This task asks students to assess the trustworthiness of a Wikipedia article about Frederick Douglass. To answer this question correctly, students need to avoid overgeneralizations about Wikipedia articles, like, “It’s completely untrustworthy because anyone can edit it.” Instead, they must focus on important indicators of reliability for Wikipedia articles, including whether it is a protected page and whether its claims are substantiated by references from trustworthy sources. In this case, the article is “semi-protected,” which means only registered and confirmed Wikipedia users can edit it. It is a “B-class article” which means that Wikipedia editors consider it to contain adequate citations and to not contain obvious inaccuracies. Additionally, it contains over two hundred citations, many from reliable news organizations and academic sources.
Level: Mastery
Student correctly and completely explains why the Wikipedia article is likely a trustworthy source. Explanations may include the following:
- The page is “protected” from editing, so only registered Wikipedians can alter it
- The information on this page is supported by reliable references
Level: Emerging
Student raises a relevant consideration but is unclear or vague. Or, student engages in both correct and erroneous reasoning.
Level: Beginning
Student evaluates the page based on irrelevant or incorrect considerations. Or, the student’s response is unclear or off topic.