Checking All The Way (With An All-In)

[Depraved]

I'm a relative beginner in tournament play. I've noticed that a lot of players will check it all the way if a third party has gone all-in (presumably to increase the likelihood of busting the all-in?). I found myself in this exact situation, and didn't know what the "right" thing to do was. I know I've read about this situation in at least one tournament poker book, but I couldn't find the section last night.

I have no idea how stupid or how standard this strategy is, and/or if there are times when you should use it and times when you shouldn't.

Thanks in advance for any guidelines you can provide.