Assignment: Annotated Bibliography

Objective:

To create an annotated bibliography that provides summaries and evaluations of research sources related to a chosen topic, demonstrating your ability to analyze and critique scholarly work.

Instructions:

1. Select a Topic:
   • Choose a topic relevant to your course or research project. This topic should have enough available academic resources for analysis. Examples include:
     • The impact of social media on mental health.
     • The role of climate change in global migration.
     • Gender representation in mass media.
     • Technological advancements in healthcare.
2. Find Scholarly Sources:
   • Identify 6-8 scholarly sources (books, peer-reviewed articles, and academic papers) related to your topic. Ensure they are from credible databases such as JSTOR, Google Scholar, or your school’s library.
3. Write Annotations:
   • For each source, write a concise annotation (about 150-200 words) that includes the following:
     • Citation: Properly formatted in APA, MLA, or Chicago style (depending on your course requirements).
     • Summary: Briefly summarize the content and main arguments of the source.
     • Evaluation: Critique the source by discussing its strengths, weaknesses, credibility, and relevance to your topic.
     • Usefulness: Explain how this source will contribute to your research or argument.

Annotated Bibliography Example:

Topic: The Impact of Social Media on Mental Health

1. APA Citation:
   • Smith, J. A. (2021). Social media and adolescent mental health: A review of recent literature. Journal of Child Psychology, 45(2), 123-140.

   Annotation:

   • This article provides a comprehensive review of the recent studies on the impact of social media on the mental health of adolescents. Smith analyzes various aspects of social media use, including screen time, social comparison, and cyberbullying. The author concludes that excessive use of social media can lead to increased anxiety and depression, particularly among adolescents. The article is well-researched and includes numerous references to peer-reviewed studies, making it a credible source for examining the relationship between social media and mental health. Smith’s work is valuable for my research as it offers evidence on the negative consequences of prolonged social media use, particularly in young populations.

2. MLA Citation:
   • Brown, Samantha. “The Influence of Instagram on Body Image Among Young Women.” Digital Culture and Society, vol. 9, no. 3, 2020, pp. 57-70.

   Annotation:

   • In this article, Brown examines how the photo-sharing platform Instagram contributes to body image issues among young women. She argues that the platform’s emphasis on visual content, often filtered and edited, promotes unrealistic beauty standards. Brown’s findings are based on a mixed-method study that includes both surveys and interviews, providing a well-rounded analysis. The article’s strengths lie in its focus on Instagram specifically and its detailed methodology, though it could benefit from a broader analysis of other platforms. This source will help in understanding the platform-specific effects of social media on self-perception.

Formatting Guidelines:

• Length: 6-8 sources, with annotations of 150-200 words each.
• Style: Follow the citation style required by your course (APA, MLA, or Chicago).
• Double-space the document and use 12-point Times New Roman font.
• Ensure each annotation follows the structure: citation, summary, evaluation, and usefulness.

Grading Criteria:

• Citation Accuracy (20%): Correct and consistent use of the required citation format.
• Quality of Annotations (50%): Clarity of summaries, depth of evaluations, and relevance of sources to your topic.
• Variety of Sources (20%): Use of diverse academic resources, including books, journal articles, and credible online sources.
• Writing Mechanics (10%): Grammar, punctuation, and clarity.