Citing Wikipedia: A Quagmire of Citations
So, you've decided to dive into the murky waters of academia and you're thinking, "Hey, Wikipedia seems like a goldmine of information. Let's cite that bad boy!" Well, hold your horses, intrepid scholar. Citing Wikipedia in Chicago style is like trying to nail jelly to a wall – it's possible, but not exactly ideal.
Wikipedia: The Wild West of Information
Let's get one thing straight: Wikipedia is a fantastic resource. It's like having a million know-it-alls at your fingertips, ready to spill the beans on anything from the intricacies of quantum physics to the best pizza toppings (spoiler alert: it's pineapple, obviously). But it's also important to remember that anyone can edit Wikipedia. So, while it's a great starting point, it's not always the most reliable source for in-depth research.
Chicago Style: The Strict Parent of Citations
Enter Chicago style, the grammar Nazi of the citation world. It's all about precision, consistency, and looking super smart. And while Chicago doesn't outright forbid citing Wikipedia, it strongly suggests that you stick to more scholarly sources for your bibliography. But hey, if you're desperate or just plain lazy, here's the lowdown on how to do it.
How to Cite Wikipedia in Chicago Style
Footnotes or Endnotes:
- Format: Wikipedia. "Article Title." Wikimedia Foundation, last modified Date, URL.
- Example: Wikipedia. "The French Revolution." Wikimedia Foundation, last modified May 12, 2023,
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/French_Revolution
Bibliography (Optional): While Chicago generally discourages including Wikipedia in the bibliography, if you must, use the same format as the footnote.
Important Note: Remember, citing Wikipedia is like wearing sweatpants to a wedding. It's technically allowed, but it's not exactly the most sophisticated look.
FAQ: Wikipedia Citation Woes
How to find the last modified date on Wikipedia? Scroll to the bottom of the page and look for the "last modified" section.
How to cite a specific section of a Wikipedia article? Include the section heading in your citation after the article title.
How to cite multiple Wikipedia articles in one footnote? List each article separately, separated by a semicolon.
How to handle multiple authors (or lack thereof) on Wikipedia? Use "Wikipedia" as the author.
How do I justify using Wikipedia in my research? Be prepared to explain why you couldn't find information from a more reliable source.
Remember, while Wikipedia can be a helpful starting point, it's essential to consult more credible sources for your research. Happy citing!