What's an annotated bibliography?

Summary

This video explains the significance of annotated bibliographies in academic research. Unlike traditional bibliographies, annotated bibliographies are prepared before writing and consist of citations formatted in a specific style, along with critical annotations. Annotations outline the main arguments of the source, assess its strengths and weaknesses, and clarify its relevance to the research project. The video emphasizes the importance of engaging with sources critically, rather than merely summarizing them, and highlights how well-prepared annotated bibliographies can facilitate the research process. It also encourages seeking assistance from librarians when navigating diverse information.

Takeaways

• 😀 An annotated bibliography is typically completed at the beginning of the research process, unlike traditional bibliographies which are placed at the end.
• 📚 The two main elements of an annotated bibliography are the citation and the annotation.
• ✍️ The citation records the scholarly source in the instructor's preferred style, such as APA or Chicago.
• 🔍 The annotation includes a critical summary that outlines the main arguments, assesses strengths and weaknesses, and explains the source's relevance to your research.
• ⚖️ An annotation should not merely summarize the source; it should demonstrate engagement and synthesis of its value.
• 🕰️ When referencing older sources, highlight their significance despite publication dates and discuss their influence on later scholarship.
• 📝 Identify weaknesses in sources, such as insufficient data collection methods or outdated theoretical approaches.
• 🔗 Explain how the source will be integrated into your work, especially in areas like the literature review.
• 📖 Sometimes, the annotated bibliography serves as a standalone assignment, while in other cases, it kickstarts a larger research project.
• 🤝 Librarians are available to assist with navigating various types of information and can provide support during the research process.

Q & A

What is the primary purpose of an annotated bibliography?

The primary purpose of an annotated bibliography is to provide a summary and evaluation of each source selected for a research project, helping to clarify its relevance and value.

How does an annotated bibliography differ from a regular bibliography?

An annotated bibliography includes a citation along with a critical summary and assessment of each source, whereas a regular bibliography simply lists the sources without additional commentary.

What are the two main elements of an annotated bibliography?

The two main elements are the citation of the source and the annotation, which critically summarizes and evaluates the source.

What should be included in the annotation?

The annotation should outline the main arguments of the source, assess its strengths and weaknesses, and explain how and why the source is relevant to your research.

Why is it important to critically engage with sources in annotations?

Critically engaging with sources demonstrates a deeper understanding of the material and helps establish the source's value and relevance to the research topic.

What might be a reason for including an older source in an annotated bibliography?

An older source may be included if it offers innovative methods or foundational theories that have influenced subsequent research in the field.

In what situations might an annotated bibliography be required as a standalone assignment?

An annotated bibliography may be a standalone assignment when instructors want students to demonstrate their ability to evaluate and synthesize sources before starting a larger research project.

How can an annotated bibliography assist in later stages of research?

It serves as a reference to remind researchers why they selected certain sources and how those sources are relevant to their work, facilitating better organization and understanding during the writing process.

What should you do if you need assistance while working on an annotated bibliography?

If you need help, you should reach out to a librarian, as they can provide guidance and support in navigating research resources.

Why is synthesizing the value of a source important in an annotated bibliography?

Synthesizing the value of a source helps illustrate how it fits into the broader research context and informs the research question, enhancing the overall quality of the research.