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Should professors allow Wikipedia as an academic source?

Updated: 12/23/2022
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BetsabeCamarenafb266...

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9y ago

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They should allow anything as a source, but they should also judge the paper based on the appropriateness and the legitimacy of the sources used. Anyone can go online and find someone who agrees with them to quote in a paper, but students need to think, address both sides, and show that they have thought issues completely through, rather than just grabbing the first few sources that agree with their opinions. ... If you are referencing the definition of a word, Wikipedia is just as likely in most cases to have that basic fact correct as Merriam Webster. If you are looking up a word history though, you should know that certain sources are going to be more trustworthy. Similar issues with other topics. The information on Wikipedia could definitely be correct, but there is doubt, so you need to check elsewhere, do more research, and not settle for the easy way out. I don't see any problem with using anything as a source, as long as you have truly learned how to do research and you understand the level at which you can trust each of the sources.

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Q: Should professors allow Wikipedia as an academic source?
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If Wikipedia is considered a good source why do schools ban it?

Wikipedia is generally not considered a good source by schools. The reason for this is that anyone can edit it; you have no idea of the credentials of the person creating the content. Although someone posting on the article on parthenogenesis or the Balfour Declaration could be a professor who has written several books on the subject, they could also be a 8 year old who has no real idea. Since the author of the content cannot be checked for their authority, most schools prefer that you do not cite Wikipedia as a source. Even though any facts on Wikipedia must themselves be cited, there can still be issues with this process. Citations can be incorrect or missing, meaning that the information they support may or may not be accurate; you have no way of finding out. Also, Wikipedia is not considered an academic source and is not peer reviewed. This means that, in addition to being unable to determine the authenticity of the source, the content has not undergone a strict process of evaluation by experts in the field. It is therefore not considered an appropriate source for an academic paper or project. That being said, many professors will recommend Wikipedia as a place to start research. It can be a good place to get general ideas for papers, speeches, and projects. The vast majority of information on Wikipedia is correct, but, since it cannot be taken for granted that it is authentic, once you begin to do more in depth research you should switch to better, more academic sources.


Is Wikipedia a good reliable source?

no the source is not well updated you should try answers.com and google.com


Who founded the American Association of University Professors?

Founded in 1915 by Arthur O. Lovejoy and John Dewey, the AAUP has helped to shape American higher education by developing the standards and procedures that maintain quality in education and academic freedom in the country's colleges and universities. Cary Nelson is the current president. (Wikipedia)For the source and more detailed information concerning your request, click on the related links section (Wikipedia) indicated directly below this answer section.


How do you ensure that your sources online are reliable and is Wikipedia a valid academic source of information for research papers in this class?

The sad truth is that you don't. Wikipedia averages 4 mistakes per page, therefore is an unreliable source of information. But that doesn't mean that most of the info is wrong. Just be aware of using Wikipedia on reports etc. You can always trust a textbook.


Why can't Wikipedia be used as a credible source in academic writing?

Wikipedia is considered a reliable source because each article must undergo a rigorous review process, with many professional reviewers involved. Is the ideal place to start your research and get a global picture of a topic. Is always good check the facts we find in Wikipedia against other sources but Wikipedia is as accurate or more accurate than more traditional encyclopedias.


Why is wikipedia not a reliable academic resource?

For these reasons:Never rely on just ONE source for informationDon't rely on something that you don't know who wrote it(look at what your reading right now)Wikipedia even says "we don't expect you to trust usAccurate contributors can be bannedThere isn't as many contributors as before on Wikipedia.


Is this website an appropriate academic source?

No it is not.


Which source should NOT be cited in a formal literature review?

Avoid citing sources such as blogs, personal websites, and Wikipedia in a formal literature review. These sources may lack credibility, peer review, and may not provide accurate or reliable information for academic research.


Is Wikipedia the best web references for studies or just questions?

Wikipedia can be a good starting point for gathering general information on a topic, but it may not always be the most reliable source for academic studies or research. It's important to verify the information found on Wikipedia by cross-referencing with other credible sources such as academic journals, books, and reputable websites.


When writing a research paper why should you never use wikipedia as a source?

Wikipedia is not a reliable source because the information which is provided, is written by people who post their own information (which is not always correct), although the information is moderated and checked, some of it may not always be completely truthful. I do recommend Wikipedia as a source, but just make sure to double check anything you're unsure of.


Where is Canada's flag?

source wikipedia


How can one properly do research online for a school paper?

I usually use Wikipedia since it has an entry for EVERYTHING. BUT, there is a downside. Anybody can change the answers on Wikipedia, so you are never sure about the answers! Take precautions on some articles. There was an incident when a kid put in a phony quote into an article in Wikipedia about a musician that died, and suddenly, the quote popped up in newspapers and other media across the globe!