“Wikipedia is a wonderful resource for quick research. It is absolutely not appropriate as a source for research papers or other scholarly works.”
These were the words my first graduate-level professor used when replying to a question about using Wikipedia as a source. Her tone made it clear, she was not kidding around.
Many of my fellow students felt this was overly harsh and kind of laughed off her opinion. I can honestly say, I didn’t understand why she was so adamant.
Now I understand. I get it.
Last week, the New England Patriots signed free agent Darrelle Revis. Revis is the best cornerback in the National Football League. He’s so good, quarterbacks seldom throw in his direction...giving his part of the field the nickname “Revis Island” because he’s all alone out there.
Right after the signing, some wag updated the Wikipedia page for the islands of Massachusetts to include Revis Island. It was funny, no question, but it illustrates what’s wrong with using Wikipedia as a source for serious research. Anyone can update, change, edit or modify Wikipedia's pages. There’s no authority responsible for its content.
For serious research, you just can’t trust what you read on Wikipedia.
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