Hoi,
Misspellings or grammatical errors may also indicate non native speakers of
a language. Certainly when the subject is foreign (from an English language
pov) it may indicate that the factual quality is actually better.
Many of the biases are systemic. There are subjects where there are resident
"gurus" who do not permit with their clique that a more international pov is
given. One example I stumbled over is the subject of "fundamentalism" where
it was not accepted that it is not only used in a religious context.
Sources currently provided are predominantly English language based. This is
in and of itself a big bias.
Thanks,
GerardM
On 2/27/07, Frederick Noronha <fred(a)bytesforall.org> wrote:
http://www.standardnewswire.com/news/68208681.html
Expert: Wikipedia Won't Go Away, So Learn How to Use It
Contact: Maggie Morris, maggiemorris(a)purdue.edu; Sorin Matei,
smatei(a)purdue.edu
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind., Feb. 23 /Standard Newswire/ -- The popularity of
Wikipedia makes it important that users learn to use the online
collaborative encyclopedia as a starting point for their research
rather than as the final word, says a Purdue University communications
expert.
"Students are addicted to Wikipedia, and teachers fight it with stern
grading policies and restrictions on its use," says Sorin A. Matei, an
assistant professor in the Department of Communication. "But Wikipedia
is here to stay and, despite penalties, people are likely to continue
using it."
Begun in 2001, Wikipedia is a popular online reference tool that
allows Internet users to add and edit entries.
Matei recommends Wikipedia be used as a search engine that acts as a
springboard to other resources and that it never be cited as a primary
source of information. But before starting an Internet search, Matei
urges users to consult with a professional who can help focus their
research topic. After narrowing the topic, those in an academic
environment should then search for more literature on major article
databases from institutional organizations, such as ProQuest or
LexisNexis.
"Many of the papers found on these databases are reviewed by highly
qualified individuals and institutions," Matei says. "They are not
just very powerful and accessible search engines, they are also
excellent filters of information that can be easily sorted by topics,
subjects and time."
After a broader Internet search, Matei says the Wikipedia page can be
used to help clarify some specific questions or terms that the initial
research process has not been able to resolve. However, when using
Wikipedia, the user should be on the lookout for possible errors and
biases. Matei says a number of strategies can be used to uncover any
bias or incorrect data that might be present, such as:
* Read the text carefully. Misspelling or poor grammar in
Wikipedia entries could indicate that the information was added by a
sloppy contributor.
* Check for missing well-known features of a particular story or
concept.
* Value statements or citations that aren't credited are almost
always suspicious.
* When Wikipedia entries justify value or factual statements by
making reference to specific sources, the authority of the sources
should always be checked using a number of criteria, including: Is the
source cited from an institutional Web page or a formal publication of
recognized academic, research, education or scholarly institution,
such as a university, academic publishing house or journal site? Is
the source reference complete? Does the source have an author or is it
anonymous?
* The Wikipedia label "controversial" posted at the top of the
article might indicate that the topic has created conflict and debate.
* There may be conflict among contributors even if the article is
not labeled "controversial." Signs of conflict can be found under the
"history" or "discussion" tabs that come with any Wikipedia entry.
--
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