Wikipedia:Verifiability/Workshop

From (current) Wikipedia talk:Verifiability

Verifiability on Wikipedia means that the information in an article must be supported by reliable sources.

Verifiability on Wikipedia is the ability to cite reliable sources that directly support the information in an article. All information in Wikipedia must be verifiable, but because other policies and guidelines also influence content, verifiability does not guarantee inclusion. The threshold for inclusion in Wikipedia is verifiability, not truth—whether readers can check that material in Wikipedia has already been published by a reliable source, not whether editors think it is true. The phrase 'not truth' does not excuse introducing inaccuracies into the encyclopaedia.

Variation 1: All material in Wikipedia shall be verifiable

All information in Wikipedia must be verifiable by readers, so editors must be able to cite published reliable sources that directly support the information in an article. When readers and editors are able to check that material in Wikipedia has already been published by a reliable source, the readers can assess whether that information is true and presented from a neutral point of view.

Variation 2: Do not insert unverifiable material

When you add or change content, please cite a reliable source for your addition. This helps maintain the verifiability of that content. Wikipedia:Citing sources explains how and when to cite sources.

• This version is essentially in line with {{uw-unreferenced}}

Variation 3: exercise to the reader

Since Wikipedia is "the encyclopedia anyone can edit", nothing in it can be trusted. It is left as an exercise to the reader to verify assertions they may doubt. Editors should so far as possible assist them in this endeavour by providing cited sources.

Variation 4: Responsibility of an editor

It is the responsibility of an editor to decide : what cannot go into Wikipedia on the basis of "truth" is original research and : what goes into Wikipedia is verifiable material.

• And yes, we leave it to the reader to verify doubtful assertions ... but it is the responsibility of the the editor to consider issues of 'verifiability', and 'suitability' of the material to be inserted or remain included the editor is able to prove suitability and is able to provide verifiable material.... so that the reader is able to verify it.

... verifiability is a concept that involves both editor and reader. Information is considered verifiable if an editor can provide verification - is able to prove verifiability or suitability, which allows the reader to verify thet the information is verifiable.; the editor is able to provide verifiable material... that supposed truth or falsity that an editor has in mind, does not over-rule the weight of the reliable sources.. and should not be factors in editorial decision making ... that such truth or falsity should not be factors in editorial decision making ...

• This is in need of rewording to say what it means

Variation 5: The first threshold for inclusion

The first threshold for inclusion in Wikipedia is verifiability, not truth. Content can be considered for inclusion in Wikipedia only if it is verifiably published in a reliable source, but such verification alone is not enough to guarantee its inclusion. Content must also be scrutinized with respect to the other Wikipedia policies, to make sure that it is compliant with all policies. An editor's unverified belief of truth or accuracy is never a criterion for the inclusion of content into Wikipedia.

Variation 6: Accuracy and Verifiability

The thresholds for inclusion in Wikipedia are accuracy and verifiability. Material in Wikipedia must be sourced to a reliable publication to ensure accuracy. If sources are contradictory, outdated or erroneous, editors choose the most reliable information or report that the sources disagree.

Variation 7: Verifiability, not truth, is a fundamental requirement for inclusion in Wikipedia

Verifiability, not truth, is a fundamental requirement for inclusion in Wikipedia. Neither perceived truth nor personal experience is a substitute for meeting the verifiability requirement. No matter how convinced one might be that some content is true or untrue, its verifiability depends only on whether or not it has a reliable published source.

User:Kalidasa 777 00:01, 4 March 2012 (UTC) -->

Variation 8: Verifiability is one of the core concepts of Wikipedia

Verifiability is one of the core concepts of Wikipedia. Our readers must be able to verify that the information in an article has been presented accurately. Editors provide them this ability by citing reliable sources that directly support all the information in an article. Since other policies and guidelines also influence content selection, verifiability does not guarantee inclusion. Verifiability, not truth, is one of the fundamental requirements for inclusion in Wikipedia; nothing is a substitute for meeting the verifiability requirement. No matter how convinced you are that something is true, do not add it unless it is verifiable.

Excluding original research

Truth that is unverifiable may be excluded because it constitutes original research, (indeed even verifiable truth may be excluded - if it gives undue weight to a particular viewpoint).

The importance of verifiability

The importance of verifiability

If the policy on verifiability is properly applied, articles will automatically meet the requirements of Wikipedia's other content policies. If all available reliable sources are considered together and their content balanced within Wikipedia text, then they will meet the requirement of our NPOV policy on due and undue weight. If the reliable sources are summarized well, without any bias or additions, our text will automatically meet the requirements of No original research and the neutral point of view. However, to meet all the content policies of Wikipedia it is important that editors strictly follow the sources, and that they do not allow their personal biases to influence their writing [this is just NPOV]. Editors should not make judgments to include or exclude material merely because they personally agree or disagree with it. All editorial judgments should be made based upon objective analysis in keeping with Wikipedia policy.

Verifiability is the ability

Verifiability on Wikipedia is the ability to cite reliable sources that directly support the information in an article. All information in Wikipedia must be verifiable, but because other policies and guidelines also influence content, verifiability does not guarantee insertability . The threshold for inclusion in Wikipedia is verifiability, not truth—whether readers can check that material in Wikipedia has already been published by a reliable source.....

What Wikipedia is for

Wikipedia:Five pillars

What Wikipedia is not

Wikipedia:NOT

See Also

• Wikipedia:Verifiability/history — origins of this policy
• Wikipedia:Template messages/Disputes

Notes and references

Further information concerning WP:POLICIES

Further information at WP:POL

• Wikipedia policies and guidelines are developed by the community to describe best practice, clarify principles, resolve conflicts, and otherwise further our goal of creating a free, reliable encyclopedia. There is no need to read any policy or guideline pages before starting editing. The Five pillars is a popular summary of the most pertinent principles.