Final answer:
Instructors don't want you to use Wikipedia in academic research because it is not peer-reviewed and can contain inaccurate or biased information. They encourage the use of more reliable and authoritative sources that provide depth and critical thinking. Engaging with primary sources and assigned texts is also emphasized for better learning.
Step-by-step explanation:
Some instructors don't want you to use Wikipedia because it is not considered a trustworthy source for academic research. One of the main reasons is that Wikipedia is not peer-reviewed, meaning that the information on Wikipedia may not be fact-checked by experts in the field. Instead, anyone can edit Wikipedia pages, which can lead to inaccuracies or biased information.
A more reliable approach in academic research is to use authoritative sources that have been vetted by experts and are peer-reviewed. These sources provide more depth and critical thinking, allowing for a higher quality of work. Online encyclopedias like Wikipedia can be used as a starting point to familiarize yourself with a topic, but it is important to supplement your research with more reliable and credible sources.
Instructors often encourage students to engage directly with primary sources and assigned texts in their class, as this cultivates critical thinking skills and helps develop a better understanding of the subject matter.