Wikipedia and Research

I have not been encouraging students to use wikipedia for pure research assignments. As a rule, I like to direct them to database resources, texts and ebooks to support any research they do in school. Still the wikipedia reference occurs.

I also read about how Richardson is reporting that repeated editing in a wiki does lead to accuracy and at our recent librarianship conference a presenter was pointing out how we know editors are blocked, how to identify recently edited entries and I am in a quandry. I understand the value of what is happening in wikipedia and I think it is marvelous BUT my job is to teach and assist students in appropriate research practice. Is it a good idea to cloud the issue with a "pop culture" type of resource????