Annotated Bibliography

What is an “annotated bibliography”?An “annotated bibliography” is one way to present a review of the literature. It is a bibliography (list of literature citations) in which each reference is “annotated.” In addition, the annotated bibliography has a short introduction stating the purpose of the review, how the search was conducted, and an overview of the categories you found in the literature, as well as a conclusions section stating your analysis of the literature reviewed.

What is an “annotation”?An annotation is a short description and analysis of a piece of literature. Unlike an article “abstract,” which is written by the article’s author, an annotation is written by a reviewer for a specific purpose. The annotation includes descriptive information about the article (like an abstract) but also the reviewer’s analysis of the article. What is its value and relevance in regard to your research purposes? Annotations are usually 1-2 pages (double-spaced) long.

What are the steps in constructing the annotated bibliography?1. Based on your “conceptual map” of your topic, begin to search the literature. As you see what

“descriptors” are most useful for searching and what literature is there, you will develop a map of the literature. Another way to say this is you will identify the “modules” (patterns) in the literature related to your main topic. Be selective in choosing pieces to include in the annotated bibliography. You want to include the best and most current published research related to the topic, prioritizing journal articles. Be sure to record full citation information, alá APA, for each source you choose.

2. Annotate the selected sources. The style and length of the annotations will depend on the complexity of the individual pieces and how much you want to say. Keep in mind that you are developing the raw material for your formal literature review.

3. Group the annotations into categories based on the patterns or “modules” you identified in the literature. Give each category a sub-heading.

4. Develop conclusions about the topic based on the literature reviewed. In general, the conclusions should state what you learned about the topic from this literature. The conclusions section will usually (a) restate the purposes of the review; (b) analyze the information contained in the annotations; (c) assess the state of knowledge about the topic as represented in the reviewed literature. In other words, address such questions as: (a) What did I learn from the literature, i.e., what is the literature saying? (b) What is my criticism of the literature? (c) Does the literature provide concrete guidance in regard to the problem I want to address in my research? (d) What research is needed related to the topic?

The final annotated bibliography “paper” will include: A title page Introduction (purpose of review and how search was conducted; overview of the

“modules” or patterns you found in the literature) Annotations (divided into sections according to the categories; include full citation

with each annotation) Conclusions

The paper must be double-spaced and use correct APA style.