How to Know Whether What You’re Learning is Actually Correct

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Hi, this is Ray. If you've ever found yourself reading an article, watching a video, or sitting in a lecture wondering, Is this actually true? congratulations. You’re thinking like a true learner.

In the golden age of information and misinformation, knowing whether what you’re learning is correct isn’t just a skill. It’s a necessity. Your brain is like a bank. If you deposit garbage, don’t be surprised when you try to withdraw wisdom and get nonsense instead.

So, how do you separate truth from fiction, fact from fluff? Let’s break it down.

Step 1: Consider the Source

Not all information is created equal. Some sources are well-researched, peer-reviewed, and backed by experts, while others are based on opinions with little evidence.

Ask yourself:

• Who wrote or said this? Are they an expert in the field, or just someone with a loud opinion?

• Where is this published? University websites, reputable news organizations, and scientific journals tend to be more reliable than a random blog post.

• Are they trying to sell me something? If the information is wrapped in a sales pitch, take it with a grain of salt.

Quick Tip: When in doubt, check if multiple reputable sources confirm the same information. If only one obscure website says it’s true, it probably isn’t.

Step 2: Cross-Check with Credible Sources

If you hear an interesting fact or claim, don’t just take it at face value. A quick cross-check can save you from believing and repeating misinformation.

How to fact-check:

• Search for the claim followed by “site:.gov” or “site:.edu” to pull up sources from government and academic institutions.

• Look up research papers on Google Scholar.

• See what multiple experts say. If one person claims something shocking but the rest of the field disagrees, be skeptical.

Quick Tip: If a claim sounds too shocking or too good to be true, it’s probably exaggerated or outright false.

Step 3: Follow the Evidence, Not Your Bias

We all have beliefs and opinions, but truth doesn’t care about our feelings. Just because you want something to be true doesn’t mean it is.

Ask yourself:

• Am I only looking at sources that confirm what I already believe?

• Does this information align with well-established science, or is it an outlier?

• Does this claim sound like it’s designed to provoke an emotional reaction rather than provide objective truth?

Quick Tip: Seek out sources that challenge your views. If your goal is to be right rather than just to feel right, you’ll make much better learning decisions.

Step 4: Check for Logical Fallacies and Manipulative Tactics

People love to sound convincing, but logic doesn’t always back them up. Watch out for these common tricks:

• Anecdotal Evidence – “I know a guy who did this and it worked for him.” One person’s experience does not equal universal truth.

• Correlation vs. Causation – Just because two things happen at the same time doesn’t mean one caused the other.

• Appeal to Authority – “This person is famous, so they must be right.” Even smart people can be wrong.

• Fear or Emotion-Based Arguments – If a claim is trying to scare you rather than inform you, be suspicious.

Quick Tip: If someone can’t explain their claim in clear, logical steps or if they get defensive when questioned, proceed with caution.

Step 5: Test It Yourself When Possible

Some things aren’t just about reading. They’re about doing. If you’re learning something practical, whether it’s a study method, a business strategy, or a health tip, put it to the test.

• Experiment – Try it and see if it works under different conditions.

• Track Results – If you’re learning a new memorization technique, do a test to measure if it improves recall.

• Compare to Alternatives – Is this method actually better, or is it just new and exciting?

Quick Tip: The best knowledge isn’t just theoretical. It’s tested and proven in real life.

Final Thoughts: Stay Skeptical, Stay Curious

The best learners aren’t the ones who memorize the most. They’re the ones who ask the right questions.

Next time you come across a new piece of information, run it through these five steps. Your future self will thank you for only storing high-quality knowledge in your brain.

And remember, if your source is “a guy on the internet,” maybe dig a little deeper.

Sources and Further Reading:

1. How to Spot Fake News – University of Michigan Library. https://guides.lib.umich.edu/fakenews

2. The Dunning-Kruger Effect: Why People Think They Know More Than They Do – American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2019/02/confident-incorrect

3. Fact-Checking Tips from Stanford University – Stanford History Education Group. https://sheg.stanford.edu/history-lessons/evaluating-information