What are the sources Wikipedia consider as reliable?
Wikipedia considers text, audio, video and multimedia materials that have been recorded, broadcasted, distributed or archived by a reputed party as reliable sources. The reliability of a source depends on context. The more a source is engaged in fact checking, analyzing legal issues and writing, the more reliable it is considered. The age of a publication matters a lot too; especially in the scientific and academic fields where new information is continuously being brought to light.
Wikipedia articles should be based mainly on reliable secondary sources, i.e., a document or recording that relates or discusses information originally presented elsewhere.
Reputable tertiary sources, such as introductory-level university textbooks, almanacs, and encyclopedias, are considered . Tertiary sources, as mentioned in the previous section, are compilations of important information from various secondary sources. Wikipedia articles themselves are considered tertiary sources.
Some sources that Wikipedia considers reliable are:
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Academic and peer-reviewed publications
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Textbooks by credible authors
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Books published by reputed publishing houses
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Reputed magazines
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Mainstream newspapers
We can find news sources being cited frequently on Wikipedia. News sources often contain both factual content and opinion content. News reporting from well-established news outlets are generally considered to be reliable for statements of fact.
Sometimes it’s necessary to refer to opinionated sources. When taking information from such content, the identity of the author may help determine reliability. The opinions of specialists and recognized experts are more likely to be reliable and to reflect a significant viewpoint.