An annotated bibliography is a comprehensive list of sources used in a research project, where each source is accompanied by a brief summary and evaluation of its content. The American Psychological Association (APA) style is a widely used formatting guide for academic writing, including annotated bibliographies. In this article, we will provide a detailed overview of how to create an annotated bibliography in APA style, including the necessary formatting guidelines and examples.
What is an Annotated Bibliography?
An annotated bibliography is a list of sources that includes a brief summary and evaluation of each source. The annotation should provide an overview of the main arguments, methodologies, and conclusions presented in the source, as well as an evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses. Annotated bibliographies are commonly used in academic research to help researchers organize and critically evaluate the sources they use in their work.
APA Style Guidelines for Annotated Bibliographies
The APA style guide provides specific guidelines for formatting annotated bibliographies. The following are some key guidelines to keep in mind:
- The annotated bibliography should be double-spaced, with a legible font and font size (usually 12-point Times New Roman).
- Each source should be listed in a hanging indent format, with the first line of the citation flush left and the subsequent lines indented 0.5 inches.
- The annotation should be written in complete sentences and should provide a brief summary of the source, as well as an evaluation of its strengths and weaknesses.
- The annotation should be concise, typically no more than 150-200 words per source.
| Source Type | APA Citation Format | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Book | Author, A. A. (Year). Title of book. Publisher. | Smith, J. (2020). The effects of climate change. Routledge. |
| Journal Article | Author, A. A. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), pp-pp. | Jones, K. (2019). The impact of social media on mental health. Journal of Psychology, 10(2), 12-20. |
| Website | Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day). Title of webpage. Retrieved from | Johnson, D. (2020, February 10). The benefits of meditation. Retrieved from |
Creating an Annotated Bibliography in APA Style
Creating an annotated bibliography in APA style requires attention to detail and a thorough understanding of the formatting guidelines. The following steps can help you to create a high-quality annotated bibliography:
- Start by selecting a list of sources that are relevant to your research topic.
- Format each source according to the APA style guidelines, using the hanging indent format and including all necessary bibliographic information.
- Write a concise annotation for each source, summarizing the main arguments and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the source.
- Use complete sentences and avoid abbreviations or acronyms in the annotation.
- Keep the annotation concise, typically no more than 150-200 words per source.
By following these guidelines and tips, you can create a high-quality annotated bibliography in APA style that will help you to organize and critically evaluate the sources you use in your research.
What is the purpose of an annotated bibliography?
+The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to provide a comprehensive list of sources used in a research project, along with a brief summary and evaluation of each source. This helps researchers to organize and critically evaluate the sources they use in their work.
How do I format an annotated bibliography in APA style?
+To format an annotated bibliography in APA style, use a hanging indent format, with the first line of the citation flush left and the subsequent lines indented 0.5 inches. Include all necessary bibliographic information, and write a concise annotation for each source, summarizing the main arguments and evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the source.
What are some key guidelines to keep in mind when creating an annotated bibliography?
+Some key guidelines to keep in mind when creating an annotated bibliography include using complete sentences, avoiding abbreviations or acronyms, and keeping the annotation concise, typically no more than 150-200 words per source. It is also essential to carefully evaluate the credibility and reliability of each source, considering factors such as the author’s expertise, the publication date, and the methodology used.
