Wikpedia: Is this site ok for an assignment source?

Question

The people on there may not be an expert on the subject, and may have parts wrong, so, can it be used for reliable sources and quotes?

The assignment is about Abrupt Climate Change, which most encyclopaedias and dictionary/ reference books do not cover as it is a fairly new theory.

Answer 1

As a professor, I will not allow Wikipedia as a source. For one thing, it is written by those who read it, which means it may be incorrect.

Another reason I will not allow it is that there are ample solid reference materials available and Wikipedia is an example of taking the easy way out. Your teacher will have much more respect for you if you do proper research.

Answer 2

Be careful about using Wikipedia as an only source. It is a user edited site. It is sometimes best used as a lead to other sources and ideas.

If you are doing a formal paper for class you would be better off to use other sources. The internet is full of good sites for research. A little work on your part will give you much better material.

And don't forget the library. Real books are still considered the primary source for research. Many teachers will limit the number of on-line sources that can be used for a formal paper.

Good luck.

P.S. - Type Abrupt Climate Change Theory into your search bar. About 200,000 sites will pop up that reference this subject!! Also check back copies of Scientific American.

Answer 3

I'd be very wary of using it. As others have said, it can be edited by anyone, so isn't a reliable source for researching an assignment. Even if there aren't many books available, maybe you could find some journal articles on the subject?

Answer 4

Ignore TLC... she's not the coldest beer in the fridge.

You mentioned that the writers may not be experts. That's true, but Wikipedia is good about pushing for sources. Most of the articles I read include sources at the bottom. Even if the person writing the article isn't an expert, if he/she included his source, you can reference that.
Also, in your paper, make sure you include YOUR sources. That way if the information is incorrect, atleast you showed where you got it.

Answer 5

You said yourself they are not experts on the subject so I would not use it. What sort of assignment are you doing? If it is a history assignment, check out http://www.history.com or http://www.pbs.org Of course, using just the internet as your source isn't the best. Check out some books, like the Encyclopaedia Britanica series. Good luck with your assignment!

Answer 6

No, i did on an essay last year and was slated. this is because it not accademic. try and find someone who is saying the same and as long as its not a direct quote you can just about get away with it!!!
when quoting make sure u get word for word right. you will be marked down.
good luck

Answer 7

i wouldnt use it. you said yourself, it is not written by experts. there are a lot of journals you can check out online. go to the library and look in the stacks or lots of universities allow everyone to use part of most of their online library. there, you will find scholarly journals to write a good paper.

Answer 8

Yes, but please remember not to copy any of the text cause you will get caught for plagiarism and nailed to the wall. Its okay to quote as long as you reference properly

Answer 9

I think you can use it as long as you document it because any website can have sections wrong on it.

Answer 10

well ive always found it quite useful!