SOC 122 - Vega: Helpful Resources

Created by North Carolina State University Libraries (2014).

Created by University of Illinois Undergraduate Library, August 6, 2019.

Creating an annotated bibliography differs from a summary. An annotated bib needs three things:

1. concise explanation
2. succinct analysis
3. informed library research

First, locate any resources you find that may contain useful information and ideas on your topic. Briefly examine and review what you find. Then choose those which provide a variety of perspectives on your topic.

Cite the book, article, or document using the appropriate style.

Write a concise annotation that summarizes the central theme and scope of the book or article. Include one or more sentences that (a) evaluate the authority or background of the author, (b) comment on the intended audience, (c) compare or contrast this work with another you have cited, or (d) explain how this work illuminates your bibliography topic.

The following example uses APA style:

Waite, L., Goldschneider, F., & Witsberger, C. (1986). Nonfamily living and the erosion of traditional family orientations among young adults. American Sociological Review, 51(4), 541-554.

The authors, researchers at the Rand Corporation and Brown University, use data from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Young Women and Young Men to test their hypothesis that nonfamily living by young adults alters their attitudes, values, plans, and expectations, moving them away from their belief in traditional sex roles. They find their hypothesis strongly supported in young females, while the effects were fewer in studies of young males. Increasing the time away from parents before marrying increased individualism, self-sufficiency, and changes in attitudes about families. In contrast, an earlier study by Williams cited below shows no significant gender differences in sex role attitudes as a result of nonfamily living.

(CC BY-NC-SA 4.0) Research & Learning Services, Olin Library, Cornell University, Ithaca NY

Your Sociology professor may ask you to follow the American Sociological Association (ASA) Style Guide to cite sources.  You might find helpful: Quick Tips for ASA Style - from the ASA, a 2-page document for students with sample citations for common source types