Workshop Handout Overview: Wiki Edit & Research Framework

 

Workshop Handout Overview: Wiki Edit & Research Framework

​Core Principle

​Wikipedia is a mirror of published secondary knowledge—not a venue for original research or unverified claims. While automated content generators are not permitted for writing mainspace text, applying structured research frameworks builds high-level information literacy and confident editing habits.

​1. Pre-Editing Workflow (DRAG Framework)

  • ​Drafting (Sandbox First): Outline sections (e.g., Early Life, Career, Impact) in your user Sandbox before writing mainspace prose.
  • ​Research (Source First): Gather independent secondary sources (academic books, peer-reviewed journals, major press) before opening the edit window.
  • ​Analysis (NPOV & Weight): Compare sources to ensure balanced, neutral representation without adding personal opinions or bias.
  • ​Grunt Work (Maintenance): Build editing confidence by fixing typos, formatting citations, and adding archive links via the Wayback Machine.

​2. Skill Progression Ladder

  • ​Step 1: Micro-Edits — Correct grammar, fix dead links, or add a single inline citation.
  • ​Step 2: Pattern Study — Examine Good Articles (GA) and Featured Articles (FA) to model lead sections, infoboxes, and layouts.
  • ​Step 3: Clear Summaries — Always write transparent edit summaries to explain changes and build consensus.
  • ​Step 4: Collaboration — Join WikiProjects and edit-a-thons to participate in broader article improvement and community discussions.

​3. The Information Literacy Gym (Progressive Overload)

  • ​Level 1 (Basic Maintenance): Fix formatting, broken URLs, or minor stylistic errors.
  • ​Level 2 (Source Verification): Verify statements in an existing article against reliable secondary publications.
  • ​Level 3 (Sandbox Expansion): Draft a fully referenced, neutral paragraph using multiple independent sources.
  • ​Level 4 (Policy & Talk Page Engagement): Engage on Talk pages to navigate neutrality, undue weight, or Biographies of Living Persons (BLP) policies.

​4. Embracing the Learner’s Mindset ("Intelligent Fool")

  • ​Be Bold, But Collaborative: Take initiative in making improvements, but use Talk pages to ask questions and discuss updates.
  • ​Core Pillars: Keep Neutral Point of View (NPOV), Verifiability (V), and No Original Research (NOR) front and center.
  • ​Learn From Reverts: A reverted edit is a natural part of community consensus. Review feedback, consult policies, and refine your work on Talk pages.

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