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PSY 161: Fundamentals of Psychology: Examples of Annotations

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Annotated Bibliography Paper

Sample Annotated Bibliography Entry (Journal Article)*

Waite, L. J., Goldschneider, F. K., & 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.
 
 
 

*Reproduced with permission from:  Research & Learning Services - Olin Library, Cornell University Library - Ithica, NY, USA

 

Sample Annotated Bibliography Entry (Book)*

 

Ehrenreich, B. (2001). Nickel and dimed: On (not) getting by in America. New York: Henry Holt                                      and Company.

 

In this book of nonfiction based on the journalist's experiential research, Ehrenreich attempts to ascertain whether it is currently possible for an individual to live on a minimum-wage in America. Taking jobs as a waitress, a maid in a cleaning service, and a Walmart sales employee, the author summarizes and reflects on her work, her relationships with fellow workers, and her financial struggles in each situation.

An experienced journalist, Ehrenreich is aware of the limitations of her experiment and the ethical implications of her experiential research tactics and reflects on these issues in the text. The author is forthcoming about her methods and supplements her experiences with scholarly research on her places of employment, the economy, and the rising cost of living in America. Ehrenreich’s project is timely, descriptive, and well-researched.

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The annotation above both summarizes and assesses the book in the citation.  The first paragraph provides a brief summary of the author's project in the book, covering the main points of the work.  The second paragraph points out the project’s strengths and evaluates its methods and presentation.  This particular annotation does not reflect on the source’s potential importance or usefulness for this person’s own research.

*Online Writing Lab at Purdue University