Think of this as your investigation log. Answer each question to explain what you discovered and how you got there.
1. Write a brief overall summary of your findings.
2. What primary sources did you find (e.g., traSummary of findings: The claim that "drinking caffeine while pregnant will resort to deformity" is false and represents fear-based misinformation.
Primary sources consulted:
1. American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) states that moderate caffeine consumption (less than 200mg per day, roughly one 12-oz cup of coffee) during pregnancy does not cause birth defects or congenital abnormalities. ACOG guidelines do not support the claim that caffeine causes deformities.
2. National Institutes of Health (NIH) research shows that very high caffeine intake may be associated with slightly reduced birth weight or increased miscarriage risk at extreme levels, but there is no credible evidence linking moderate caffeine to structural deformities or malformations.
3. The wording "will resort to deformity" implies a guaranteed, severe outcome that is not supported by medical evidence. This type of absolute, fear-inducing language is a hallmark of health misinformation.
4. Major medical organizations recommend limiting (not eliminating) caffeine during pregnancy as a precaution, but do not warn of deformities.
Verdict: This claim is false. No credible medical evidence supports the assertion that caffeine consumption during pregnancy causes deformities. The claim uses extreme language to spread unnecessary fear.nscripts, videos of politician speeches, tweets from public figures, scientific studies)? For each source, write at least one or two sentences explaining what you learned. Include all links.
3. What secondary sources did you find (e.g., newspapers, magazines)? Only use secondary sources if sufficient primary sources are not available. For each source, write at least one or two sentences explaining what you learned. Include all links.
4. What potential biases or interests might each of your sources have?
5. What evidence supports the claim you are fact-checking?
6. What evidence undermines the claim you are fact-checking?
7. What happened when you tried contacting the person or group who made the original claim? (Always try to contact them—it’s okay if you don’t get a reply. For example, if the claim is that the president said something, try reaching out to the administration. If it was a Bluesky user, message that user on Bluesky.)
