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Wikipedia's influence on Rider students

An article from the International Journal of Instructional Media discussed a study on Wikipedia's credibility that took place at a southeastern public university. The participants were all in communications/journalism related majors and were within the age range of 18-21. In addition to a series of "agree/disagree" questions, researchers also asked students what their motivation to use Wikipedia for classes is. Most students responded that they use it for quick research, "because it is convenient and offers a good summary of topics that may have been unfamiliar" ("Trust me! Wikipedia's Credibility Among College Students"). The study concluded that students strive for credible and reliable information, and are likely to follow warnings from their professors about being careful with what information they use for research. The second result listed also reveals that professors are likely to advise against students' use of Wikipedia. Though the majority of participants were opposed to using Wikipedia for research, there was a small pocket of people that believed it was a useful tool.

Similar results to those from the study at the southeastern public university were found at Rider University, from a total of 21 college students, ages 18-21.

We conducted a brief survey on campus. Students either filled out a printed copy or responded by editing this Wikipedia page, where we left the following message:

''This page is to collect research for a project in our Communication, Culture and Mass Media class. We have to study the impact of Wikipedia on Rider University. Any current Rider student is invited to edit the page and add their answers to the questions. Please do not edit other people's answers and please answer honestly. If you would like to remain anonymous that is fine. Thank you!''

These are the responses from the survey, which was conducted from October 9-12, 2014.

1. What grade are you in?

13 Freshman

3 Sophomores

3 Juniors

2 Seniors

'''2. Do you think Wikipedia is a credible source? Yes or No?'''

5 Freshmen said Yes

7 Freshmen said No

1 Freshman said Yes and No

1 Sophomore said Yes

2 Sophomores said No

1 Junior said Yes

2 Juniors said No

1 Senior said Yes

1 Senior said No

'''3. Do you have a Wikipedia account? Yes or No?'''

13 Freshmen said No

3 Sophomores said No

3 Juniors said No

2 Seniors said No

'''4. Have you ever edited a Wikipedia page? Yes or No?'''

1 Freshman said Yes

12 Freshmen said No

1 Sophomore said Yes

2 Sophomores said No

3 Juniors said No

2 Seniors said No

5. What do the majority of your professors think about Wikipedia?

Freshmen

-2- said Professors didn't mention anything about it.

- A few- use Wikipedia for notes

-1- it was not the most trustworthy site

-9- Professors say not to use it because it is not credible at all.

Sophomores

-3- Unreliable, professors don't let them use it.

Juniors

-3- Professors don't think it's credible.

Seniors

-2- Professors don't think it's credible.

'''6. What are you most likely to use Wikipedia for? (i.e. homework, quick research, questions, etc.)'''

Freshmen

-8- Quick research

-2- Questions

-2- Homework

-1- "I literally do not use Wikipedia"

Sophomores

-2- Homework, Quick Research and Questions

-1- Quick Research and Questions

Juniors

-1- "All aspects of my life"

-2- Quick Research

Seniors

-1- Questions

-1- I use it for general information if I don't know anything about a topic. I also use it when i need to know specific terminology. I also use it to lern more about movies and music.

7. How often do you use Wikipedia for your classes?

Freshmen

-1- Twice a week

-6- Not often

-4-Never

-2- Very Often

Sophomores

-2- On a regular basis

-1- Only sometimes

Juniors

-1- Every day

-1- Twice a month

-1- Never

Seniors

-1- Never

-1- Rarely

From the surveys, it can be inferred that Wikipedia does not have a strong influence at Rider University. Rider students have limited involvement with the website. Almost all of the participants said they neither have a Wikipedia account, nor have they edited a Wikipedia page. Most Rider students use Wikipedia as a source of quick research and basic facts on unfamiliar topics, and almost never as a legitimate source for school work. Students also say that most of their professors advise against using Wikipedia, which contributes to the lack of influence it has on students, assuming that they are adherent to their professors' warnings. A small percentage of the participants in the survey believed that Wikipedia had credibility, but they were severely outnumbered by the amount that believed it is a bad source. When looking for a credible source to use for school work, students are not likely to be searching Wikipedia.