Why Do Schools Hate Wikipedia?
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Ever since I've been in school I've had to do research assignments. Whether they be for a Biology class or for a History class I have written plenty of them. No matter what the topic is every teacher says the same thing when the assignment is given, "Wikipedia is not a reliable source, and you cannot cite is as one", but why?
Apparently scholars worldwide deemed Wikipedia as untrustworthy and full of errors. They believe that the collaboration of random individuals cannot have factual information. However, they say that Encyclopedia's that are found in libraries are credible sources. This Video demonstrates how Wikipedia is just as reliable as an Encyclopedia.
I can understand if there is no proof of the information on Wikipedia being true, but that is not the case. There are sources at the end of each page showing where they received all the information.
So let me get this straight.
Let's say that I wrote an essay about Cell Division, and I had multiple sources that confirmed what I was writing. Every scholar, teacher, and human would agree that my essay is factual. However, when another site does the exact same thing, except this time it has multiple people working on that one topic (which should make it even stronger) it is unacceptable?
This makes absolutely no sense, and needs to change.
Great post. I think the main problem with using Wikipedia in academic writing, is not because the information is always "untrustworthy and full of errors", but because the point is generally to provide critical analysis on an issue, and not just to reuse someone else's consensus. Wikipedia might be just as reliable as an encyclopedia, but that doesn't mean all encyclopedias can be cited as a reliable source in an academic paper either. Many encyclopedias, including Wikipedia, are not peer-reviewed, and thus not as credible as a primary source. They can be fantastic for finding out general truths, such as the year Lincoln became president, but for a paper, the source of information should still be verified by referring to the linked sources in the article.
ReplyDeleteA very interesting post. I myself am with you and wish that wikipedia could be used as a source for papers and projects in school. Im not sure that I have ever found an error within a wikipedia page, but then again, I probably would not know if I did. You would think that a page where more than one person can edit would be clear of any errors, but I suppose there can always be some errors. However, the good thing about wikipedia is that it is updated much quicker than other sources are, especially information that is found in print. I think that wikipedia should be allowed as a source in school, but maybe have it accommodate another source, just to make the teachers happy.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very relatable post. I recall being so frustrated all throughout my schooling so far whenever a teacher uttered those words deeming wikipedia an unreliable source. I always find it to be an easy quick way to find a vast array of information. Though I do understand the hesitation to be had, since literally anyone could alter and add information to the page, all the stuff I have found on the site has been accurate. It always seems to be the place I can look to to find the most solid of facts and I think it is probably because of the collaboration.
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