You can evaluate any source using the 5 W's:
This infographic from PCC Library explains how different sources are created and shared, including:
Pros | Cons |
Worlds largest encyclopedia with millions of entries on obscure topics | Articles are not edited or peer-reviewed |
Great place to start & identify keywords |
Many instructors will not allow Wikipedia citations because they are not not edited or reviewed |
Updated regularly, sometimes by the second | Articles get vandalized for ideological reasons or just for fun |
Can include excellent references & external links | Can be skewed or biased -- based on authors interests, beliefs, opinions |
Anyone can edit Wikipedia -- the people's encyclopedia! | Anyone can edit Wikipedia -- no one checks their credentials or agendas |