How to write an annotated bibliography for a research paper

Example APA citation:

Waite, L. J,. Goldschneider, F, K., & Witsberger, C. (1986). Nonfamily living and the erosion of traditionally family orientations among young adults. American Sociological Review, 55(4), 541-554.
 

Example MLA citation:

Waite, Linda J., Frances Kobrin Goldscheider, and Christina Witsberger. “Nonfamily Living and the Erosion of Traditional Family Orientations Among Young Adults.” American SociologicalReview, vol 51, no. 4, 1986, pp. 541-4.

Example 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. In contrast, an earlier study by William cited below shows no significant gender differences in sex role attitude as a result of non-family living. I can use this in my research paper to support my argument that waiting to get married can be beneficial to women.

Adapted with permission from Olin Library Reference, Research & Learning Services, Cornell University Library, Ithaca, NY, USA.

    This video will introduce you to how to write an annotated bibliography. At some time during your studies at university, it is likely that you will be asked to write an annotated bibliography.

    An annotated bibliography is essentially a list of sources with a brief note, (or annotation), summarizing each item on the list.

    The main difference between it and a ‘Works Cited’ reference list, is that you would normally complete one before you start writing your research paper.

    For some students, the annotated bibliography is a stand-alone assignment. But for others, it’s just one stage of a larger project, to be used as a reference tool as you complete your research paper.

    Annotated bibliographies let others know what the key sources are on a particular topic.

    They’re important because:

    • they help you to see how different sources fit together to shape your research
    • they remind you to give credit where credit is due in order to avoid plagiarism
    • they often help you to verify facts which adds credibility to your own research path, but more importantly, an annotated bibliography demonstrates your research progress!

    Creating a bibliography is pretty straight forward since it’s a record of the sources you’ve chosen, in the style that your course instructor has selected.

    However, this process involves setting aside time to research for a wide variety of perspectives on your topic. The quality of your annotated bibliography will depend on the selection of your sources.

    Your course instructor probably has specific instructions for exactly what the annotations should include and how long each one should be, so make sure you read your assignment carefully.

    Generally speaking, each annotation should be about 150 – 200 words long and can:

    • assess the source’s strengths and weaknesses
    • give an outline the main arguments
    • provide background information about the author
    • describe how the source is relevant to your topic

    Annotated bibliographies remind you why you selected a certain source, why it’s relevant, and even whether or not you agreed or disagreed with its main arguments, so it’s best to get started compiling your list of sources early and writing your own annotations.

    Thank you for watching. If you need additional help, please come and visit us at the research help desk on the main floor of the library or contact your subject specialist from the Research Help section of the library website.

    Content last reviewed: April 14, 2022

    How to write an annotated bibliography for a research paper

    The quality and usefulness of your bibliography will depend on your selection of sources. Define the scope of your research carefully to make sound judgments about what you include and exclude.

    What is an Annotated Bibliography? from Kimbel Library on Vimeo.

    What is an annotated bibliography?

    An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents that follows the appropriate style format for the discipline (MLA, APA, Chicago, etc). Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 word) descriptive and evaluative paragraph -- the annotation. Unlike abstracts, which are purely descriptive summaries often found at the beginning of scholarly journal articles or in periodical indexes, annotations are descriptive and critical. 

    The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources citedThe annotation exposes the author's point of view, clarity and appropriateness of expression, and authority.

    How do I create an annotated bibliography?

    1. Locate and record citations to books, periodicals, and documents that contain useful information and ideas on your topic.
    2. Review the items. Choose those sources that provide a variety of perspectives on your topic.
    3. Cite the book, article, or document using the appropriate style. 
    4. Write a concise annotation that summarizes the central theme and scope of the item.

    Include one or more sentences that:

    o    evaluate the authority or background of the author, 

    o    comment on the intended audience, 

    o    compare or contrast this work with another you have cited, or 

    o    explain how this work illuminates your bibliography topic.

    The annotation should include most, if not all, of the following elements:

    • Explanation of the main purpose and scope of the cited work;
    • Brief description of the work's format and content;
    • Theoretical basis and currency of the author's argument; 
    • Author's intellectual / academic credentials; 
    • Work's intended audience;
    • Value and significance of the work as a contribution to the subject under consideration;
    • Possible shortcomings or bias in the work;
    • Any significant special features of the work (e.g., glossary, appendices, particularly good index);
    • Your own brief impression of the work.

    An annotated bibliography is an original work created by you for a wider audience, usually faculty and colleagues. Copying any of the above elements from the source and including it in your annotated bibliography is plagiarism and intellectual dishonesty.

    SAMPLE ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY ENTRY FOR A JOURNAL ARTICLE

    The following example uses APA style (Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 6th edition, 2010) for the journal citation.

    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.

    This example uses MLA style (MLA Handbook, 8th edition, 2016) for the journal 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.

    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.

    What are the 3 parts of an annotated bibliography?

    The three different parts of an annotated bibliography include the title, annotation, and citation. The title and citation format will vary based on the style you use. The annotation can include a summary, evaluation, or reflection.

    What is an annotated bibliography for a research paper?

    An annotated bibliography is a list of sources (books, articles, websites, etc.) with short paragraph about each source. An annotated bibliography is sometimes a useful step before drafting a research paper, or it can stand alone as an overview of the research available on a topic.

    How do you start an annotated bibliography?

    Steps to writing an annotated bibliography Choose your sources - locate and record citations to sources of research that may contain useful information and ideas on your topic. Review the items that you've collected in your search. Write the citation using the correct style. Write the annotation.

    What are the 4 parts of an annotated bibliography?

    The annotated bibliography is written in paragraph form and composed of 4 parts: the citation, the summary of the content, an evaluation of the source, and a reflection on its use. Follow these steps. 1. Citation - Create a standard MLA citation for the source.