What is an Annotated Bibliography?
An annotated bibliography in APA style is a list of citations for various books, articles, and other sources on a topic. The annotation is a brief description of each source. The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to provide an overview of the research that has been conducted on a topic. It gives readers a sample of the types of material available by briefly describing the content and focus of each source.
APA Style Requirements for Annotations
There are specific guidelines for writing annotations in APA style:
The annotation should be 1-2 paragraphs (usually about 150 words). It provides a concise summary of the central thesis and scope of the book or article.
The first sentence of the annotation should contain the bibliographic citation in APA format.
Subsequent sentences evaluate the authority or background of the author, the intended audience, and the usefulness or perspective of the source.
Do not include subjective opinions about the quality of the source. Keep the evaluation factual by noting the source’s relevance, authority, currency, and intended audience.
The annotation should end with a concluding statement about the potential value and relevance of the source to your research topic.
APA Annotated Bibliography Examples
Here are examples of annotated bibliography entries in APA style:
Example 1:
Smith, A. B. (2022). Effects of stress on physical health. Journal of Health Psychology, 27(3), 300-311.
This journal article explores the relationship between prolonged stress and risk of disease. The author, a psychologist, reviewed previous longitudinal studies examining how chronic stress influences biological processes and health behaviors. The findings suggest that long-term stress is associated with numerous negative physical effects including elevated blood pressure, weakened immune response, and increased inflammation. This peer-reviewed source would be useful for understanding the impact of unrelenting stress.
Example 2:
Jones, C. D. (2020). Managing work-life balance. New York, NY: HarperCollins.
In this nonfiction book, the author provides strategies for maintaining equilibrium between career and personal life. Jones draws on over 20 years of experience as a leadership coach and consultant to executives. Each chapter focuses on a different aspect of integrating work duties with responsibilities at home, such as setting boundaries, prioritizing, and taking mini breaks throughout the day. Intended for working professionals, this book would offer relevant advice for balancing a busy schedule.
Example 3:
Thomas, S. M. (2015). Mindfulness meditation: Effects on mental health. Alternative Therapies, 21(3), 40-45. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26136323
This peer-reviewed journal article examines research on the psychological benefits of mindfulness meditation practices. The author systematically reviews 13 controlled clinical trials that investigated the impact of meditation on stress, anxiety, depression, and well-being. The analysis indicates regular meditation is associated with reduced symptoms for a variety of mental health conditions and increased self-reported life satisfaction. As a summary of current empirical studies from a credible source, this article would be useful for understanding evidence-based effects of meditation.
Example 4:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 5). Mental health. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://www.cdc.gov/mentalhealth/index.htm
This government webpage from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provides statistics, data, and resources related to mental health in the United States. Sections offer facts on topics like prevalence of mental illness, risk and protective factors, access to care, and promotion of wellness. As an up-to-date source from a reputable public health agency, this site would serve as a reliable starting point for exploring various mental health topics and issues from a U.S. population perspective.
Formatting the Annotated Bibliography
An APA annotated bibliography is arranged alphabetically by the author’s last name. If no author is listed, use the title as the first element in the alphabetical arrangement.
Each source citation and annotation should have a consistent heading format for clarity. For example, the citation could be in bold with the annotation in regular font and indented below. Or both could be in regular font separated by a blank line.
Leave one blank line between each source citation and annotation pairing. Numbering or bullets are not used.
Conclusion
Providing a sample of relevant sources with concise descriptions, an annotated bibliography helps readers understand the scope and quality of research available on a topic. Following APA style guidelines ensures proper formatting and consistent presentation of bibliographic citations and annotations. With practice, creating an annotated bibliography becomes easier and helps advance research by guiding readers to potential sources worth further investigation.