Writing Assignment 2: The Critical Annotated Bibliography
Wrtg 391writing Assignment 2the Critical Annotated Bibliographywritin
WRTG 391 Writing Assignment #2 The Critical Annotated Bibliography Writing Assignment #2 will be a critical annotated bibliography of 12 sources. In this assignment you will write a list of at least 12 references in alphabetical order in APA format. In addition, each reference will be followed by a short analytical summary of words. At the end of the short summary, you will include a sentence or two that critically analyzes the source and that mentions distinctive features about the article and why it may or may not be useful for you in writing a literature review. You may select a topic of your choice.
However, when selecting a topic, keep in mind that it should be a topic on which a number of studies or scholarly articles have been published. Examples of topics students have chosen in the past or that would be workable for this assignment are the following: ï‚·The impact of the Internet on research methods of students and plagiarism in student papers ï‚·The impact of The No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act on primary school education ï‚·The impact of mobile devices on cybersecurity Overall, in considering a topic, you might consider your major, topics that will be covered in future classes you plan to take at UMUC, and your interests. For example, please examine the following ideas: ï‚·If your major is criminal justice, you might consider researching criminal behavior among homeless individuals, criminal behavior among youth, society’s perception of law enforcement, etc. ï‚·If your major is psychology, you might consider researching counseling strategies, consumer behavior in online shopping, decision-making in upper-management positions, etc. ï‚·If your major is history, you might consider researching theories on the Civil War, studies on labor patterns in the United States, an aspect of military history, etc. ï‚·If your major is social science, you might consider researching community responses to health care threats, co-parenting patterns after divorce, etc. ï‚·If your major is graphic communication, you might consider researching different categories of graphic communication technology, trends in graphic communication through the years, etc.
Whatever topic you consider, keep in mind that it should be a topic on which a number of studies or scholarly articles have been published. You will conduct all or most of your research using UMUC’s OneSearch function in finding scholarly articles. This assignment will be an analytical/critical/ annotated bibliography. The difference between the descriptive/informative annotated bibliography and the analytical/critical annotated bibliography is explained in the following video: The transcript is at Moreover, the following website from UMUC’s Information and Library Services provides more information on how to complete this assignment: The following are some links to sample Annotated Bibliographies.
Some of them give examples in APA format. You may want to observe these examples and perhaps model your work after them. ï¬A variety of samples from The University of North Carolina Writing Center, including these specific examples of APA-style annotations. ï¬Some instruction from Cornell University. The website also provides more information on the process of writing an annotated bibliography. ï¬Some instruction from East Carolina University.
Paper For Above instruction
Introduction
The critical annotated bibliography is an essential academic exercise that demonstrates a student's ability to evaluate, synthesize, and contextualize scholarly sources related to a specific research topic. This assignment not only tests familiarity with relevant literature but also develops critical thinking and analytical skills necessary for effective literature reviews. This paper will outline the process of creating a critical annotated bibliography, focusing on selecting a suitable topic, identifying credible sources, and providing analytical summaries that assess each source's relevance, strengths, and limitations.
Selecting a Topic
Choosing an appropriate topic is foundational to producing a successful annotated bibliography. The topic should be specific enough to allow comprehensive research yet broad enough to find a sufficient number of scholarly sources. Ideal topics are those with a rich body of existing research, such as the impact of technology on education, public health issues, or criminal justice trends. For example, a student interested in psychology might explore counseling techniques or behavioral studies, while a history major might examine civil war theories or labor movements. Selecting a well-defined topic ensures that the sources collected will be relevant and manageable within the scope of the assignment.
Research Methodology
The primary research tool for this assignment is UMUC’s OneSearch, which facilitates access to peer-reviewed journal articles, books, and credible online sources. Students should focus on scholarly articles: peer-reviewed journal articles, academic books, and government or organizational reports. It is crucial to evaluate sources critically, considering their publication date, author credentials, methodology, and relevance to the chosen topic. Proper sourcing ensures that the bibliography reflects high-quality, credible information that supports a nuanced understanding of the topic.
Creating Annotations
Each of the twelve references must be formatted according to APA style. Following each citation, include a concise summary of the source’s main arguments, scope, and purpose. The summary should be approximately 150-200 words, focusing on capturing the source's content and significance. Next, add a critical analysis paragraph, also about 150-200 words, which evaluates the source’s strengths, weaknesses, and relevance to the research topic. For example, consider whether the study employed robust methodology, whether its findings are credible and significant, and how it contributes to understanding the broader research question.
Critical Analysis and Reflection
The most distinctive aspect of a critical annotated bibliography is the analytical component, which distinguishes it from a simple descriptive bibliography. This critical analysis should not merely restate the source content but should assess its usefulness for a literature review, identify gaps or biases, and discuss its potential integration into the broader research context. Reflection on the source’s limitations or strengths offers insight into the development of a comprehensive understanding of the research landscape.
Conclusion
The process of constructing a critical annotated bibliography fosters research skills, critical thinking, and scholarly writing. It encourages students to engage actively with existing literature, discern relevant from less relevant sources, and develop an analytical perspective on the scholarly conversations surrounding their topic. By carefully selecting sources, writing concise yet comprehensive annotations, and critically evaluating each, students lay a strong foundation for future research projects, including research papers and theses.
References
- Brace, I. (2018). _Questionnaire design: How to plan, structure and write survey material for effective market research_. Kogan Page.
- Hart, C. (2018). _Doing a literature review: Releasing the research imagination_. SAGE Publications.
- Galvan, J. L. (2017). _Writing literature reviews: A guide for students of the social and behavioral sciences_ (7th ed.). Routledge.
- Gray, D. E. (2019). _Doing research in the real world_. SAGE Publications.
- Fink, A. (2014). _Conducting research literature reviews: From the internet to paper_. SAGE Publications.
- Ridley, D. (2012). _The literature review: A step-by-step guide for students_. SAGE Publications.
- Booth, W. C., Colomb, G. G., & Williams, J. M. (2008). _The craft of research_ (3rd ed.). University of Chicago Press.
- Hart, C. (1998). Doing a literature review. London: SAGE Publications.
- Machi, L. A., & McEvoy, B. T. (2016). _The literature review: Six steps to success_. Corwin Press.
- Ridley, D. (2012). The literature review: A step-by-step guide for students. Sage Publications.