Wikipedia as a source

Wikipedia is a comprehensive encyclopaedic reference work, especially useful as a first orientation. But can you also use it as a scientific source? On this page you will read about the use of Wikipedia for scholarly purposes.

Can I use Wikipedia as a scientific source?

You can't use Wikipedia as a scientific source. This is because an article on Wikipedia is not a scientific publication.

For what can I use Wikipedia?

• initial exploration of a subject
• gaining ideas about search terms to be used in (scientific) search engines: It is often possible to click on these search terms to see if the term matches your ideas on the subject.
• finding out or checking facts, but please do a double-check
• literature references: often there are references to crucial publications
• source references: In the footnotes of many articles detailed source references can be found.
• as object of study: In what way is a subject written about in an influential reference work?
• as quick translation tool, for words, but particularly for concepts for which mainstream (online) dictionaries offer no solution

What is Wikipedia?

Wikipedia contains millions of articles covering all disciplines. Many articles are available in several languages, but may differ strongly as to size and contents. Articles dealing with local topics are often only available in one language.

Is Wikipedia reliable?

Not all article in Wikipedia are reliable. The quality of the articles differs because anyone can contribute to Wikipedia. If an article is about controversial persons or events, there is an extra risk of subjectivity. If there are no references to literature or other sources or if there are other reasons to doubt the reliability of the text, a warning is usually placed at the beginning of the article: This article has multiple issues.

It is always sensible to compare claims made in Wikipedia with other sources and to check the reading list, because you do not know the authors of the article and their intentions.

However, Wikipedia does aim at objectivity. That is why new articles are viewed with a critical eye. It is also possible to give feedback on articles, to add information or to edit the contents.