Wikipedia+Effect

The Wikipedia effect is described as the high degree of accuracy that occurs when many authors edit a wiki. The ‘law of large numbers’ or the ‘wisdom of crowds’ dictates that many writers will produce more accurate information than a few writers (Mason). This effect is an important to remember when creating your own wiki, as it will likely increase others' willingness to pilot wiki technology.

The Wikipedia effect can be seen in the results of a 2005 study by //[|Nature],// a British Journal. The study concluded that Wikipedia is nearly as accurate on science as the Encyclopedia Britannica. //Nature// reviewed scientific entries in both Wikipedia and Encyclopedia Britannica. Four “serious errors” were found in each source. A number of smaller errors were found - 162 in Wikipedia and 123 in Encyclopedia Britannica. Wikipedia’s 13,000 contributors likely account for its level of accuracy ([|“Wikipedia Survives”]).

However, sometimes the Wikipedia effect can become extreme and a wiki war develops. A wiki war occurs when users debate on what is the correct information, resulting in continuous back-and-forth editing ([|Daw]). Interestingly, though, in a large scale wiki war, conflicting parties must reach a consensus. In most cases, the page becomes neutral and objective, satisfying all parties involved ([|Brain]).

In his article,[| The Wiki Effect], Matthew Battles mentions that there are other problems involved with The Wikipedia Effect, stating that: "It's a system that doesn't select for truth. Currency, controversy, charisma, fascination-these count much more in determining the vitality and survivability of online articles, facts, or memes (Battles, 2005). He further states that The Wikipedia Effect forces the user to be more actively involved in the information exchange, participating in the Wiki and checking sources (Battles, 2005). Battles goes on to say:

"(this) is a reminder that the age of the casual reader, if it ever in fact took place, is rapidly passing away. Most readers may not fancy themselves encyclopedists, authors, or journalists-manqués, but they can no longer assume that what passes for fact is unimpeachable. The ecology of information turns them into editors and reviewers perforce. The effect of this revelation may in time prove healthy-if we wake up to our responsibilities as readers" (Battles, 2005).

It is interesting how Battles admits that the Wikipedia Effect can have a positive effect for consumers of information by forcing them to become active participants, but he also states that this will take time and will not be an easy adjustment.

Battles, Matthew. [|The Wiki Effect.]The Boston Globe. 18 December 2005. Web. 6 December 2011. Brain, Marshall. "[|How Wikis Work]." //How Stuff Works.// 2011. Web. 10 Nov. 2011. David, Daw. “[|Wikipedia Wars: 10 Biggest Edit Battles].” //PC World//. 24 July 2011. Web. 9 Nov. 2011. Mason, Will. Wiki Discussion. Drexel University. Web Conference. 19 Oct. 2011. “[|Wikipedia Survives Research Test].” //BBC News.// 15 Dec. 2005. Web. 9 Nov. 2011.
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