Evaluating Wikipedia as a Self-Learning Resource for Statistics: You Know They'll Use It

ABSTRACT

The role of Wikipedia for learning has been debated because it does not conform to the usual standards. Despite this, people use it, due to the ubiquity of Wikipedia entries in the outcomes from popular search engines. It is important for academic disciplines, including statistics, to ensure they are correctly represented in a medium where anyone can assume the role of discipline expert. In this context, we first develop a tool for evaluating Wikipedia articles for topics with a procedural component. Then, using this tool, five Wikipedia articles on basic statistical concepts are critiqued from the point of view of a self-learner: “arithmetic mean,” “standard deviation,” “standard error,” “confidence interval,” and “histogram.” We find that the articles, in general, are poor, and some articles contain inaccuracies. We propose that Wikipedia be actively discouraged for self-learning (using, for example, a classroom activity) except to give a brief overview; that in more formal learning environments, teachers be explicit about not using Wikipedia as a learning resource for course content; and, because Wikipedia is used regardless of considered advice or the organizational protocols in place, teachers move away from minimal contact with Wikipedia towards more constructive engagement.

KEYWORDS:

• Accuracy
• Display
• Statistical definitions
• Statistical language