Wikipedia

Wikipedia is the largest online community-managed encyclopedia. To many professors (including those of WSU), Wikipedia is not a credible source for papers, presentations, and other projects. The reason this is understandable is because Wikipedia pages can be edited by anyone with a Wikipedia account. Normally many Wikipedia users contribute valuable information and improve articles with their accounts, but the fact that anyone can gain access to a Wikipedia account without very strict requirements means that there is the possibility of lies, information without sources, and vandalism appearing on even the most organized-looking pages. Even though Wikipedia itself should never be cited because of this, Wikipedia can be used as a starting point for information. There are many facts that are backed up by credible sources on Wikipedia, which can be used. This is the only exception in which Wikipedia should be used for research and information. It is very crucial to check sources carefully to evaluate their credibility.