User:Thomas Dragoni/Evaluate an Article

Which article are you evaluating?
Labeling theory

Why you have chosen this article to evaluate?
I chose this article after diving into the academic disciplines section provided in the prompt. After selecting communication studies, I went on to select communication theory because it sounded interesting. I followed the subjects within communication theory from social constructionism, social interactionism, ultimately landing on labeling theory. The concept sounded interesting so I stuck with it.

Evaluate the article
LEAD SECTION

The lead section of Labeling theory is informational and concise, providing immediate definition to the concept within its opening sentence. The lead section does not provide a blatant outline of what sections are to come, instead the information is woven into the statement itself, elaborate upon later. The only criticism I have regarding the opening statement is that it may be a bit too detailed, mentioned small amount of information that may have a better place later in the article, Apart from this, the lead statement is appropriate and professional.

CONTENT

The content section of Labeling theory largely consists of the contribution the minds of professors and sociologists made towards the concept. While I originally thought that this article leaned too heavily on the description of these people, neglecting to address the core concept, I eventually went back on my decision. The exploration of these minds helps the reader understand the formulation of Labeling theory, how many individual and educated minds helped this theory come about. Moreover, towards the end of the article it circles back to more theoretical concept regarding the development of this theory, switching gears from the professors and sociologists. Because there have been to dramatic recent developments in Labeling theory, the content is up to date. The development of Labeling theory was described as being popular in the 60's and 70's

TONE AND BALANCE

Something I noticed immediately regarding the tone and balance of Labeling theory's article was the labeling of some professors/sociologists in regards to the theory. An example would be the un-cited claim that Frank Tannenbaum is considered the grandfather of labeling theory or that Erving Goffman is perhaps the most important contributor to labeling theory. Both of these statements were not backed up by citation nor reference. What is important to note however was that both pieces of information was the opening statement for the person's respective section. Maybe this fact received the need for a citation as it is to give the reader a general feel of what they are about to read. I do not accuse this article of persuasion, but there may be a possibility of overrepresentation. Regardless, this article is neutral in its tone. Both of the before mentioned statements are followed by concise information that does go to back the claim.

SOURCES AND REFERENCES

There is an extensive list of sources provided is the references and bibliography section of Labeling theory. Among them are studies, academic journal, and books published by universities. Furthermore, most links seem to work when clicked upon signifying they are still up to date on their information. The articles seem to be made up of some of the best available for the topic of Labeling theory, even including information regarding homosexuality and it's connection to labeling theory, providing information on historically marginalized individuals.

ORGANIZATION AND WRITING QUALITY

The article is undoubtedly well written. Labeling theory is organized in a manner that first describes the theory itself, the history of the theory, the contributions to the theory's conception, then further theoretical framework and concepts. I found no typing mistakes or errors within the writing, nor improper sentence structure.

IMAGES AND MEDIA

Due to the fact that Labeling theory is not tangible in it's nature, existing only as a though, images are not large factors of this article. There is, however, visual aid in on instance to better help the reader understand the concept of labeling theory, including arrows and an example. This picture foes in fact aid in the understanding go this concept. All images appear to adhere to Wikipedia's copyright regulation and are placed appropriately on the page as not to obstruct, but assist in the progression of the reader.

TALK PAGE DISCUSSION

Within the talk page of Labeling theory are completely appropriate discussion by Wikipedia's editing members. Some conversations consist of light debates regarding the merging of similar topics, the addition of supporting information (ie. a movie that correlated with the ideas of Labeling theory), and the addition of broader topics such as the role of ethnicity in Labeling theory. Moreover, while the article is still pending review for neutrality, is maintains nuetral-good ratings.

OVERALL IMPRESSIONS

The overall status of Labeling theory is described as C-Class. While this isn't perfect, it is a comprehensive and appropriate article for it's subject. The strengths of the article definitely lie in the in depth description of the educated minds who contributed to the conception of Labeling theory. This is by far the longest yet simultaneously most difficult to research section of the article. This article may achieve better ratings following the completion of it's neutrality review. As I said before, this area may be one where Labeling theory's article may posses a few problems regarding the labeling of some of the sociologists/professors described. I personally would described this article as comprehensive and well-developed.