How to Write an Annotated Bibliography What is

How to Write an Annotated Bibliography

What is it? An annotated bibliography is a list of sources (books, journals, websites, periodicals, etc. ) one has used for researching a topic that includes a summary and evaluation of each of the sources.

Purpose The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.

Excellent Preparation When you have to write annotations for each source, you're forced to read each source more carefully. You begin to read more critically instead of just collecting information.

What goes into an annotated bibliography? n n n n Describes the content Describes usefulness Discusses limitations Describes audience it was meant for Evaluates the research Discusses author’s background Discusses conclusions Describes your reaction

The Credibility of the Source n Credibility or ethos: The author and publication’s credibility n n How much do you trust the source? What credentials or experience does the source have regarding this issue? Is the figure well-known? Is there any reason you shouldn’t trust the author or publication?

Analyzing Information Sources Is the information fact, opinion, or propaganda? n Does the work provide new knowledge to the field? n How is it written? n

Format of the citation n MLA style n Double spaced and use the hanging indent. n Include a medium designation such as print or web.

Format of the annotation n Single spaced n 100 to 200 words in length n Use third person until the end when you are answering how the research will help further your research(ing). n Use the literary present tense. Examples: “This article discusses…” “In this article the author supports…” “This book gives a detailed view on…” “This article describes…”

Task Requirements You are researching a total of 9 sources for your Annotated Bibliography. Follow MLA format for Heading and Typing a paper. Remember: Double-Space the Citation and Single-space the Annotation/Summary Due January 19, HARDCODY!!!

Sample MLA Citation Waite, Linda J. , et al. "Nonfamily Living and the Erosion of Traditional Family Orientations Among Young Adults. " American Sociological Review, vol. 51, no. 4, 1986, pp. 541 -554.

Sample MLA Annotation The authors, researchers at the Rand Corporation and Brown University, use data from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Young Women and Young Men to test their hypothesis that nonfamily living by young adults alters their attitudes, values, plans, and expectations, moving them away from their belief in traditional sex roles. They find their hypothesis strongly supported in young females, while the effects were fewer in studies of young males. Increasing the time away from parents before marrying increased individualism, self-sufficiency, and changes in attitudes about families. This will help my research because in my other articles, they do not show the significance of gender differences in sex role attitudes as a result of nonfamily living.