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Retrieval-augmented generation, from scratch
Give an AI answer relevant evidence and check whether it used it.
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Retrieval-augmented generation, from scratch
Give an AI answer relevant evidence and check whether it used it.
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Source-based teaching example · Fictional data · Reviewed 2026-10-03. Microsoft Mark · locally synthesized. On a small screen, use fullscreen for diagram details or read the transcript.
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0:00 · What you will learn
Give an AI answer relevant evidence and check whether it used it.
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Give an AI answer relevant evidence and check whether it used it.
0:06 · The idea
First find the right source passage. Then check the answer against it. A failed search and an answer that contradicts retrieved evidence are different problems.
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First find the right source passage. Then check the answer against it. A failed search and an answer that contradicts retrieved evidence are different problems.
0:19 · One useful term
RAG. Retrieval-augmented generation: finding source information and supplying it to a model when it answers.
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Retrieval-augmented generation: finding source information and supplying it to a model when it answers.
0:29 · A worked example · 1
The workshop documents contain a time and room. A search may miss the relevant passage. Or it may find the time, while the answer states a different one.
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The workshop documents contain a time and room. A search may miss the relevant passage. Or it may find the time, while the answer states a different one.
0:42 · A worked example · 2
Check the search results before judging the answer.
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Check the search results before judging the answer.
0:48 · Your turn to think
Should you blame the model when the needed source never reached it? Pause and decide before continuing.
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Should you blame the model when the needed source never reached it? Pause the video if you need more time.
1:04 · Why this answer works
Not yet. Find whether retrieval or generation failed. If evidence is missing or conflicting, keep that limitation visible.
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Not yet. Find whether retrieval or generation failed. If evidence is missing or conflicting, keep that limitation visible.
1:16 · Check 1
Inspect retrieved source IDs.
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Inspect retrieved source IDs.
1:21 · Check 2
Match answer claims to exact passages.
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Match answer claims to exact passages.
1:27 · Check 3
Do not treat document instructions as permission.
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Do not treat document instructions as permission.
1:33 · Now try a different case
Open the lesson and try its different practice case. Use every check in the full task. Watching alone does not mark the lesson complete.
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Open the lesson Try the new case Check and revise The full task and its requirements are in the linked lesson.
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