Reflection, Verification, and Self-Correction
Closing the Loop
Why Reflection Is Needed
Agents often improve when they review their own intermediate outputs. Reflection helps them detect missing assumptions, inconsistent steps, shallow reasoning, and unsupported claims.
Verification vs Reflection
Reflection is internal critique; verification is checking against an external source of truth. A strong agent uses both. Reflection improves the draft, and verification tests whether the draft is actually correct.
Reflection and Verification
Reflection
- Looks for internal consistency
- Helps revise plans and explanations
- Can be done without external tools
Verification
- Checks facts or outputs against evidence
- Uses tools, tests, or trusted sources
- Reduces reliance on pure model confidence
Good Practice
Ask the agent to justify claims, cite evidence where available, and run checks before finalizing high-stakes outputs.
What is the difference between reflection and verification?
The two processes complement each other but serve different roles.
Correct answer: Reflection is internal critique; verification checks against evidence
Name one way an agent can verify a claim.
Testing, database lookup, or tool-based validation are all acceptable.
Correct answer: By checking it against a trusted source.
Self-Correction Loop
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1
Step 1: Draft an answer or plan.
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2
Step 2: Critique it for gaps and errors.
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3
Step 3: Verify key claims with tools or tests.
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Step 4: Revise the output.
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5
Step 5: Repeat if confidence is still low.
Which is the best reason to use both reflection and verification?
Internal critique and external checking address different weaknesses.
Correct answer: They catch different classes of failure