Wikipedia

Definition

Wikipedia is a free, web-based encyclopedia that relies on community collaboration to build a comprehensive, multilingual repository of knowledge. Founded by Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger on January 15, 2001, Wikipedia provides an open platform where users can create, edit, and verify the content. The website operates on a principle of neutrality, striving to present information in an unbiased manner supported by references to primary and secondary sources.

Examples

Wikipedia Articles: Articles spanning topics from historical events to advanced scientific theories.
Wikipedia Community: A global group of editors, moderators, and administrators who contribute to and oversee the platform’s content.
Talk Pages: Discussion pages where contributors deliberate on content edits and article improvements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How reliable is Wikipedia? Wikipedia’s reliability varies based on the specific article and the quality of its references. Articles tend to be more reliable when regularly updated and backed by solid references.

2. Who can edit Wikipedia articles? Anyone with internet access can edit Wikipedia, but changes are monitored by the community, and wrongful edits can be corrected quickly.

3. How does Wikipedia ensure content neutrality? Content editors are encouraged to present information from a neutral point of view, ensuring that all significant viewpoints on contentious issues are fairly represented.

4. What is the role of Wikipedia administrators? Administrators are volunteer editors with additional rights to perform administrative tasks such as blocking disruptive users, protecting pages, and deleting articles that do not meet Wikipedia’s guidelines.

5. Can Wikipedia be used as a primary source? Wikipedia itself is not considered a primary source; it should be used as a starting point, and users should follow the references to verify information from primary or credible secondary sources.

Encyclopedia: A comprehensive reference work containing information on a wide range of subjects or numerous aspects of a specific field, typically arranged alphabetically.
Crowdsourcing: The practice of obtaining information or input by enlisting the services of a large number of people, typically via the internet.
Open Source: Software for which the original source code is made freely available and may be redistributed and modified.
Neutral Point of View (NPOV): A fundamental principle of Wikipedia content, stating that information should be presented fairly, proportionately, and without bias.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Wikipedia: The Missing Manual” by John Broughton - A comprehensive guide to editing and contributing to Wikipedia.
“The Wikipedia Revolution: How a Bunch of Nobodies Created the World’s Greatest Encyclopedia” by Andrew Lih - A historical look at the creation and growth of Wikipedia.
“Good Faith Collaboration: The Culture of Wikipedia” by Joseph M. Reagle Jr. - An academic exploration of the community and collaborative culture of Wikipedia.

Fundamentals of Wikipedia: Communications Basics Quiz

### Who founded Wikipedia? - [ ] Bill Gates - [x] Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger - [ ] Jeff Bezos - [ ] Sergey Brin and Larry Page > **Explanation:** Jimmy Wales and Larry Sanger founded Wikipedia on January 15, 2001. ### What guiding principle emphasizes presenting information fairly on Wikipedia? - [ ] Verifiability - [ ] Notability - [ ] Neutral Point of View - [x] Neutral Point of View (NPOV) > **Explanation:** The Neutral Point of View (NPOV) principle emphasizes that Wikipedia content should be written without bias. ### Can anyone edit Wikipedia? - [x] Yes, anyone with internet access - [ ] Only registered users - [ ] Only administrators - [ ] Only experts in the field > **Explanation:** Anyone with internet access can edit Wikipedia, although changes are monitored by the community. ### What is a "Talk Page" on Wikipedia? - [ ] A primary source citation page - [ ] A sandbox for new editors - [x] A discussion page for article edits - [ ] A forum for general queries > **Explanation:** Talk Pages are discussion pages where contributors discuss potential edits and improvements to Wikipedia articles. ### How does Wikipedia ensure the accuracy of its content? - [ ] Through automated algorithms - [ ] From user donations - [ ] Via professional editors - [x] Through community monitoring and references > **Explanation:** The accuracy of Wikipedia content is ensured through community monitoring and the requirement of references to reliable sources. ### Is Wikipedia considered a primary source? - [ ] Yes - [ ] No, but it is highly accurate - [x] No, it should be used as a starting point - [ ] Yes, but only for historical information > **Explanation:** Wikipedia is not considered a primary source; it is a starting point, and users should follow the references for verification. ### What language version of Wikipedia has the most articles? - [ ] Spanish - [x] English - [ ] Chinese - [ ] Russian > **Explanation:** The English version of Wikipedia has the most articles among all its language versions. ### When was Wikipedia launched? - [ ] 1990 - [ ] 1995 - [x] 2001 - [ ] 2005 > **Explanation:** Wikipedia was launched on January 15, 2001. ### Which of the following books is a comprehensive guide to editing Wikipedia? - [ ] "Good to Great" - [ ] "Fooled by Randomness" - [x] "Wikipedia: The Missing Manual" - [ ] "The Innovator's Dilemma" > **Explanation:** "Wikipedia: The Missing Manual" by John Broughton is a comprehensive guide to editing Wikipedia. ### Are Wikipedia administrators paid employees? - [ ] Yes - [ ] No, they are algorithms - [ ] Yes, but only on a freelance basis - [x] No, they are volunteer editors > **Explanation:** Wikipedia administrators are volunteer editors who perform administrative tasks without pay.

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