7IR002– Research Design and Practice Semester 1 Assignment 2: Annotated Bibliography

Assignment requirements  

The annotated bibliography serves as a valuable resource, offering a succinct overview of the existing literature and aiding the researcher in building a solid foundation for their study. For the annotated bibliography, a compilation of at least 8 sources is required. 

The short introduction (200-250 words) contextualises the significance of the annotated bibliography in the research process, emphasizing its role in informing the study, guiding the researcher's approach, and contributing to the overall scholarly dialogue in the chosen field. It should answer these three key questions:
•    What is the overarching theme or focus of your selected sources?
•    How do these sources inform and guide your research approach?
•    How does your annotated bibliography contribute to the scholarly dialogue in your chosen field?

The annotations (ranging from approximately should concisely summarize the main points of each source, highlight its relevance to the research, and briefly evaluate its credibility. 

Here are some tips for writing effective annotations:
•    Read each source carefully to identify the main arguments, methodologies, and conclusions.
•    Prioritize the most relevant information for your research question or topic.
•    Use concise, clear language to summarize the key points.
•    Evaluate the credibility of each source based on the author's expertise, publication venue, and quality of evidence.
•    Reflect on how each source relates to your research and fits within the broader context of your annotated bibliography.

The short conclusion (200-250 words) provides a summary of the key themes and critical analysis that emphasise the relevance of the sources to the proposed research.

Remember, the full reference for each source is crucial for your readers to be able to locate and engage with the material you have cited. It also demonstrates your commitment to academic integrity and rigorous scholarship.

A full reference includes all the necessary information for a reader to identify and retrieve the original source. The specific format and details included in a full reference vary depending on the citation style you are using (e.g., APA, MLA, Chicago) and the type of source (e.g., book, journal article, website). However, there are common elements that are typically included in a full reference across different styles and source types:
•    Author(s): The surname and initials of the author(s) or editor(s) of the work.
•    Year of publication: The year the work was published, or the most recent revision date for online sources.
•    Title: The full title of the work, including subtitles if applicable. For books and reports, this is usually italicized. For articles, chapters, and web pages, the title is typically not italicized.
•    Publication information: This varies depending on the source type:

o    For books: Include the place of publication and the publisher.
o    For journal articles: Include the journal title (italicized), volume number, issue number, and page range.
o    For chapters in edited books: Include the book title (italicized), editor(s), place of publication, publisher, and page range of the chapter.
o    For websites: Include the URL and the date you accessed the site.

•    DOI (Digital Object Identifier): If available, include the unique DOI for electronic sources.

Learning outcomes: MLO3

1.    A good submission will assess existing knowledge and not solely demonstrate knowledge or describe it. 
2.    A good submission will substantiate claims with evidence.
3.    A good submission will not only recognise the gap or contribution being made, but will demonstrate how it exists with evidence. 
4.    A very good submission will critique existing knowledge and provide consistent links towards the authors main argument. 
5.    A good submission will be referenced accurately and include a full bibliography.