How to Evaluate ChatGPT Outputs — Quality Assurance Guide

Why ChatGPT Outputs Need Evaluation

ChatGPT produces fluent, confident-sounding text — even when the content is inaccurate. This is the fundamental challenge of using AI at work: the outputs look professional, but they may contain factual errors, outdated information, biases, or hallucinations (made-up facts presented as real).

Every ChatGPT output used for professional purposes must be evaluated before sharing. This guide provides a practical framework.

The FACT Framework for Evaluating AI Outputs

F — Factual Accuracy

Is the information correct?

Checks:

• Verify specific claims, statistics, and dates against primary sources
• Check that named organisations, people, and locations are real and correctly described
• Confirm that regulatory references (laws, standards, requirements) are current and accurate
• Be especially cautious with numbers — ChatGPT frequently generates plausible but incorrect statistics

Red flags:

• Very specific statistics without source attribution
• Confident claims about recent events (AI knowledge may be outdated)
• References to studies, reports, or publications you cannot verify

A — Appropriateness

Is the output appropriate for the intended audience and purpose?

Checks:

• Does the tone match your company's communication style?
• Is the language appropriate for the audience (board vs. team vs. customers)?
• Does it align with your company's values and brand guidelines?
• Is the content culturally appropriate for Malaysia/Singapore contexts?

Red flags:

• Generic American-centric advice that does not apply to Southeast Asian business
• Overly casual or overly formal tone for the context
• Cultural assumptions that do not match your audience

C — Completeness

Does the output cover everything needed?

Checks:

• Has ChatGPT addressed all parts of your original request?
• Are there important considerations or caveats that were omitted?
• Is the scope appropriate (not too broad, not too narrow)?
• Are next steps or action items clear?

Red flags:

• The response seems to stop abruptly or is shorter than expected
• Key aspects of the topic are not mentioned
• The output provides a general answer when a specific one was requested

T — Truthfulness

Is the output honest about what it does and does not know?

Checks:

• Does the output acknowledge limitations or uncertainties?
• Are qualifiers used appropriately (e.g., "typically", "in most cases")?
• Does it distinguish between facts and opinions?
• Are sources cited where claims need backing?

Red flags:

• Absolute statements about complex or contested topics
• No acknowledgment of exceptions or alternative viewpoints
• Claims presented as universal truths without context

Hallucination Detection

AI hallucinations are fabricated content that appears factual. Common types:

Fabricated Statistics

ChatGPT may generate specific percentages, dollar amounts, or survey results that do not exist. Always verify statistics with the original source.

Phantom References

ChatGPT may cite studies, reports, or articles that were never published. Always check that referenced sources actually exist.

False Attribution

ChatGPT may attribute quotes or positions to real people or organisations incorrectly. Verify any attributed statements.

Confidently Wrong Facts

ChatGPT may state incorrect information with complete confidence. The more specific a claim is, the more important it is to verify.

Quality Assurance Process

For Low-Stakes Outputs (Internal Use)

1. Quick read for obvious errors
2. Check any specific facts or figures
3. Ensure tone is appropriate
4. Send/share

For Medium-Stakes Outputs (Broader Internal Distribution)

1. Apply full FACT framework
2. Verify all statistics and references
3. Have a colleague review
4. Check for company policy alignment
5. Send/share

For High-Stakes Outputs (External, Customer-Facing, Regulatory)

1. Apply full FACT framework
2. Independent fact-checking of all claims
3. Subject matter expert review
4. Manager or department head approval
5. Legal/compliance review (if applicable)
6. Publish/send

Evaluation Checklist

Before sharing any ChatGPT output, answer these questions:

• Have I read the entire output carefully (not just skimmed)?
• Are all factual claims accurate? (Check at least the top 3)
• Are statistics sourced and verifiable?
• Is the tone appropriate for my audience?
• Have I removed or corrected any AI-generated errors?
• Does it align with company policy and brand guidelines?
• Have I added my own expertise where the AI was generic?
• Is the appropriate level of review completed for this output type?
• Am I comfortable putting my name on this output?

Building an Evaluation Culture

For organisations rolling out AI tools:

1. Train all employees on the FACT framework as part of AI onboarding
2. Share examples of caught errors to build awareness (anonymise as needed)
3. Celebrate good catches — employees who identify AI errors should be recognised
4. Track error rates to identify areas needing more training or tighter controls
5. Update guidelines as you learn which types of outputs need more scrutiny

Related Reading

• Prompting Evaluation and Testing — Systematic approaches to testing and improving prompt quality
• Prompting Structured Outputs — Get consistent, formatted outputs from AI tools
• ChatGPT Approved Use Cases — Framework for deciding which outputs are reliable enough to use