspective and can catch things you might have missed. The other person does not need to be an expert in the topic, but they should understand the checking process. They can look at your labels and your evidence to see if they agree with your conclusions. This step adds another layer of quality control and increases your confidence in the final output. It is especially useful for important tasks where accuracy is critical.

Common problems and how to fix them

Sometimes, AI tools will 'hallucinate' or invent information that sounds plausible but is not true. They might also provide outdated information or misinterpret your request. If you find many 'Unverified' claims, it might mean the AI did not understand your prompt, or the information it used was not reliable. To fix this, try rephrasing your original request to the AI, making it more specific. You might also need to provide the AI with more context or specific documents to work from. If the problem persists, consider using a different AI tool or doing more of the research yourself. Learning how to check if AI is correct helps you identify these issues quickly.

Keeping control of the process

You are always in control of the final output. The AI is a tool to assist you, not replace your judgment. Even after checking, if something does not feel right, investigate further. Trust your instincts. Your knowledge and critical thinking are essential parts of the process. Do not let the AI dictate the final version of your work. By consistently applying these checking methods, you ensure that the AI's contribution is accurate and useful, and that you maintain the quality of your work. This ongoing oversight is key to using AI effectively and responsibly.

Next steps for your own tasks

Continue to practice these checking methods with every AI task. The more you check, the better you will become at spotting potential issues. You can also use AI to help you manage tasks like logging carer hours and keeping records of unpaid care and admin work. Read using AI to log carer hours and keep a record of unpaid care and admin work. Read how to set your AI's rules once with custom instructions.

If you would like support to build this skill, AI mentoring is aXai's program for people with disability who want to learn AI tools for their own goals, at their own pace. You can register your interest on the page.

aXai is a disability-led AI, software and accessibility company, delivering through AI-supported work: skilled people with disability in real, properly paid roles, with AI removing the barriers. Read how AI-supported work works.