© TAFE NSW 2019 Higher Education Aliza Salvador
Writing Guide: Annotated Bibliography
What is an annotated bibliography?
An annotated bibliography is a critical review of the literature search that you have conducted
on a particular topic. Similar to a reference list, it comprises of an alphabetical list of a range
of information sources (e.g. journal articles, book chapters, etc.), however it also includes a
commentary (or annotation) of each source.
Benefits of writing an annotated bibliography:
An annotated bibliography clearly showcases the
eadth and depth of the research
you have done on a topic.
An annotated bibliography is a helpful ‘first step’ when writing a literature review,
essay, report, etc. as it involves the collation and organisation of your research into
one document.
An annotated bibliography assists you in critiquing the relevance of sources.
An annotated bibliography encourages deeper engagement with the sources you have
collected.
What to include in each annotation:
1. The full APA reference of the source
2. The main aim(s)/purpose of the research (i.e. what did the study aim to find?)
3. Detail the research methods used (i.e. how was the study conducted?)
4. Identify the context of the study (i.e. where was the research done?) and the
participants of the study (i.e. who was involved in the study?)
5. Discuss the main research findings or the main argument(s) of the source
6. Summarise the conclusions made by the author(s)
7. Comment the credibility or reliability of the text – note any limitations and/or issues
of generalisations (i.e. identify any weaknesses of the study)
8. Provide your own reflection (i.e. comment on the helpfulness
elevance of the source
for your essay/literature review
eport/etc.) (This can be written in first-person
language)
Sample annotation (Each element is coordinated with the colours above):
Ganz, J. B., Hong, E. R., & Goodwyn, F. D. Effectiveness of the PECS Phase III app and
choice between the app and traditional PECS among preschoolers with ASD.
Research in Autism Spectrum Disorders, 7(1), XXXXXXXXXXdoi:
10.1016/j.rasd XXXXXXXXXX.
Ganz, Hong & Goodwyn XXXXXXXXXXaim to explore the efficacy of a tablet-computer-based
Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) application compared to that of a
traditional PECS that uses a physical communication book. Three children with autism
etween 3-4 years old participated in the eight-week summer clinic session and qualitative
© TAFE NSW 2019 Higher Education Aliza Salvador
information was gained via assessments. Results indicate that all three participants
demonstrated considerable improvement utilising the PECS application during and prior to
explicit app instruction. A single-case multiple baseline design presented that all participants
demonstrated above-chance level mastery of the application. Further, two participants
seemed to show preference for the tablet-based PECS application and one participant showed
preference for the traditional PECS communication booklet. The study, however, concluded
that there was no consistency in the preference demonstrated and therefore does not regard
one over the other. Limitations of this study included time restraints, conducting the study in
unnatural, research conditions and the small participant sample size. These limitations
therefore affected the validity of the results of the study. I found this article helpful as it
provided practical implications on choosing an AAC system targeted towards families and
service providers of children requiring AAC were also provided. As such, this will form the
asis of my ‘recommendations’ section of my report.
Helpful tips when writing an annotated bibliography:
Remember to be concise – you are writing a summary of each source. A paragraph is
usually enough (unless stated otherwise by your academic).
With the first point in mind, your annotation should assist the reader(s) in developing
a solid understanding of each source without having to go back and read the actual
source themselves.
An annotation should not be merely based on the abstract of a paper (it is clear when
students have not read the paper in its entirety)
Write in full sentences.
There is no need to cross reference or provide in-text references, as you are annotating
each source separately.
Don’t forget to a
ange the sources in your annotated bibliography alphabetically.
This is merely a guide. The conventions of writing an annotated bibliography may
vary depending on the assessment, your teacher, or the subject (so please check with
your teachers first!)
Revisit the APA referencing guide.
Helpful websites:
UNSW Annotated Bibliography guide: https:
student.unsw.edu.au/annotated-
ibliography
Monash University Annotated Bibliography guide:
https:
www.monash.edu
lo/assignment-samples/arts/writing-an-annotated-
ibliography
https:
student.unsw.edu.au/annotated-bibliography
https:
student.unsw.edu.au/annotated-bibliography
https:
www.monash.edu
lo/assignment-samples/arts/writing-an-annotated-bibliography
https:
www.monash.edu
lo/assignment-samples/arts/writing-an-annotated-bibliography