multi-source-investigation_skill

Overview

This skill performs rigorous, multi-source investigations to verify complex claims and reconcile conflicting information. It applies academic-grade triangulation, credibility auditing, and traceability to produce a concise, evidence-weighted verdict and an audit trail. The output is a structured Investigation Report suitable for fact-checking, briefing, or escalation.

How this skill works

The skill decomposes a central claim into testable sub-claims, runs broad reconnaissance across news, academic, official, and social sources, then executes targeted verification searches for each sub-claim. It audits each source for reliability and bias, cross-references at least three independent sources when possible, and compiles a Verification Matrix, a Source Credibility Audit, and a final conclusion with confidence levels. Final deliverables include URLs or citations and checkpoint questions to guide follow-up.

When to use it

• Fact-checking high-impact or disputed public claims
• Investigating contradictory reports or data discrepancies
• Preparing briefings that require source-level traceability
• Assessing credibility of newly published studies or viral posts
• Prioritizing follow-up research on unfolding stories

Best practices

• Break the topic into clear, testable sub-claims before searching
• Always seek at least three independent corroborating sources for key facts
• Document URLs, publication dates, and funding or affiliation notes for every major source
• Flag and explain discrepancies rather than forcing a single narrative
• Assign confidence levels tied to source types (peer-reviewed, official data, reputable media, anecdotal)

Example use cases

• Verify a viral statistic circulating on social media by tracing to original data and peer-reviewed literature
• Compare competing official statements across agencies and identify factual divergences
• Audit a study for methodological red flags and locate independent replications or critiques
• Assemble an evidence-weighted briefing on a developing geopolitical event for decision-makers