How To Cite Wikipedia In Text Citation Mla

Alright, let's dive into the intricacies of citing Wikipedia within the Modern Language Association (MLA) framework. Many students and researchers grapple with this issue, wondering whether it's permissible to cite an online encyclopedia and, if so, how to do it correctly. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to properly cite Wikipedia in MLA format, while also discussing the pros and cons of using Wikipedia as a source.

Introduction: Navigating the Wikipedia Citation Landscape

Wikipedia, the free online encyclopedia, has become a ubiquitous resource for quick information on virtually any topic imaginable. Its accessibility and breadth make it a tempting source for students and researchers alike. However, academic circles often regard Wikipedia with caution, primarily due to its open-editing model, which allows anyone to contribute and modify content. This raises concerns about the reliability and accuracy of the information presented.

Despite these concerns, Wikipedia can be a useful starting point for research, providing an overview of a topic, identifying key concepts, and pointing toward more authoritative sources. The key is to use it judiciously and cite it appropriately when necessary. This guide will show you precisely how to cite Wikipedia in MLA format, ensuring you maintain academic integrity while acknowledging your sources.

The MLA Stance on Citing Wikipedia

The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides guidelines for citing various types of sources, including websites and online encyclopedias. While MLA doesn't explicitly discourage the use of Wikipedia, it emphasizes the importance of evaluating sources critically. This means understanding the nature of Wikipedia, its collaborative editing process, and the potential for bias or inaccuracies.

When citing Wikipedia, the goal is to provide enough information for your readers to locate the specific page you used. This includes the article title, the website name ("Wikipedia"), the date you accessed the information, and the URL. However, remember that citing Wikipedia should typically be a last resort. Whenever possible, you should aim to find and cite the original sources that Wikipedia itself references.

Step-by-Step Guide to Citing Wikipedia in MLA Format

Citing Wikipedia in MLA format requires careful attention to detail. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you create accurate and compliant citations, both in your Works Cited list and within your text:

1. Identifying the Necessary Information:

Before you start crafting your citation, gather the following information from the Wikipedia page you're using:

Article Title: This is the title of the specific Wikipedia page you consulted (e.g., "Quantum Mechanics").
Website Name: This is always "Wikipedia."
Date of Access: This is the date you viewed the page. Since Wikipedia content can change frequently, noting the access date is crucial.
URL: The full web address of the Wikipedia page.
Version Timestamp: While not strictly required, including the timestamp of the specific version you consulted can be helpful, especially for frequently updated articles. You can find this in the page history.

2. Creating the Works Cited Entry:

The Works Cited entry for a Wikipedia article should follow this general format:

"Article Title." *Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia*. Date of Access. URL.

Here are a few examples:

"Artificial Intelligence." *Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia*. 15 Aug. 2023.
"Renaissance." *Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia*. 20 July 2023.

Explanation of the Elements:

"Article Title.": The title of the Wikipedia article is enclosed in quotation marks.
*Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia*.: The name of the website is italicized, followed by the phrase "The Free Encyclopedia."
Date of Access.: The date you accessed the page is written in the format "Day Month Year" (e.g., 15 Aug. 2023).
URL.: The full URL of the Wikipedia page is included at the end.

3. Creating In-Text Citations:

In-text citations in MLA format typically consist of the author's last name and the page number. However, since Wikipedia articles don't have a listed author or page numbers, you'll use a shortened version of the article title in quotation marks.

Here's the general format for in-text citations:

(“Shortened Article Title”)

Examples:

"(“Artificial Intelligence”)"
"(“Renaissance”)"

Important Considerations:

Shortening the Title: If the article title is long, shorten it to the first few words. Make sure it's clear which article you're referring to.
Avoiding Ambiguity: If you're citing multiple Wikipedia articles in your paper, use slightly longer titles in your in-text citations to distinguish them.
Placement: Place the in-text citation at the end of the sentence or clause where you used the information, before the period.

4. Example of Wikipedia Citation in Context:

Here's an example of how to incorporate a Wikipedia citation into your writing:

"The concept of artificial intelligence has evolved significantly over the past century, with early ideas focusing on symbolic reasoning and later developments incorporating machine learning techniques (“Artificial Intelligence”)."

5. Including the Version Timestamp (Optional):

While not mandatory, including the timestamp of the specific Wikipedia version you consulted can add another layer of precision to your citation. This is particularly useful for articles that are frequently updated.

To find the timestamp, look for the "View history" tab on the Wikipedia page. This will show you a list of all the revisions made to the article. Select the specific version you used, and the timestamp will be displayed.

You can include the timestamp in your Works Cited entry after the date of access:

"Article Title." *Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia*. Date of Access, Timestamp. URL.

Example:

"Quantum Mechanics." *Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia*. 15 Aug. 2023, 14:32 UTC.

The Pros and Cons of Using Wikipedia as a Source

Before relying heavily on Wikipedia for your research, it's essential to understand its strengths and weaknesses:

Pros:

Accessibility: Wikipedia provides instant access to a vast amount of information on a wide range of topics.
Overview: It can be a useful starting point for gaining a general understanding of a subject.
References: Wikipedia articles often include links to more authoritative sources, which can be valuable for further research.
Up-to-Date Information: In some cases, Wikipedia can provide more current information than traditional encyclopedias or textbooks.

Cons:

Reliability: Due to its open-editing model, Wikipedia is susceptible to inaccuracies, bias, and vandalism.
Lack of Authority: Wikipedia articles are not typically written by experts in the field, and the information may not be peer-reviewed.
Constant Changes: The content of Wikipedia articles can change rapidly, making it difficult to verify the information and ensure its accuracy over time.
Bias: Editors can introduce their own biases, leading to skewed or incomplete information.

When is it Appropriate to Cite Wikipedia?

While it's generally best to avoid citing Wikipedia as a primary source in academic papers, there are situations where it may be acceptable or even necessary:

To Understand a Topic: Use Wikipedia to get a general overview of a topic before delving into more specialized sources.
To Find Primary Sources: Use the references and external links provided in Wikipedia articles to identify more authoritative sources.
To Cite Wikipedia Itself: If your research is about Wikipedia or its content, then citing Wikipedia is appropriate.
When No Other Source is Available: In rare cases, if you cannot find information on a particular topic from any other source, you may cite Wikipedia as a last resort. However, be sure to acknowledge its limitations.

Finding and Citing Original Sources

The best practice when using Wikipedia is to treat it as a starting point and then track down the original sources cited in the article. This allows you to verify the information and cite a more authoritative source in your paper.

Here's how to find the original sources:

Look for Footnotes or Endnotes: Wikipedia articles typically include footnotes or endnotes that link to the sources used in the article.
Check the "References" or "Bibliography" Section: Most Wikipedia articles have a section at the end that lists all the sources cited in the article.
Follow the Links: Click on the links provided in the footnotes, endnotes, or references section to access the original sources.

Once you've found the original sources, be sure to cite them properly in your Works Cited list and in-text citations, following MLA guidelines for the specific type of source (e.g., book, journal article, website).

Alternative Online Encyclopedias

If you're looking for a more reliable online encyclopedia, consider using these alternatives:

Encyclopædia Britannica: A well-respected and authoritative encyclopedia written by experts in their fields.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy: A peer-reviewed encyclopedia focused on philosophy topics.
Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy: Another valuable resource for philosophy-related topics.

These encyclopedias are generally considered more reliable than Wikipedia because they are written and edited by experts and undergo a more rigorous review process.

FAQ: Addressing Common Questions about Citing Wikipedia

Q: Can I cite Wikipedia as a primary source in my research paper?

A: Generally, it's not recommended to cite Wikipedia as a primary source in academic papers due to its open-editing model and potential for inaccuracies. It's best to use Wikipedia as a starting point and then find and cite the original sources.

Q: How do I cite a specific version of a Wikipedia article?

A: You can include the timestamp of the specific version you consulted in your Works Cited entry after the date of access. To find the timestamp, look for the "View history" tab on the Wikipedia page.

Q: What if the Wikipedia article doesn't have a listed author?

A: Wikipedia articles typically don't have a listed author. In this case, you'll use the article title in your in-text citations.

Q: How do I shorten a long Wikipedia article title in my in-text citation?

A: Shorten the title to the first few words, making sure it's clear which article you're referring to.

Q: Is it okay to use Wikipedia for background information on a topic?

A: Yes, Wikipedia can be a useful starting point for gaining a general understanding of a subject before delving into more specialized sources.

Conclusion: Citing Wikipedia Responsibly

Citing Wikipedia in MLA format requires careful attention to detail and a critical understanding of the platform's limitations. While Wikipedia can be a valuable resource for gaining an overview of a topic and finding primary sources, it's essential to use it judiciously and cite it appropriately. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and compliant with MLA standards.

Remember, the best practice is to treat Wikipedia as a starting point and then track down the original sources cited in the article. This allows you to verify the information and cite a more authoritative source in your paper. How do you plan to incorporate these guidelines into your future research projects?