Constructing an Annotated Bibliography

What is an annotated bibliography?

An annotated bibliography is an organized list of sources (references) such as books, journals, newspapers, magazines, Web Pages, etc., each of which is followed by an annotation -  usually a critical commentary or explanatory note. 

In general, bibliographic annotations may serve all or part of the following functions, depending on the assignment.  They may

• describe the content (focus) of the source
• describe the usefulness of the source in relationship to a given project/goal
• discuss any limitations that the source may have, e.g. grade level, timeliness etc.
• describe what audience the source is intended for
• evaluate the methods (research) used in the source
• evaluate reliability of the source
• discuss the author’s background
• discuss any conclusions the author(s) may have made
• describe your reaction/response to the source

What is the purpose of the annotated bibliography for the Child Growth research study?

The annotated bibliography serves a number of purposes.  In particular, when constructed over time, it serves as

• a review of the literature related to a particular topic/theorist
• evidence of the quality of research that you have done
• evidence of the researcher's ability to comprehend key concepts related to a particular topic/theorist
• a mechanism for developing a deeper understanding of significant issues related to child growth and development
• a tool for exposing topics/issues that may guide the researcher to greater insight

What does the annotated bibliography look like?

Bibliographic entries (citations) are written and arranged like any other bibliography. Entries are usually arranged alphabetically by the first word, which is typically the author’s last name. Students are usually most familiar with the bibliographic style used in research for their given majors.  For example, English majors may be more familiar with the MLA style while psychology majors may be more familiar with the APA style.  Students may construct the annotated bibliography using the style that they prefer as long as they use a consistent style.   There are a number of useful guides (both on the Internet and in print form) for the popular styles, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, CBE, etc.  Here are a few helpful guides on the Internet:

• Helpful Sites if using APA style

  • APAStyle.org, from APA. 
  • APA FAQ, from APA.
  • Using APA Format, from Purdue University.
  • APA Style Resources, from PsychWeb.
  • APA Documentation Style, from University of Wisconsin.
  • APA Format, from the Writer's Workshop.
  • APA Style Essentials, from Amoeba Web.
  • Using APA Style for Referencing, from Online.
  • APA Style Electronic Formats.
  • Citing Electronic Sources in APA Style.
• Helpful Sites if using MLA style
  • Modern Language Association (MLA)
  • Guide for Writing Research Papers Based on MLA Capital Com. College
  • Using MLA Format, from Purdue University
  • Sample MLA Paper, from Diana Hacker and Bedford/St. Martin's, Freeman, and Worth
  • MLA Style Sheet, from UCalifornia at Berkeley

Once the bibliographic entry has been written, the annotation will immediately follow the bibliographic information or will skip one or two lines - depending on the style manual that is used. When writing the annotation, remember to be brief and include only directly significant information.  In addition, write in an efficient manner.

How is the annotated bibliography in the Child Growth and Development Research Study different from the bibliography (or "Works Cited")?

An annotated bibliography, as indicated above, is an organized list of sources (references) such as books, journals, newspapers, magazines, Web Pages, etc., each of which is followed by an annotation -  usually a critical commentary or explanatory note.  The Annotated Bibliography for the Child Growth Research Study is a complete list of all sources read in the process of completing the Research Study assignment. 

The bibliography or "Works Cited" page is an alphabetical list of all materials cited in the "Connecting Theory to Practice" (paper) section of the research study portfolio.  It is entirely separate from the Annotated Bibliography; however, it will contain a subset of the materials contained in the Annotated Bibliography.  Thus, it will have fewer entries.  However, it is necessary for the researcher to cite at least five sources from the Annotated Bibliography in the research study paper- and one of these sources must be a primary text.

Must all of the sources included in the annotated bibliography be cited in the paper associated with the research study?

Because one of the key functions of the annotated bibliography is to serve as a tool for inquiry, it is possible that the researcher will read and examine literature that may, on the one hand, add significant clarity to the researcher's understanding of key topics related to the research study and yet, on the other hand, have little relevance in the paper.  For this reason, not every source included in the annotated bibliography must be cited in the research study paper.  However, it is necessary for the researcher to cite at least five sources in the research study paper- and that one of these sources is a primary text.

The following are examples of what an APA annotated bibliography might look like.

Werner, H. (1948).  Comparative psychology of mental development. New York: International Universities Press, Inc.

This book will serve as the main source of information in connection with Werner. This book includes information on all of Werner's studies, experiments and theories, and it also includes information regarding the studies of other psychologists in connection with Werner’s ideas. The book provides detail on Werner's concepts regarding children's perceptual organization during the sensori-motor and primitive thought stages. Werner provides significant research on children’s drawings, perception and conceptual abilities with the outer world. This book is extremely helpful!

Shapiro, L. (2001). How to talk to children about terrorism. Retrieved January 25, 2004 from the World Wide Web: http://www.lookstein.org/resources/willtheyfly.pdf

This article was useful in evaluating the children and their reactions to the Terrorist attacks. There are not any concrete ideas related to Werner in this online article; however, it connects to the minor premise of the study, that of Terrorist attacks. The article provides useful information to parents/teachers on how to respond to certain questions, what children should and should not see, and what kind of activities will help children cope and understand the tragedies that have occurred.

Where can I find more information about developing the Annotated Bibliography?

More information may be found at the Purdue University Online Writing Lab at http://owl.english.purdue.edu/handouts/general/gl_annotatedbib.html