Validity of Wikipedia

There is a great deal of information available on the internet. Search engines like Google and Yahoo make the world seem smaller and provide information in the masses at the click of a button. When it comes to higher learning, the creditability of a site is essential to the student when he is gathering information for a report or research paper. All higher learning institutions provide specific course readings, academic journals online and onsite libraries and many other tools as a means of gathering information. These tools give the student accurate and concise information he needs to construct valid research. One of the most important processes in the equation is making sure the information provided is properly sited in the report or research paper. Although not considered to be a credible source for gathering information, Wikipedia is used by everyone in the academic community for obtaining information. The site was established in early 2001 and its purpose is an open source concept using information entered by registered users. The website provides information or description on anyone from the president of the United States to information about a Boeing 747. Higher learning institutions do not consider Wikipedia as a credible or valid source for gathering information. A group of students entering the MBA program and the University Of Phoenix was tasked to debate whether Wikipedia is a creditable and valid source of information. There were only three members in the group so the approach had to be adjusted to make sure that both sides of the argument were addressed fairly by allowing each member a chance to present his or her argument for or against the creditability of the website. Ground rules were established and followed. The team made sure an inductive and deductive approached was taken when discussing the credibility and validity of Wikipedia. Each member agreed that Wikipedia is an excellent source for a quick reference. The information found