When my 7th grader has a report for school I always have her start at Wikipedia before looking anywhere else. Knowing that this is a resource that can be changed by just about anyone no matter how knowledgeable they are I'm not sure this is the best place for her to be looking up information.
2007-02-19 07:03:15 · 10 answers · asked by AlongthePemi 6 in Education & Reference ➔ Other - Education
dont do wikipedia, there are a lot other reliable sites on the internet!
2007-02-19 07:08:24 · answer #1 · answered by Amber W 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Regardless of what people may claim, Wikipedia is not a reliable research resource. Remember, ANYONE can edit an entry. And unfortunately, your 7th grader probably doesn't know enough about actual research to know the difference.
The best place to do serious research has always been the library. The old fashion card catalog (yes, these things still exist!) will be far more reliable than the internet. The internet is a great place to disperse information quickly, but the nature of the internet is such that it is difficult to verify sources. Too many people think that just because something is online means it must be true. And that is far from the case.
Whereas print books and journals, at the very least, had to make it through a critical eye (either an editor or a peer review board). And therefore are much better sources for real research than the internet.
Start at the library, and use the internet for secondary information or as a follow-up. But don't start there.
2007-02-19 07:15:00 · answer #2 · answered by bardsandsages 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wikipedia can be used for quick look-ups for information. It isn't great for citation in a project. However, information you post on Wikipedia is required to have a citation. You must source information you post on articles to a reliable external source. In some respects, Wikipedia is trustworthy, but I wouldn't use it as a sole source of information for a project and such.
2016-05-24 10:58:39 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wikipedia is a reliable source of information because it can help you find info you need. So if your 7th grader has a project to do, start with wikipedia, if it doesn't help well, then you can use google its also a reliable source of information.
2007-02-19 07:13:20 · answer #4 · answered by marshi465 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
DO NOT use Wikipedia
It has no academic credibility since anyone can edit it, REGARDLESS of what others will say
Try avoiding the Internet and going to a library for books or journal articles, which have been proofed and checked for authenticity
NEVER use Wikipedia
2007-02-22 05:02:38 · answer #5 · answered by Go Blue 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think it's good for some references, and can help give a simple explination for things, but it definitely shouldn't be the only place to look. Make sure she goes to other more reliable sorces, and I'd even suggest getting to the library over the internet, as well so she can be sure she's got something that's correct.
I wouldn't steer clear of it completely, but don't base all research on it either!
2007-02-19 07:12:40 · answer #6 · answered by Shanti76 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You say its the first place, it definitely should not be the last and/or only place.
Non-controversial topics (e.g. why is the sky blue) are likely to be pretty close to being correct & accurate.
Controversial topics (e.g. politics) are probably going to be full of non-sense, spin, and inaccuracies.
2007-02-19 07:08:38 · answer #7 · answered by MAF 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In my opinion, it is a good resourece.
Hope it helps!
2007-02-19 07:11:21 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes but you can use answers.com if you are satisfied
2007-02-19 21:02:13 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
try google
2007-02-19 07:11:46 · answer #10 · answered by shorty 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋