Wikipedia is a free encyclopedia that anyone can edit. In 2022, it is one of the top 10 most used websites in the world.
As an encyclopedia, Wikipedia provides information on various topics on the entire range of human knowledge. As a reference work, Wikipedia provides information for research and helps direct readers to other sources of information.
| Strengths | Weaknesses |
| 1. Wikipedia is completely free (although they regularly ask for donations) and has information on millions of topics. | 1. Anyone can edit Wikipedia articles. Sometimes articles are vandalized, whether for fun, as a hoax, or because the subject is controversial. |
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2. Wikipedia is constantly updated, although not all pages are often updated (see weaknesses about this). |
2. Although many Wikipedia articles are frequently updated, others remain untouched for years except by bots. |
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3. Wikipedia covers a wide breadth of information, and includes articles on topics not addressed at length in other reference / pre-research sources. |
3. The top contributors to Wikipedia are not scholars. Steven Pruitt is the top Wikipedia editor, and Justin Knapp was the first person to make 1 million Wikipedia edits. |
| 4. All Wikipedia articles should cite sources. This list is a great place to start your research with an existing bibliography of work. | 4. Critiques across the political spectrum for bias concerns. Various studies have noted articles and editors tend to be more politically left-leaning, while others have noted Wikipedia’s lack of inclusion. |
| 5. Wikipedia openly states that it may be wrong, to use at one’s own risk, and to not consult for medical or legal questions. |