Claim–source–location matrix
Check direct quotations character by character
Compare the manuscript with the exact edition listed in the bibliography. Check wording, punctuation, emphasis and omissions. Preprint and version of record may differ in pagination and wording, so identify the manifestation used. Where a quotation was encountered second-hand, seek the original where feasible; otherwise disclose indirect access according to the required citation style.
An AI response that “confirms” a quotation may reconstruct, shorten or invent it. A sentence sounding authentic is irrelevant until it is visible in the source. Never transfer a page number from generated output into the dissertation before seeing the passage there.
Test the fit of paraphrases too
Indirect quotation moves the risk from exact wording to meaning. Split your claim into subject, relationship, strength, period and scope. Does the source support every part? “Associated in this sample” cannot become “generally causes”. Determine whether the cited passage is a result, the authors' interpretation or their reference to earlier research.
- Do not infer causation from association.
- Do not present a case as a universal rule.
- Do not relabel discussion as measured evidence.
- Preserve uncertainty words.
- Do not omit counterfindings in the same source.
If only part fits, divide the sentence or locate different evidence. More citations do not compensate for a mismatch.
Handle sources without stable pages
HTML, e-books and databases may not carry fixed pagination. Use the alternative permitted by your style: section, heading, paragraph, numbered clause, table, figure or timestamp. Do not invent a PDF page where your cited version uses another sequence. Record access and version for changeable online material.
A DOI identifies an object, not a passage. Confirm that identifier, title and author match. The DOI checking guide provides a metadata workflow. Corrected and retracted publications also require a status check.
Report AI assistance in the checking process
A proportionate declaration might say: “On 21 August 2026 I used [tool] to organise quotation candidates and bibliographic check fields. I verified wording, source identity and locations in the originals and did not import page references from generated output. Unconfirmed passages were removed.” Add the scale and location of the matrix.
The AI transparency hub contains related evidence methods. The claim-by-claim summary worksheet helps with longer accounts. The citing sources guide explains evidential functions beyond AI use.
Seven-question final check
- Is the cited work uniquely identified?
- Do you have the exact version used?
- Is the wording accurate?
- Are omission, translation and emphasis marked?
- Does the passage support the whole claim?
- Can a reader find the location in this version?
- Was publication status checked?
Archive the matrix with the manuscript version. If later editing moves or strengthens a sentence, repeat the fit check. A source that supported the original wording may be too narrow after revision.
Do not treat a reference manager import as content verification. Clean metadata can accompany a misused proposition. Conversely, a relevant passage can be cited badly if edition and location are wrong. The matrix deliberately keeps identity, passage and argumentative fit separate.
Reset verification after revision
Give each claim a stable ID independent of manuscript pagination. Link it to source, location and status. Whenever editing shortens, combines or strengthens that sentence, reset the status to “review”. Only a new comparison with the original clears it. This prevents evidence for an earlier cautious version appearing to support a stronger conclusion. Abstracts, headings and conclusions deserve special attention because they compress results; every claim sharing one footnote must still be assessed separately.
Sources
For translated quotations, test whether the target-language claim preserves the original strength. Record ambiguous technical terms with the source wording and chosen rendering. Do not cite an automatically produced translation without retaining the underlying passage. When shortening a quotation, ensure the remaining grammar preserves meaning. Inspect the preceding sentence and paragraph too: pronouns, negation and qualifications may sit outside the isolated extract. Context determines whether use is fair and evidentially sound.