How to use Wikipedia in their studies and research
Web Services / / December 24, 2019
Because of the numerous scandals in connection with the vandalism, the introduction of false data, the status of non-professional writers have shaped Wikipedia negative reputation. So it is never worth quoting in their work, studies and writings. Or you run the risk of being branded lazy at best, and at worst - an idiot. Still, Wikipedia can be useful.
1. For background, surface information. Who participated in one way or another war, the basic data biographies of famous personalities, etc. - all this should be taken into account. But the explanation of the facts, positions, statements about the causes of the event or events, dates, and quotes require rechecking
2. references. As a rule, in the bottom of the article, you can find links to material on the web. They often lead to a more credible and reputable sources - magazines and newspapers. These data can be very useful.
3. Keywords. In the study of absolutely unfamiliar topics, reading a Wikipedia article will help to generate some basic conceptual apparatus. Realizing what used keywords and terms, your searches, you can continue using familiar already with the search engines.
4. footnotes. Footnotes (also located at the bottom of the article) - probably the most valuable. They provide data on what magazines and newspapers, books (ie off-line sources) contain relevant information. Often indicates a very detailed data, down to the page and the publisher. So we can try to find in the libraries.
The main thing in the work with Wikipedia - not blindly accept all the data for the truth. This encyclopedia helps focus the search, but it does not negate the independent work.
4 ways to use Wikipedia (hint: never cite it) [Gearfire]