Research+-+Wikipedia

Wikipedia

 * Taken from Wikipedia:**

Wikipedia can be a great tool for learning and researching information. However, as with all sources, not everything in Wikipedia is accurate, comprehensive, or unbiased. Many of the general rules of thumb for conducting research apply to Wikipedia, including: However, because of Wikipedia's unique nature, there are also some rules for conducting research that are special to Wikipedia, and some general rules that do not apply to Wikipedia.
 * Always be wary of any one single source (in any medium–web, print, television or radio), or of multiple works that derive from a single source.
 * Where articles have references to external sources (whether online or not) read the references and check whether they really do support what the article says.
 * In all academic institutions, Wikipedia, along with most encyclopedias, is unacceptable as a major source for a research paper. Other encyclopedias, such as Britannica, have notable authors working for them and may be cited as a secondary source in most cases. For example, Cornell University has a guide on how to cite encyclopedias.


 * Is Wikipedia accurate?**

It depends on the subject; **for science and history**, Wikipedia is **as accurate as Britannica**. Scientists and historians are sticklers for accuracy and detail. Also, current research in these fields is frequently published, debated and scrutinized.

Whenever information can be self-serving, (politics, commercial enterprise), entries in Wikipedia should always be treated as suspect. "Peer editing" is non-existent in these fields, since peers are competitive rivals and try to undermine opponents. Some politicians who are able, have staffers who do nothing but review web information on wikis since opponents can edit such sites unfavourably.


 * Should you use Wikipedia?**

You are going to anyway, regardless of what we say. Use the site during your initial stages of research, when you read many sources to familiarize yourself with your topic. After that, go elsewhere. There's nothing wrong with returning to Wikipedia to confirm a fact that you find elsewhere, or for background info, but **never cite Wikipedia.**

Adapted from Glenforest Secondary School power point "EE Research Workshop".

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