Education >
College Study Tips
Get a Widget for this title
RSS FeedIs Wikipedia a legitimate source for writing term papers?
Results so far:
| Yes | 45% | 54 votes | Total: 119 votes | |
| No | 55% | 65 votes |
Yes
Write now
Print
Invite a writer™
Add to FavoritesI do believe that Wikipedia is a legitimate source for writing papers. It is very easy for anyone to change what is written on Wikipedia, whether it be a legitimate change such as a wrong date or fact, or even ridiculous changes that are simply jokes. Either way, Wikipedia allows for a collaborative effort of many people, and not just the findings of a particular author or two.
On the other hand, my standpoint is based upon the assumption that whoever is planning on using Wikipedia as a source, does not plan upon using solely the article. Because of the aforementioned horseplay and vandalism of Wikipedia pages, checking the embedded sources is a must. Usually, interesting facts or points are accompanied by a footnote with either a link to a webpage, or other information regarding where the information was obtained. It is wise to check that source before placing any information in your paper. Otherwise, some kids with a Wikipedia account could successfully fool you.
As a little bit of a side not to this topic, Wikipedia is also a fantastic starting point for research. Aside from consulting an online search engine or a library, scanning through the sources listed at the foot of the article can present you with some sources that may be useful for your own work. Of course though, this doesn't really affect just how reliable Wikipedia is.
I must point out though, that the topic question asked whether or not it was a reliable source. This means that Wikipedia does not and should not be your only source. I know from experience that many teachers do not like to see Wikipedia appear amongst your references; however this may just be because Wikipedia is so well organized that it basically does most of the research for you. This is one of the major advantages of Wikipedia.
The online encyclopedia breaks down their pages into sections. They provide pictures and diagrams, and even have a table of contents with hyperlinks that can take you directly to any particular section you are looking for. This is so much easier when compared to search engines such as Google or Yahoo.
Overall, I would definitely recommend Wikipedia to anyone that has to do any sort of paper, or even just for quick answers to questions. The articles within contain vast amounts of information that I find incredibly helpful, and I am certain you will as well. However, I believe that an unwritten disclaimer must accompany any research with the aid of Wikipedia. It should state that by no means should Wikipedia be the sole reference point. It should instead be used as a starting point for one's research. Checking facts using the footnotes, and also navigating through the further links within the sources list is a must. Bottom line, Wikipedia is a good source for a paper, but it also serves as an even better starting point research.
Learn more about this author, E A.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
No
Wikipedia is a great place to find leads to great sources but it should never be the actual source for a college term paper. Wikipedia supplies a basic knowledge that many people either know or knew at one time. It's very general. It can refresh the memory, teach a subject that someone missed, or fill in where public education has failed.
Part of the college professor's job is to teach his students how to research a subject in a way that the academic community will accept. The academic community will not even accept resources like Encyclopaedia Britannica. This is not because they are not legitimate places to find knowledge but because they only cover knowledge that professors already know. It is a waste of an academic's time to read a paper that has neither new knowledge nor presents old knowledge in a new way.
Wikipedia can be useful at the beginning of the research because it provides great links to secondary resources. These secondary resources, then, can help the student narrow the search term. For example, a professor wants a term paper on World War II. The leading paragraph can take the student to more information on The Axis. By following that link the student might find that the Tripartite Pact looks interesting. Then, following that lead, the student can then either go to the library or search the internet for independent sources that give greater insight into how the Tripartite Pact affected World War II and how that, in turn, affected the world today.
After simply googling the Tripartite Act the student can find an awesome source on the first page. The White House has audio tapes of President Franklin D. Roosevelt giving a press conference on the Tripartite Act. This is a legitimate source for a term paper. And, the student doesn't even have to leave the house.
A professor wants their students to use some initiative when writing a term paper. The larger goal of the college professor is to teach the student to learn for him or herself. Education is only meaningful when the student can use what he or she has learned and use those research skills for an entire lifetime. Learning never stops. However, if the student is lazy and uses the easiest available research in his formal education there is a strong chance that the student will not take the time to continue learning once the degree has been attained. The college professor recognizes this and, by giving a lower grade, will attempt to push the student to dig a little deeper next time.
Learn more about this author, Sandi Crain.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Difference of opinion? Debate now.
- College Study Tips
- Online term papers: Useful or a scam?
