An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents that includes a brief descriptive and evaluative paragraph for each source. This paragraph is called the annotation. The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to provide a review of the literature on a particular topic and to help researchers evaluate the quality and relevance of the sources cited.
To create an annotated bibliography in the Modern Language Association (MLA) style, follow these steps:
Begin by making a list of the sources you want to include in your bibliography. For each source, you will need to include the author's name, the title of the work, the publication information, and the page numbers (if applicable).
Write a brief summary of each source. The summary should be about 150-200 words and should provide an overview of the main points or arguments made in the source. It should also include any notable findings or conclusions reached by the author.
Evaluate the source. In this section of the annotation, you should provide a critical assessment of the source. Consider the quality of the research, the credibility of the author, and the relevance of the source to your topic.
Use MLA style to format your citations and annotations. This includes using parenthetical citations in the text and a Works Cited list at the end of your document.
Here is an example of an annotated bibliography in MLA style:
Annotated Bibliography
Jones, J. (2015). The effects of social media on mental health. Journal of Social Issues, 71(2), 345-360.
In this study, Jones examined the relationship between social media use and mental health outcomes in a sample of young adults. The author found that excessive social media use was associated with increased rates of depression and anxiety. However, the study also found that social media use can have positive effects on mental health, such as providing a sense of connection and support for users. This study is well-designed and the results are clearly presented. It is a useful resource for researchers interested in the impact of social media on mental health.
Smith, S. (2018). The role of parents in preventing teenage substance abuse. Family Therapy, 45(4), 578-585.
Smith's study focuses on the role of parents in preventing substance abuse among teenagers. The author found that parental involvement, communication, and monitoring were effective in reducing the risk of substance abuse. This study is particularly relevant for parents and educators who are looking for strategies to prevent substance abuse in adolescents. The sample size is small and the study is limited to a single community, so the results may not be generalizable to other populations.
As you can see, an annotated bibliography can be a valuable tool for researchers, as it provides a summary and evaluation of the sources on a particular topic. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily create an annotated bibliography in MLA style.
