"ReadySetResearch!": Wikipedia for Research?!

Wikipedia for Research?

After evaluating a Wikipedia article (the grade, the comments, the references) use it as any online or print encyclopedia--for background, keywords, and their references or external links. 

How DO I use Wikipedia? 

• Background research--to get an overview of your topic and find key names, dates, issues, people to use in searching for more information and articles.
• References list--links to sources, some journals, books, websites. Use and cite these.
• External links--to other sources and websites that might be useful. Use and cite these.
• DO cite your Wikipedia article in your Works Cited--when is is a good article--rated "B" or better.

When do I NOT use Wikipedia?

• When the article has a "bad" grade--below a "B" you shouldn't even look at it!
• When the actual "good" article is your only source, or your main source!

Wikipedia Disclaimers:

• General

  No guarantee of validity

• Content

  Content may be objectionable

• Legal

  No legal opinions

• Medical

  No medical advice

• Risk

  Use at your own risk

• Academic Use

  Use as a starting point and remember to evaluate all sources