Wikipedia: Do you think it's reliable?

India
January 3, 2009 10:55am CST
If you're studying, then your teacher has probably told you not to cite Wikipedia in research papers because it's not considered a reliable resource - anyone can edit it and change the information. However, despite these warnings, many of us use the online encyclopedia every day. How confident are you in Wikipedia? I think that Wikipedia is a good source for looking up quick information or finding other sites that relate to the topic you're searching for. I probably wouldn't use it, though, for academic research, not only because it's frowned upon by teachers, but also because it's true that some of the information might be falsified. If I'm taking something from Wikipedia for these purposes, it always has to be cited. Then I'll go on the actual site the information is taken from and verify its authenticity - if it looks reliable, I'll cite the original site, but not Wikipedia. What is your opinion on the reliability of Wikipedia? Would you use it for looking for important research or only for quick information?
2 people like this
8 responses
derek_a
@derek_a (10873)
•
4 Jan 09
I have noticed that I can edit articles on Wikipedia and I could be mistaken. So I would take anything that is on there as gospel truth, but it is a great place for considering ideas and seeing what other people's thoughts on a matter are.. :-) Derek
1 person likes this
Bd200789
@Bd200789 (2994)
• United States
3 Jan 09
I think it is accurate most of the time. However, I always check another site to make sure.
1 person likes this
coolmailpankaj
@coolmailpankaj (338)
• India
15 Jan 09
It has always worked for me so it is reliable.
btwmoney
@btwmoney (111)
• United States
3 Jan 09
I consider it quite accurate. And I know many professors are using that as a reference too. But when you come to something seriously, you would better double check, after all, the source is people all over the world...
1 person likes this
thecrazyjogger
@thecrazyjogger (3178)
• India
3 Jan 09
yeah well nowadays everything needs to b chkd n double chkd happy lotting and have a blessed new year
1 person likes this
saichandtalluri
@saichandtalluri (1486)
• India
3 Jan 09
The plan and construction of wikipedia is very nice but every one can edit it so some people try to modify the content according to their wish it may be true or false.
1 person likes this
winterose
@winterose (39887)
• Canada
5 Jan 09
yes it is not that reliable, and is good only if there are sites you can check out and verify that the information is correct.
viana20
@viana20 (96)
• Indonesia
9 Jan 09
You are right to not trusting the website 100%. However, i do enjoy all the information that wiki have. and as the action to try to find the truth about it, i will simply check all the refered websites.