Yes, really -- Wikipedia can be a very helpful tool for conducting online research. As with any encyclopedia, Wikipedia should be a place where you begin finding topics and gathering your research, but it shouldn't be in your final citations for your project. For tips on how to use Wikipedia effectively, see their Research help article.
| Who? |
Who is the author, publisher, or sponsor? What are the author's credentials? Is the author qualified to write on the topic? Is there contact information, such as a publisher or email address? |
| What? |
Does it relate to your topic or answer your question? Is the language level appropriate (e.g., not too technical)? Have you looked at a variety of sources before determining this is one you will use? Are there spelling, grammar, or typographical errors? |
| Where? |
Do the authors offer evidence to support claims they make? Has the information been peer-reviewed? Does the URL reveal anything about the author or source? Examples: .com .edu .gov .org .net Can you verify any of the information in another source or from personal knowledge? |
| When? |
When was it published or posted? Does the date influence its usefulness? Has the information been revised or updated? Does your topic require current information, or will older sources work as well? Are the links functional? |
| Why? |
Does it inform, sell, entertain, or persuade? Does the point of view appear objective and impartial? Is it fact, opinion, or propaganda? Who is the intended audience? Do the authors/sponsors make their intentions or purpose clear? |