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SOC 413/CRJ 4130: Qualitative Research Methods

Research Guide for CRJ/SOC 413

Writing Your Annotations

An Annotated Bibliography is a list of citations to articles and other sources. Each citation is followed by a brief descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. Your annotations should follow a citation, annotation, then repeat format. Your annotations should also include the following three sections and answer their corresponding questions:

  • Summarize the key points of the source: What was the topic? Why was the research important? How was the research done? What did the authors find? Did the authors discuss implications of the research?
  • Assess the source (critical evaluation): Is this a peer-reviewed source? Is this a useful source? How does it compare with other sources in your bibliography? Is the information reliable? Is this source biased or objective? What is the goal of your source?
  • Reflection: Why did you choose this source? How was it helpful? How can you use this source in your research project? Has it changed how you think about your topic? 

Use this Annotated Bibliography example from the UNC Chapel Hill for more help putting together your Annotated Bibliography.

For more writing help, contact the Writing Center and make an online appointment to meet with one of their consultants.

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