DO
- Use Wikipedia as a starting point for research (Be sure to check the reliability of the page and sources)
- Use Wikipedia when trying to discover more search terms, keywords or linked topics for your research
- Remember to maintain a certain level of skepticism when reviewing a Wikipedia article
- Check the reliability of the sources of the article you are reading
DON'T
- Cite Wikipedia as a source
- Take all the information on Wikipedia as fact (Especially in the areas of medicine and law)
How can Wikipedia Help You?
Wikipedia can help you with your research in a number of ways. Some of the advantages include:
Aide with gathering background information on a topic: Wikipedia has such broad subject matter available and through the references you can connect to a wide variety of information on the subject.
Remember: When using information found on Wikipedia you must review the citations on the article to ensure the reliability of the information.
References: This is the section at the bottom of the article that includes links to the various sources used in the article. These resources could be useful resources for your assignment.
Generate search terms: Wikipedia can help you put together a list of alternative search terms you could use when searching the Library or a database. Review the article to see if any terms or words jump out as being relevant and write them down for use on the Library website or databases.
Why Wikipedia May Not Be A Good Source:
Despite the great advantages listed above there are also drawbacks to Wikipedia which contribute to the fact that is may not be a good source to cite for an assignment.
Authors: The people who contribute to Wikipedia do not need to provide information that would indicate their expertise in a particular area, therefore you cannot view Wikipedia as entirely credible.
Bias: One of Wikipedia's five pillars is the fact that Wikipedia is written from a neutral point of view but recently edited pages may be biased as they have not had the time to be reviewed. This Wikipedia article lists some examples of bias on Wikipedia.