Validation
Also: validate
Checking that something is correct or in the right form before relying on it.
The fuller definition
Validation checks whether an input, output, or process satisfies specified requirements. In machine learning, a validation set is also used during development to guide choices.
- Structure
Required fields present
- Reference
Source ID exists
- Substance
Claim matches the source
A simplified relationship, not a screenshot or a complete design.
A concrete example
Code rejects a chronology row with a missing source ID; a reviewer separately checks its interpretation.
The distinction that matters
Passing a format validator is not factual verification. Specify what each check establishes.
Related terms
Schema
A description of the shape data must have: which fields exist and what goes in each.
Reliability & securityEvaluation (eval)
Testing an AI tool on a set of tasks to see how well it actually does.
Documents & retrievalCitation
A pointer to the source that supports a statement, so someone can check it.
Where it is taught
Test an AI workflow on work you can assessSource and further reading
Anthropic · Evaluating AI agentsThe definition and example are written for this library. The link gives background, official documentation or legal authority as labelled. Legal scope depends on the jurisdiction and current text; product features depend on release and settings.