Neutral point of view

1. Neutral Point of View (NPOV)

The Neutral Point of View (NPOV) is a cornerstone principle of Wikipedia, and by extension, any wiki built on the MediaWiki platform (like this one). It dictates how information is presented and is crucial for establishing a collaborative, reliable, and trustworthy knowledge base. This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and applying NPOV, particularly within a trading and financial context, though the principles are universally applicable. We'll delve into its meaning, why it's important, how to achieve it, common pitfalls, and how it relates to verifiable sourcing. This will be particularly useful for contributors editing pages concerning Technical Analysis, Trading Strategies, and Financial Markets.

What is Neutral Point of View?

At its core, NPOV means representing significant viewpoints fairly, proportionately, and without bias. It doesn’t mean excluding a viewpoint, or presenting it as ‘truth,’ but rather acknowledging it *as a viewpoint*. It's not about neutrality of the editor, but neutrality of the *article*. An editor may have strong opinions, but those opinions should not dictate the content of the article. The goal is to reflect what reliable sources say about a topic, not to push a particular agenda.

Think of it like a courtroom. The judge doesn’t decide *what* happened, but ensures that all evidence and arguments are presented fairly. Similarly, a wiki article should present all significant viewpoints on a topic, allowing readers to form their own conclusions.

In the context of trading, this means avoiding statements like "This trading strategy *will* make you rich" or "This indicator is *the best*." Instead, it would involve presenting the strategy’s historical performance, its strengths and weaknesses, the conditions under which it performs well, and its risks. It also means acknowledging differing opinions from various analysts regarding its effectiveness. For example, an article on Fibonacci Retracements shouldn't claim they *guarantee* profits, but should explain the theory behind them, how traders use them, studies on their success rate (and failures), and criticisms of their validity.

Why is NPOV Important?

Several reasons underpin the importance of NPOV:

• **Credibility:** A neutral presentation fosters trust and credibility. Readers are more likely to believe information that appears unbiased and well-researched. If an article is perceived as pushing a particular viewpoint, it risks being dismissed as propaganda or misinformation.
• **Collaboration:** NPOV encourages collaboration. When editors know their contributions will be fairly considered alongside others, they are more likely to participate constructively. Bias breeds conflict and hinders the collaborative process.
• **Respect for Diverse Viewpoints:** NPOV respects the diversity of opinions. Many topics, especially in the financial world, are subject to debate and interpretation. Acknowledging these different perspectives is essential for a comprehensive understanding. For example, discussions about Elliott Wave Theory often involve passionate disagreement. A NPOV article would present the theory, its proponents, its criticisms, and examples of both successful and unsuccessful applications.
• **Accuracy:** Presenting multiple perspectives often leads to a more accurate and nuanced understanding of a topic. By considering different angles, potential biases are identified and mitigated. This is vital when discussing complex financial instruments like Options Trading or Forex Trading.
• **Avoidance of Original Research:** NPOV strongly ties into the principle of No Original Research (NOR). NPOV dictates *how* information is presented, while NOR dictates *what* information is included – it must be based on published, verifiable sources.

Achieving Neutral Point of View

Achieving NPOV isn't always easy, but here are some key strategies:

• **Proportionality:** Give significant viewpoints space proportionate to their prominence in reliable sources. A widely accepted theory should receive more attention than a fringe idea. For example, when discussing Moving Averages, the simple moving average (SMA) and exponential moving average (EMA) deserve more coverage than lesser-known variations.
• **Attribution:** Clearly attribute opinions and interpretations to their sources. Instead of saying "This strategy is effective," say "According to Smith (2023), this strategy has shown a 60% win rate in backtesting." Use phrases like "According to," "X argues that," or "Y believes that."
• **Representing All Significant Views:** Identify all major viewpoints on a topic. This requires thorough research and a willingness to consider perspectives you may disagree with. Consider all sides of a controversial topic like Day Trading - its potential rewards versus its high risks.
• **Avoiding Loaded Language:** Use neutral language and avoid words with strong emotional connotations. Instead of "a disastrous trade," say "a trade that resulted in a loss." Avoid terms like “obviously,” “clearly,” or “undoubtedly.”
• **Avoidance of Advocacy:** Do not present information in a way that advocates for a particular position. Focus on presenting facts and evidence, and let the readers draw their own conclusions. An article on Candlestick Patterns should detail the patterns, their interpretations, and their historical reliability (or lack thereof) without advocating for their use.
• **Using Reliable Sources:** Base your information on credible sources, such as academic journals, reputable news organizations, and books published by established experts. Avoid blogs, forums, and self-published materials. See the section on "Verifiability" below.
• **Stating Controversies:** If a topic is controversial, acknowledge the controversy and present all sides fairly. Don’t shy away from disagreements or conflicting evidence. The debate surrounding Technical Indicators – are they self-fulfilling prophecies or genuinely predictive – should be explicitly addressed.
• **Acknowledging Limitations:** Be honest about the limitations of knowledge. If a topic is uncertain or poorly understood, acknowledge this. For instance, predicting Market Trends is inherently difficult, and any article on the subject should acknowledge the inherent uncertainty.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• **Personal Bias:** The most common pitfall is allowing personal beliefs to influence your writing. Consciously strive to present information objectively, even if it contradicts your own views.
• **Confirmation Bias:** Seeking out only information that confirms your existing beliefs. Actively look for opposing viewpoints and consider them carefully.
• **False Balance:** Giving equal weight to all viewpoints, even if some are based on misinformation or fringe theories. Proportionality is key – give more weight to views supported by stronger evidence. Don’t give equal time to a scientifically disproven trading strategy and a well-established one.
• **Weasel Words:** Using vague or ambiguous language to avoid taking a clear position. Instead of saying “Some analysts believe…”, identify *who* those analysts are and cite their work.
• **Cherry-Picking:** Selectively presenting evidence that supports your viewpoint while ignoring evidence that contradicts it.
• **Original Research:** Presenting your own opinions or interpretations without citing reliable sources. This violates the No Original Research policy.
• **Presentism:** Interpreting past events through modern values or perspectives. For example, judging historical trading practices by today’s regulations.

Verifiability and Sourcing

NPOV is inextricably linked to verifiability. Every statement in a wiki article should be supported by a reliable source. This allows readers to verify the information and assess its credibility.

• **Cite Your Sources:** Use inline citations to indicate the source of each statement. MediaWiki supports various citation formats.
• **Use Reliable Sources:** Prioritize sources that are:

   *   **Academic Journals:** Peer-reviewed research papers.
   *   **Reputable News Organizations:**  Organizations with a track record of accurate reporting (e.g., Reuters, Bloomberg, The Wall Street Journal).
   *   **Books Published by Established Experts:** Books written by recognized authorities in their field.
   *   **Government Reports:**  Official data and analysis from government agencies.

• **Avoid Unreliable Sources:** Avoid:

   *   **Blogs and Forums:**  Generally not considered reliable sources.
   *   **Self-Published Materials:**  Books or articles published by the author without peer review.
   *   **Social Media:**  Generally not reliable sources.
   *   **Websites with a Clear Bias:**  Websites that promote a particular agenda.

• **Understand Source Bias:** Even reliable sources can have biases. Be aware of these biases and consider them when evaluating information. For example, a brokerage firm’s research report may be biased towards promoting its own products or services. An article on Risk Management should acknowledge that different brokers may have different risk tolerance levels and reporting standards.
• **Primary vs. Secondary Sources:** Understand the difference between primary sources (original data or documents) and secondary sources (interpretations of primary sources). Secondary sources are generally preferred for establishing consensus views.

NPOV in Practice: Examples

Let's look at some examples of how NPOV applies in a trading context:

• • Non-NPOV:** "Scalping is the *best* trading strategy for quick profits."

• • NPOV:** "Scalping is a trading strategy that aims to profit from small price changes. It is characterized by frequent trades and short holding periods. Some traders find it profitable in certain market conditions, while others consider it high-risk due to its tight stop-loss requirements and the need for precise timing. Studies by [Source 1] indicate a [percentage] success rate, while [Source 2] highlights the challenges of consistently profitable scalping."

• • Non-NPOV:** "The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a foolproof indicator that always predicts market reversals."

• • NPOV:** "The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is a momentum indicator used in technical analysis to identify overbought or oversold conditions. It measures the magnitude of recent price changes to evaluate overbought or oversold conditions in the price of a stock or other asset. While many traders use RSI to identify potential reversal points, its effectiveness is debated. [Source 3] found that RSI can generate false signals, particularly in trending markets, and [Source 4] suggests combining it with other indicators for improved accuracy. The standard RSI parameters are typically 14 periods, although variations exist."

• • Non-NPOV:** "Bitcoin is the future of finance and will replace all traditional currencies."

• • NPOV:** "Bitcoin is a decentralized digital currency that has gained significant attention in recent years. Proponents argue that its decentralized nature and limited supply make it a potential hedge against inflation and a store of value. However, critics point to its volatility, scalability issues, and regulatory uncertainty. [Source 5] discusses the potential benefits of Bitcoin, while [Source 6] outlines the risks and challenges associated with its adoption. Its long-term viability remains a subject of debate amongst economists and financial analysts."

Conclusion

The Neutral Point of View is not merely a guideline; it’s the foundation of a credible and collaborative wiki. By adhering to NPOV principles, we can create a valuable resource for traders, investors, and anyone seeking reliable information about the financial markets. Remember to prioritize accurate representation, verifiable sourcing, and a commitment to presenting all significant viewpoints fairly and proportionately. Consistent application of NPOV strengthens the integrity of our knowledge base and fosters a more informed community. Understanding concepts like Volatility, Correlation, and Liquidity is crucial, but presenting those concepts neutrally and backed by sources is paramount.

Start Trading Now

Sign up at IQ Option (Minimum deposit $10) Open an account at Pocket Option (Minimum deposit $5)

Join Our Community

Subscribe to our Telegram channel @strategybin to receive: ✓ Daily trading signals ✓ Exclusive strategy analysis ✓ Market trend alerts ✓ Educational materials for beginners