When unsure if information is common knowledge, what should be done?

When unsure if information is common knowledge, documenting the source is the best course of action. This approach ensures that you maintain academic integrity and credibility in your work. By providing proper attribution, you respect the contributions of others and allow your audience to verify the information if needed. This practice helps avoid the risk of unintentional plagiarism and strengthens your arguments, as citing sources adds authority to your statements.

In academic and professional contexts, what constitutes common knowledge can vary, and misjudging this can lead to issues. By documenting the source, you create a clear record, which can be especially useful in discussions or when you need to refer back to the information later. It demonstrates a commitment to thoroughness and reliability in your work.