W1. Wikipedia: Reliable sources - Youngryun Chun

• Summary

  This readings said "Type of sources and How to distinguish reliable sources".

First of all, When determining the reliability of the source, it is important that context and age should be considered.

  Next, There are some types of sources. First, Scholary meterial is used as a major source of Wikipedia. When using this source, editor should select the latest consensus rather than the old one and verify that it has been validated multiple times. And there is News organizations. This source is preferable to well-established news such as BBC News, Reuters than less-established. There is also an E-commerce in the type of source, but it is appropriate to replace it with a non-commercial reliable source. In addition, because the source must show a neutral position, Biased or opinionated source should not be used or two positions should be presented.

  In the next section, the sources to be restrained from using were presented. Questionable sources are likely to cause controversy. Sources that may seem reliable should be checked for accuracy. For instance, there is Sponsored content. This content is produced with the help of a particular interest group. So it is not suitable. Also, Self-published sources such as User-generated content posted on SNS are not appropriate.

  The section of "Reliability in specific contexts" explains How to judge the reliability of the source by type. First, contents such as Medical claims, Academic consensus, Usage by other sources should be make sure accuracy, reputation and evidence. Next, Biographies of living persons and Statements of opinion should be reduced use. And when using the Quotations, it is necessary to leave the source of the text. Finally, Original research should be used with caution. So, secondary research is preferred because it is more validated than the primary research.

 This reading material explains how to find reliable content and what to watch out for when writing Wikipedia article.

• What was interesting/ What did you learn

  What I learned through this readings was that data that sounds reliable such as monograph and articles should be considered when they are used as sources. When writing a report, I often used anything for assignment if it correspond to the topic without considering accuracy and reputation. I have learned that this method may reduce the quality of the assignment and contain inaccurate information. In particular, I didn't know how to judge reliability for academic data, but I thought I should look for recent research rather than initial research. I think this will allow me to use more accurate and objective information to edit Wikipedia articles.

• Discussion point or Question

  The idea that came to mind when I read a writing about the reliability of the source is to what extent the data from the source can be used. I also thought how to distinguish between data that is available when leaving a source and data that is not allowed to be used. When I do my assignment, I often use content that others studied to contain objective information, not my thoughts. At this time, I sometimes worry about whether I can put this in my writing. So, I wonder if I can quote some information when I leave a source.