Citation Integrity™ 101 · Module 6 of 9

Is this original, or is it an echo?

Second-hand reporting has its place, but Citation Integrity™ gives more weight to information that comes from someone who actually did the thing, tested the thing, or observed it directly.

Module 6

What First-Hand Experience checks

This Dimension checks whether the source demonstrates genuine direct knowledge, testing, or original evidence — original research, first-hand observation, measured data and disclosed methodology carry more weight than unsourced repetition.

Worked examples

The same claim, two different outcomes.

Concrete cases are the fastest way to see how this Dimension behaves in practice.

Fails

An unauthored “10 tips” listicle that restates commonly repeated advice, with nothing indicating anyone involved has done the thing being described.

Passes

A hiking guide written by someone who hiked the trail themselves, with their own photos and GPS data included — direct, original, first-hand evidence behind the claims.

Quick check

Two questions before you move on.

Ungraded and untracked — just a comprehension nudge.

1Does republishing someone else’s finding count as First-Hand Experience?

2What kind of evidence does this Dimension reward most?

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