Yes, a Wikipedia article can be considered a valid source for online research in certain contexts, but it is important to use it carefully. Here are some points to consider:
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Starting Point: Wikipedia can be a good starting point for research, providing an overview of a topic and references to more authoritative sources.
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Citations: Check the citations and sources listed at the bottom of the Wikipedia article. These can lead you to primary and secondary sources that are more reliable.
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Edit History: Wikipedia articles are constantly updated and edited by contributors. Reviewing the edit history can give you insight into the article's reliability and the range of expertise among its contributors.
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Not a Primary Source: Wikipedia itself is not a primary or definitive source. For academic or serious research, you should rely on peer-reviewed articles, books, and other scholarly sources.
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Subject to Bias: Like any open-source platform, the information may reflect biased viewpoints or inaccuracies that have not been corrected yet.
In summary, while Wikipedia can be a useful resource, it's best used as a tool to navigate to more credible and scholarly sources.
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