Citation checking
Verifying that a cited source is authoritative, current enough, and actually supports the attributed claim.
Definition
Verifying that a cited source is authoritative, current enough, and actually supports the attributed claim.
Practical test
Does the exact cited passage come from a suitable authority, meet the freshness need, and directly support the attributed claim?
Example
A real regulator link fails citation checking when it concerns a different product, jurisdiction, or conclusion.
What to record
For citation checking to be operational rather than a reassuring label, record the claim, passage, source authority, scope, relevant dates, and reviewer finding. If those facts cannot be observed or tested, do not treat the term itself as evidence that the workflow is safe.