Definition
Definition of an Annotated Bibliography:A bibliography is a list
of sources (books, journals, websites, periodicals, etc.) one has
used for researching a topic. A bibliography usually just includes
the bibliographic information (i.e., the author, title, publisher,
etc.).
An annotation is a summary and/or evaluation.
Therefore, an Annotated Bibliography includes a summary and/or
evaluation of each of the sources.
Purposes of the Annotated Bibliography:
To learn about your topic: Writing an annotated bibliography is
excellent preparation for a research project. Just collecting
sources for a bibliography is useful, but 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.
To learn how to find sources
Annotated Bibliography Assignment guidelines:
Develop an annotated bibliography in correct APA format with
four sources that you believe would be helpful in the area of your
research question. You will then describe, evaluate, and reflect on
each source.
Each annotation should contain the following:One (1) Book;Two
(2) Sources from Electronic Databases (e.g., ProQuest, LexisNexis,
Infotrac, JSTOR);One (1) Internet Source.
The research question:
Your professor may give you topics to choose from or you may be
permitted to pick your own.
Your research question should be on a topic that
interests you,
is not too broad or too narrow,
can be researched in the library.
Forming your research question:A research question that is too
broad:Since 9/11, has society become more prejudiced?
A research question that is too narrow:What are three ways that
security at airports has changed since 9/11?
A research question that is just right:Since 9/11, does our
society unfairly stereotype and discriminate against Muslims?
The annotations: Each annotation will be one paragraph and
include three separate parts:
Description
Evaluation
Reflection
Your assignment will have four annotations that are at least
75-100 words each.
Description: write a description of each source.
What are the main arguments?
What is the point of this book or article?
Describe the main topics of the source (look at table of
contents).
Evaluation: Write a critical evaluation of each source.
Is the source/author accurate, reliable, or biased in any
way?
Does the author back up his/her claims with evidence?
Is it written for a particular audience?
What are the strengths/weaknesses of this source?
Reflection: Write about your impressions of the source and its
usefulness.
How will this source help you answer your research question or
support your argument?
How did it change the way you think about your topic?
How can you use this source in your research project?
Sample Research Question and Annotation in APA Format:
Since 9/11, does our society unfairly stereotype and
discriminate against Muslims?
Syed, N. (2010, February 3). Airport Screening for Flying while
Muslim. Retrieved from http://www.CNN.com The article Airport
Screening for Flying While Muslim is about the TSA racially
profiling Muslims at airports. The author, a Muslim and a student
at Harvard University, disagrees with the way the TSA is randomly
targeting anyone with a Muslim-sounding name or wearing traditional
Muslim dress. The author stresses that targeting members of a
certain group at the airport is not effective and results in a
perpetuation of ignorance and stereotyping. This author is biased.
This is not a reliable source since this is an opinion-based
editorial without any supporting evidence. The article was written
for the general public. This source compares to my other sources in
that it is a first-hand account of the authors experiences with
racial profiling, while my other sources contain solid evidence to
support the authors points. Even though this article supports my
thesis and makes me feel more strongly about my argument, because
of the lack of supporting evidence, I could not use this source for
a research paper.
Paper Set-Up: double space throughout
1. Write your research question at the top of page one (you only
need to write your question one time- at the top of page one).
2. Write the citation in the correct APA format for your first
source.
3. Write the annotation for your first source.
4. Repeat this for your next three annotations (order of sources
needs to be in alphabetical order).
The Rubric:I. RESEARCH QUESTIONNoYesClearly ExpressedII.
CITATION AND CORRECT APA FORMATNoYes 1 Book 2 Database Sources 1
Internet Source III. BOOK ANNOTATIONNoYes A. Clear, concise summary
B. Critical Evaluation of Book C. Reflection on Usefulness to
ResearchIV. DATABASE SOURCESNoYes #1 Clear, concise Summary
Critical Evaluation of Source Reflection on Usefulness #2 Clear,
concise Summary Critical Evaluation of Source Reflection on
UsefulnessV. INTERNET SOURCENoYes #1 Clear, concise Summary
Critical Evaluation of Source Reflection on Usefulness
Problems?Contact Pam Grill at [email protected]
or Jessica Neave at [email protected]
