The Role of Wikipedia in Research and Education
Dimitrios Xanthidis, Eisa Abdullah Aleisa
Journal of Information Technology Review, Vol. 4, No. 1, 2013.
DOI: 
Link: http://www.dline.info/jitr/fulltext/v4n1/2.pdf
Abstract:
This research study aims to investigate the role of Wikipedia in contemporary knowledge production as it is viewed by the various users of such tools in Greece. Academics, scientists, scholars and professionals provide a variety of argumentation on the pros and cons of the role of Wikipedia in contemporary knowledge production some of them rather conflicting to each other. A pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection. The data were collected at various establishments and a total of about 171 individuals from all walks of life, different backgrounds and age and cultures responded. The study results are clear. Wikipedia is a successful story, regardless of its credibility, despite its authorsâ€™ anonymity and often lack a significant and/or particular academic or professional merit, but because it is a good start and a quick and easy source of finding free information that either will be confirmed by other more official sources or that can be used by â€œcasualâ€ info seekers. Many individuals in Greece make use of Wikipedia but no research was done so far as to the perception of its quality. Although this pilot study originated in Greece, E.U. but the authors suspect it is very likely the results apply to many other geographic regions and populations.