A main reason why Wikipedia should NOT be cited as a source in academic assignments is:

Answer 1

1. Lack of authorship and expertise: One major reason why Wikipedia should not be cited in academic assignments is that anyone can contribute or edit its articles without any formal credentials or expertise in the subject matter. This lack of authorship and expertise raises concerns about the accuracy, reliability, and credibility of the information provided.

2. Inconsistent and evolving content: Another issue with citing Wikipedia is its dynamic nature. As an open platform, articles on Wikipedia can change frequently, and information can be added, removed, or modified without proper verification or citation. This inconsistency and evolving nature make it difficult to rely on Wikipedia as a stable and authoritative source of information.

3. Lack of peer-review and editorial process: Unlike scholarly journals and books, Wikipedia does not follow a rigorous peer-review or editorial process to ensure the accuracy and quality of its content. This lack of thorough evaluation and scrutiny of information makes it unreliable for academic purposes, where the accuracy and validity of sources are crucial.

4. Variability in article quality: While some Wikipedia articles may be well-written and extensively researched, others may lack depth, be poorly referenced, or contain biased viewpoints. Without a systematic quality control mechanism, it is hard to determine the reliability and suitability of individual Wikipedia articles for academic citation.

5. Encourages shallow research: Citing Wikipedia as a source in academic assignments can discourage students from conducting comprehensive research and seeking more authoritative and scholarly sources. Relying solely on Wikipedia may limit students' exposure to primary sources, peer-reviewed articles, and other reputable academic resources.

It is important to note that while Wikipedia can be a useful starting point for research, it should not be considered a definitive or authoritative source for academic assignments. It is always recommended to use scholarly sources that have undergone rigorous review and have established credibility within the academic community.