How to cite wikipedia harvard

Harrison Clayton June 9, 2023 6

Wikipedia, being a widely-used and frequently-updated online encyclopedia, can be a valuable source of information for research and academic writing. However, when using information from Wikipedia in your work, it is important to properly cite and credit the source to maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism.

When it comes to citing Wikipedia in the Harvard referencing style, there are specific guidelines to follow. The Harvard referencing style, also known as the author-date system, is a popular citation style used in various academic disciplines. It requires providing the author’s name and the publication year of the source.

In the case of citing Wikipedia, the author is typically the name of the individual who made the last substantial edit to the page. If the page has been edited by multiple individuals, you can find the name of the last editor and state “Wikipedia contributors” as the author. It is important to note that since Wikipedia content is constantly being updated, the information may change over time, so including the date of access is also recommended.

To cite Wikipedia in the Harvard style, include the author’s name, the publication year, the title of the article, the name of the website (Wikipedia), and the date of access. Here is an example citation in the Harvard style:

Understanding Wikipedia Citation

When conducting research or writing academic papers, it is crucial to properly cite your sources. One commonly used source is Wikipedia, an online encyclopedia with articles on a wide range of topics. However, citing Wikipedia in academic work can be challenging due to its dynamic nature and potential lack of credibility.

To cite Wikipedia using the Harvard referencing style, you will need to include certain information. Start with the title of the article followed by the name of the author, if available. Next, specify the date the article was last modified, as this is important to show the currency of the information.

If you are unable to find an author, you can cite “Wikipedia contributors” as the author. In this case, it is recommended to include the revision history link of the article to demonstrate transparency. This link can be found at the top right corner of every Wikipedia article under the “View history” tab.

Additionally, when citing Wikipedia, it is crucial to indicate that it is an online source. Include the words “Wikipedia” and “online” in the citation to clarify its nature. It is also advised to include the URL of the article to eliminate any confusion regarding the source.

Remember, while Wikipedia can be a helpful starting point for research, it should not be considered as a primary source. Instead, use Wikipedia to gain an overview of a topic, and then consult more reliable and authoritative sources to gather accurate information for academic purposes.

Citing sources properly improves the credibility and integrity of your work. By following the Harvard referencing style guidelines and adapting them to cite Wikipedia, you can ensure that your research is accurately backed up and meets academic standards.

Learn about the Harvard referencing style for Wikipedia

The Harvard referencing style is a popular method used by academics and researchers to cite sources in their written work. When referencing Wikipedia using Harvard style, there are important guidelines to follow to ensure accuracy and credibility.

Step-by-step guide to citing Wikipedia with Harvard referencing

Citing sources is an essential part of academic writing, and Wikipedia is often a useful resource for finding information. However, it’s important to cite Wikipedia properly using the Harvard referencing style to maintain academic integrity and avoid plagiarism. Follow these steps to cite Wikipedia with Harvard referencing:

Find the article: Open your web browser and search for the Wikipedia article you want to cite. Make sure the article is relevant, reliable, and up to date.
Locate the citation information: Scroll down to the bottom of the Wikipedia article and look for the “Cite this page” or “Citation” section. It is usually located near the References or External links sections.
Select Harvard referencing style: Click on the link or button that provides the citations in various referencing styles. Choose the Harvard referencing option.
Copy the citation: Once you have selected Harvard referencing, copy the citation displayed. This citation should be in the correct format according to the Harvard referencing style.
Paste the citation: In your document, paste the copied citation at the appropriate place where you want to cite the Wikipedia article. Make sure to use quotation marks if you are directly quoting any text from the article.
Add additional information: Include additional information such as the author’s name, date of publication, and the URL of the Wikipedia article. Make sure to follow the correct format provided by the Harvard referencing style.
Verify the citation: Double-check the accuracy of the citation with the original Wikipedia article and compare it with the guidelines provided by your institution or publisher for Harvard referencing.
Include in the reference list: Finally, include the full citation in your reference list or bibliography at the end of your document. The Harvard referencing style typically requires entries to be listed alphabetically by author’s last name.