"Can Wikipedia Ever Make the Grade"

Mallory Phillips

September 15, 2009

Reading #2

 

“Can Wikipedia Ever Make the Grade”

By: Brock Read

Chronicle of Higher Education 10/27/06

http://0-web.ebscohost.com.uncclc.coast.uncwil.edu/ehost/detail?vid=5&hid=106&sid=5e163795-3e76-4a10-90ee-7d162116cb6c%40sessionmgr104&bdata=JnNpdGU9ZWhvc3QtbGl2ZQ%3d%3d#db=aph&AN=22984124

 

The main idea of this article is basically whether or not Wikipedia is a reliable source or not. Many people believe that because anyone can add or edit articles that it is not a reliable source. Some argue that it is just as accurate as encyclopedia’s. One professor decided to test the accuracy of the site and put false information into a few articles. A few hours after he posted this false information, it was removed by Wikipedia editors who frequently check the site. They even told him not to post anymore false information. This goes to show that Wikipedia stays on top of their postings. However, some people find it frustrating that when they edit false information, within a few minutes it can be right back on there. This is what happens when you allow the public to post.

Personally, I believe that Wikipedia is a good source, and I tend to use it often. It is an easy and quick way to get information on a certain topic. As long as it is accurate, it should be fine to use as a source. In order to make it more accurate, they should have an expert to look over edits before they can be added to an article. Many teachers frown upon the use of Wikipedia as a source because it is not “scholarly,” but this article points out that compared to the Encyclopaedia Britannica’s average error of 3, Wikipedia had an average error of 4. So in my opinion, Wikipedia is just fine.