Chalo Chatu:Reliability of Chalo Chatu
The reliability of Chalo Chatu compared to other encyclopedias and more specialized sources, has been assessed in many ways, including statistically, through comparative review, analysis of the historical patterns, and strengths and weaknesses inherent in the editing process unique to Chalo Chatu. Chalo Chatu is a collaborative editing , so assessments of its reliability usually include examination of how quickly false or misleading information is removed.
Chalo Chatu editing model
Chalo Chatu doesn't allows anonymous editing; contributors are required to provide an identification, or even an email address. Chalo Chatu trusts the same community to self- regulate and become more proficient at quality control. Chalo Chatu has harnessed the work of hundreds of people to produce the world's largest knowledge-based site in Zambia along with software to support it. For this reason, there has been considerable interest in the project both academically and other fields.
Areas of reliability
The reliability of Chalo Chatu articles can be measured by the following criteria:
- Accuracy of information provided within articles
- Appropriateness of the images provided with the article
- Appropriateness of the style and focus of the articles
- Susceptibility to, and exclusion and removal of, false information
- Comprehensiveness, scope and coverage within articles and in the range of articles
- Identification of reputable third-party sources as citations
- Stability of the articles
- Susceptibility to editorial and systemic bias
- Quality of writing
The first four of these have been the subjects of various studies of the project, while the presence of bias is strongly disputed, and the prevalence and quality of citations can be tested within Chalo Chatu.