The duck test—"If it looks like a duck, swims like a duck, and quacks like a duck, then it probably is a duck"—suggests that something can be identified by its habitual characteristics.
The duck test does not apply to non-obvious cases. Unless there is evidence which proves otherwise beyond a reasonable doubt, editors must assume good faith from others.
Usage
The "duck test" is meant to be used for internal processes within Wikipedia. For example, consider that "
sock-puppet, and act in consequence. If "User:Example3
" then registers and continues the dispute, it is appropriate to escalate sanctions, because the matching behavior is sufficiently obvious to deal with it as sock-puppetry again.
Variations
I like it!
" Even though they all look different, we can spot that you recruited them...
A variation of the duck test in conversations can be found in community discussions where consensus is required, most obviously
ganged up together
.
The duck test may also apply to
Open Ticket Request System
.
The duck test does not apply to article content, and does not trump, or even stand aside, policies such as
Looks like a duck to me