Annotated Bibliography

Instructions:

Your individual annotated bibliography in due by the end of week 3.

An annotated bibliography is a list of related scholarly journal articles that are followed by a brief (usually approximately 150 word) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation.The Annotated Bibliography is a list of scholarly journals and articles about a defined and specific research topic. They are the basis from which to write larger research papers. In this course, I expect you to develop a valid research question. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.

An annotated bibliography is NOT an ABSTRACT.An abstract is a descriptive summary which is found at the beginning of journal articles.Annotations are descriptive and critical; they expose the author’s point of view, clarity and appropriateness of expression, and authority.

Abstract submission will treated as plagiarism and obtain a failing grade “F” and university disciplinary action.

The annotated bibliography summarizes the central theme and scope of the articles and includes one or more sentences on the following:

(a)evaluate the authority or background of the author;

(b)comments on the intended audience;

(c)compares or contrast this work with another you have cited; and

(d)explain how this work illuminates the topic being studied.

The example provided includes the elements of a good annotated bibliography as each of the components listed are clearly communicated in the annotation.

1. Explanation of main points and/or purpose of the work—basically, its thesis—which shows among other things that you have read and thoroughly understand the source.
2. Verification or critique of the authority or qualifications of the author.
3. Comments on the worth, effectiveness, and usefulness of the work in terms of both the topic being researched and/or your own research project.
4. The point of view or perspective from which the work was written. For instance, you may note whether the author seemed to have particular biases or was trying to reach a particular audience.
5. Relevant links to other work done in the area, like related sources, possibly including a comparison with some of those already on your list. You may want to establish connections to other aspects of the same argument or opposing views.

Example:

Waite, L. J., Goldschneider, F. K., & Witsberger, C. (1986). Nonfamily living and

the erosion of traditional family orientations among young adults. American Sociological Review, 51, 541-554.

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. In contrast, an earlier study by Williams cited below shows no significant gender differences in sex role attitudes as a result of nonfamily living.

Source:Cornell University Library