Every fact check on FactMv is rated in order to help readers quickly ascertain the credibility of a claim. The goal of our ratings is to reflect the relative accuracy of a statement.
We always strive to be precise, accurate, and fair. The specific wording of that claim is what the rating evaluates. Here’s a comprehensive list of the ratings we use and their definitions:
TRUE – This rating indicates that the primary elements of a claim are demonstrably true
FALSE – The statement is not accurate
MOSTLY TRUE – This rating indicates that the primary elements of a claim are demonstrably true, but some of the ancillary details surrounding the claim may be inaccurate
MOSTLY FALSE – This rating indicates that the primary elements of a claim are demonstrably false, but some of the ancillary details surrounding the claim may be accurate
SCAM – This “rating” is not a truth rating but rather indicates contents that describe the details of recent verified scams
How do we determine our ratings?
The burden of proof is on the speaker, and we rate statements based on the information known at the time the statement is made.
The reporter who researches and writes the fact-check suggests a rating when they turn in the report to an assigning editor. The editor and reporter review the report together, typically making clarifications and adding additional details. They come to agreement on the rating. Then, the copy editor brings the rated fact-check to our pool of editors.
The editors and the reporter together then review the fact-check by looking the following:
- Is the statement literally true?
- Is there another way to read the statement? Is the statement open to interpretation?
- Did the speaker provide evidence? Did the speaker prove the statement to be true?
- How have we handled similar statements in the past?
After carefully considering the above, then the editors will decide the rating, sometimes leaving it as the reporter suggested and sometimes changing it to a different rating.