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Sociology of Golf
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Sociology of Golf: Evaluate Sources

Sociology of Golf Research Guide

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Use the checklist below to help you evaluate sources.

Evaluating Sources

Perform an initial evaluation of your sources.

Each source must adhere to the requirements of your assignment and be relevant to your topic. Review your assignment instructions. Can you say YES to the following two questions? If not, then do NOT use the source(s).

ASK YOURSELF

Does the source meet the source requirements of your assignment (e.g. peer-reviewed, journal article, primary source)? Make sure you are using the type of source allowed by your professor, as some will not permit certain formats, like websites.
Is your source relevant and useful to your topic? Read the abstract or summary of your source, if available. If there is no abstract or summary, skim the piece.

Continue to ask questions about your remaining sources.

Because you are looking at professional/trade articles, you may find that some of your sources may not reach the highest levels of scholarship, which is fine. For example, if you are having trouble with teaching Shakespeare's plays, an article about how a teacher successfully taught Shakespeare's Othello by having students produce the play would still be useful, even if it is not a peer-reviewed article based on original research.

ASK YOURSELF

Where was this source published (on a website, in a scholarly journal, in a magazine)?
What kind of review did it undergo prior to publication? For example, a newspaper article will have most likely been reviewed by an editor, while a blog post will most likely not have been reviewed by an editor.
Is the author an expert on the topic?
What are his/her credentials? You can look up the author in a search engine for more information about his or her background if you cannot find that information in the source.
Who is the intended audience?
Is the source written for the general public, or is it for scholars in a particular field?
Is the date of publication appropriate for your topic? For example, a 25 year old source on treating HIV may be too old given the advances in medical research about the disease. However, a 50 year old source about Shakespeare may still make a reputable argument.
Is the source long enough to go into the depth you need on the topic?
Does the author’s argument make sense (you do not necessarily have to agree with it)?
How strong is the evidence that the author uses to support his/her claims?
Where did the author find the information to support his/her claims?

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Last Updated: Aug 13, 2025 1:31 PM
URL: https://guides.augusta.edu/soci3950
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Subjects: Sociology

Tags: golf, sociology, sociology of golf, sociology of sport

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