Title: Wikipedia model for collective intelligence: a review of information quality

Authors: Sharman Lichtenstein, Craig M. Parker

Addresses: School of Information Systems, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, 3125 Australia. ' School of Information Systems, Deakin University, 221 Burwood Highway, Burwood, 3125 Australia

Abstract: Online information seekers increasingly utilise the online encyclopaedia Wikipedia as a key reference source. Wikipedia|s special feature is that it is based on the collective intelligence (CI) of lay citizens. Its consensus-building participatory knowledge-building processes replace traditional encyclopaedia processes founded on the knowledge of experts and gatekeeping practices. However there have been reports of concerns with the level of information quality provided by Wikipedia articles. This paper explores information quality for Wikipedia theoretically. First, it conceptualises the Wikipedia model of knowledge production and second, it analyses information quality for the model. Finally, the paper recommends some improvements for the model and discusses other implications for knowledge management theory and practice.

Keywords: Wikipedia; collective intelligence; information quality; online information; internet; world wide web; citizen involvement; consensus-building; participatory knowledge-building; encyclopaedias; experts; gatekeeping; knowledge management; KM.

DOI: 10.1504/IJKL.2009.031199

International Journal of Knowledge and Learning, 2009 Vol.5 No.3/4, pp.254 - 272

Published online: 25 Jan 2010 *

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