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How to use Wikipedia for Academia
docstoc.com — Wikipedia is an Amazing Source of information if used properly.
dorotixel- 144 diggs
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- shlishkes, on 05/13/2008, -0/+10It's a great resource that is readily available, but due to its public nature of user-edits, I doubt it can be cited in an academic paper. Perhaps the sources mentioned as footnotes if confirmed to be legitimate, but not the article itself.
- TalSiach, on 05/14/2008, -1/+2Every time i did a paper in college i have heard: "don't use wikipedia as a source". Honestly i think its bull! really... i found it very accurate, and if not wikipedia users would have change it already. Its not bad for academic use if u ask me.
- cquinnd, on 05/14/2008, -0/+1Its not bull, you don't use Wikipedia as a "soource", you use it as a tool to find other sources and validated references to further your research.
- TalSiach, on 05/14/2008, -1/+2Every time i did a paper in college i have heard: "don't use wikipedia as a source". Honestly i think its bull! really... i found it very accurate, and if not wikipedia users would have change it already. Its not bad for academic use if u ask me.
- Odenized, on 05/13/2008, -0/+5I love this slideshow...especially the Map of the Online Communities!
- bamafun, on 05/13/2008, -0/+1the map was my favorite part too =)
- chetanthaker, on 05/13/2008, -1/+3Need Citation
- UltramegaOK, on 05/14/2008, -0/+4Wikipedia sure as hell shouldn't be your first source for information. Has this author taken a basic English course at a University? Your paper would almost immediately be thrown in the trash.
Again, for specialized information on internet culture and other evolving information not found in your University archives and libraries, it can be a good source. But you really shouldn't use it for academic papers.
And where does this show you how to cite Wikipedia? It doesn't cover MLA, APA, or Chicago style citations (which should be familiar to every college student).
Always check the citations used in Wikipedia articles and if possible, cite those instead of "Wikipedia". It's like a red-flag to teachers for "this kids retarded" or "a super slacker".- deadlift, on 05/14/2008, -0/+1I write what's on my mind!
- zenithmbr, on 05/14/2008, -0/+3wikipedia gives you the general gist about a subject, and if you want primary sources to site then click the links in the footnotes
- psiaii, on 05/14/2008, -0/+1That is why Wikipedia is #1 in general directory search world wide
- jmpeagle, on 05/14/2008, -0/+2as you continue in your studies and study more advanced topics, you begin to find that although the website is great for general knowledge, there is a dearth of information on advanced mathematical, statistical, and scientific ideas and models.
The best website for research on academic related stuff is JSTOR (ScienceDirect can also be useful but for some reason I find that article are less likely to be there even if they host that journal) which works for anyone on a campus (majority of universities subscribe) - mesarah, on 05/14/2008, -0/+1nice one
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