An annotated bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents, accompanied by a brief summary and evaluation of each source. In APA style, the format of your annotated bibliography can significantly impact your research paper’s clarity and credibility. Below are three diverse examples that illustrate how to format an annotated bibliography in APA style, complete with context and explanations.
This example demonstrates how to cite a peer-reviewed academic journal article, which is a common source in scholarly research.
Smith, J. A. (2020). The impact of social media on student engagement. Journal of Educational Research, 55(2), 123-145. https://doi.org/10.1234/jer.2020.12345
This article explores the relationship between social media use and student engagement in higher education. Smith conducted a survey of 300 college students and found that those who engaged with academic content on social media reported higher levels of involvement in their coursework. The findings suggest that social media can be a valuable tool for educators looking to foster student engagement. This source is relevant for my research on digital learning environments, as it provides empirical evidence on the benefits of social media in education.
This example showcases how to cite a book, which often provides in-depth analysis on a particular subject.
Johnson, L. (2019). Understanding educational psychology: Theories and applications. New York, NY: Academic Press.
In this comprehensive text, Johnson discusses various psychological theories and their application in educational settings. The book covers multiple paradigms, including cognitive, behavioral, and constructivist approaches to learning. This source will be instrumental in my research as it offers foundational theories that underpin many modern educational practices. Its thorough examination of psychological principles makes it a critical reference for understanding learner behavior.
This example illustrates how to cite a credible website, which is increasingly relevant in today’s digital research landscape.
American Psychological Association. (2021). Publication manual of the American Psychological Association (7th ed.). https://www.apa.org/manuals/publication
The APA’s official manual outlines the standards for writing and formatting scholarly papers in psychology and other social sciences. It provides extensive guidelines on style, citation, and ethical writing practices. This source is essential for my research as it serves as the definitive guide for APA formatting, ensuring that my work adheres to the necessary academic standards. It will be used to reference specific formatting rules throughout my paper.