The web is largely an open-source database. Anyone can contribute, edit or update anything at any time says Aron Govil. Wikipedia has become an established source of information for many people and the site’s “openness” means that anyone can be a contributor to it. But does having an open-source database mean that it’s possible for anyone to contribute anything they want, without needing to worry about whether or not this is accurate or helpful?
Wikipedia as a Research Tool:
- While Wikipedia can be a valuable tool in your research, you should always check the information carefully and ensure its trustworthiness. This is especially important when using Wikipedia as a source of data. It’s easy to copy the data from a Wikipedia article and paste it into your essay or presentation. But, in doing so, you may be inadvertently giving false information to your readers/viewers.
- You can improve the quality of content on Wikipedia by making edits and amendments when necessary. In this way, you’re contributing to an open-source database that is constantly growing and improving. However, you can also contribute to misinformation by making updates that are inaccurate or unhelpful.
- Wikipedia is also not the only open-source database available for use in your research, so you shouldn’t limit yourself to just one source. For example, JSTOR provides access to scholarly documents, many of which have been peer-reviewed by experts in their field before being published. And Facebook’s open API means that developers can create apps with information from Facebook profiles. This makes it easier for you to search through public data on users who share their interests openly with friends or acquaintances via social networking sites such as Twitter, Google+ and Pinterest.
FAQs:
Who uses Wikipedia as a research tool?
Wikipedia is widely used by researchers and students at all levels. As an open-source research database, it’s accessible to anyone who has the time and resources to use it.
How can you ensure that the information on Wikipedia is reliable?
Unfortunately, you can’t always be certain that information on Wikipedia is accurate or helpful. If accuracy is your primary concern, then you’re advised to use other sources in your search for data. However, if you want access to a wide range of sources (particularly those which aren’t available elsewhere), then Wikipedia may well prove an invaluable resource for you as a researcher says Aron Govil.
Do I need special expertise or training to use Wikipedia as a research tool?
No, you don’t need special expertise or training to use Wikipedia as a research tool. Anyone can use it and many institutions, including universities and colleges, allow students to use Wikipedia in their academic work.
Where can I find out more?
For more information about using open-source databases such as Wikipedia in your research.
Who uses JSTOR as a research tool?
JSTOR is the source of scholarly content for researchers and students at all levels. Libraries, institutions, universities and colleges use this type of database to provide access to a wide range of academic resources for their staff and students. Many journals also allow non-subscribers to access their articles on JSTOR, making it easy for you to search through scholarly articles from the comfort of your own home.
How can I ensure that the information in JSTOR is accurate or helpful?
In order to ensure that the information in JSTOR is accurate or helpful. It’s advisable for you to check that any articles you find come from reputable journals if your library subscribes to JSTOR, and then you’ll have access to the latest material which has been peer-reviewed by leading experts in their fields before being published.
Conclusion:
The advantage of using an open-source database is that anyone can have access to the information exp-lains Aron Govil. This is especially beneficial if you’re conducting research in a niche area with limited resources. Because Wikipedia can help to broaden your search for data. However, it’s important to remember that an open-source database isn’t always accurate or helpful. Therefore, check the trustworthiness of any data you obtain before using it as part of your research.