Check agreement between independent records
Compare scope and independence before calling two sources confirmation.
Supplied materials
- Original fictional Record A: a library’s daily entry log counts 32 entries on June 4. Record B: a volunteer note says, “I helped eight visitors between 2 and 3 pm on June 4.” Record C: a newsletter repeats the entry log’s figure of 32 and credits the log.
- Entries may include repeat visits; neither source identifies unique visitors.
Learn the idea
Corroboration means checking a claim against other evidence. First ask whether sources describe the same time, population and measurement. “Visitors helped in one hour” is not the same quantity as “entries all day.”
Independence also matters. A newsletter that copied a log is not a second independent count. Agreement can reflect shared information rather than separate observation.
- Label each record’s time range and measured quantity.
- Identify which record depends on another.
- Explain why eight and 32 are not automatically contradictory.
- Name a record that would independently check the whole-day entry count.
See the method in action
A counts all-day entries, while B describes assistance during one hour. C repeats A, so A and C agreeing does not establish two independent counts. An independently maintained door counter for the same day would be a better check.
Check your reasoning
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See the answer and explanation
The records measure different scopes, and C depends on A.
The entry log covers all-day entries, the note covers one hour of assistance, and the newsletter credits the log. Unique people are not counted by the supplied evidence.
Take it further
Imagine a door counter reports 35 entries. List two questions to ask before deciding either count is wrong, such as counter timing or entries included.
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Longer courses for learners ages 14+
These related courses have their own preparation and projects. They are not early-grade assignments.
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