chat loading...
Skip to Main Content

Annotated Bibliographies: APA Sample Entries

A descriptive annotation is simply a summary of what the author wrote about, while an evaluative annotation states conclusively what the author thought about, how they thought about it, and what it finally meant for the piece of writing they produced.

The sample entries below are color-coded to reveal the parts of each annotation. Ask your instructor how you should write your annotations, as annotations can vary in composition and emphasis.

Critical/Evaluative Sample

 

Menzies, K., Sheeshka, J. (2012). The process of exiting vegetarianism: An exploratory study. Canadian Journal of 

     Dietetic Practice and Research, 73(4), 163-8. https://www.doi.org/10.3148/73.4.2012.163

This collaborative study, led by a sociologist and a professor of applied nutrition, examines the process through

which people become ex-vegetarians. The study contributes to existing literature on exiting central identities,

particularly meat-based diets, while bridging the gap in research on vegetarianism in a Canadian context. Though

at 34 participants the study's sample size is too small to make definitive generalizations, the exploration of how

and why individuals exit vegetarian diets lays a foundation for dietitian intervention strategies.

Critical/Evaluative Annotation Sample, Analyzed

 

Menzies, K., Sheeshka, J. (2012). The process of exiting vegetarianism: An exploratory study. Canadian Journal of

    Dietetic Practice and Research, 73(4), 163-8. https://www.doi.org/10.3148/73.4.2012.163

This collaborative study, led by a sociologist and a professor of applied nutrition, examines the process through

which people become ex-vegetarians. The study contributes to existing literature on exiting central identities,

particularly meat-based diets, while bridging the gap in research on vegetarianism in a Canadian context. Though

at 34 participants the study's sample size is too small to make definitive generalizations, the exploration of how

and why individuals exit vegetarian diets lays a foundation for dietitian intervention strategies.

Key:

  • Authors' qualifications for writing the work
  • The work's contribution to the literature on the subject
  • Limitations

Descriptive Annotation Sample

 

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. 

Descriptive Annotation Sample, Analyzed

 

Waite, Linda J, et al. “Nonfamily Living and the Erosion of Traditional Family Orientations among Young

      Adults.” American Sociological Review, vol. 51, no. 4, 1986, pp. 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. 

Key:

  • Authors' qualifications for writing the work
  • Research methods and purpose
  • Conclusions

APA Style

The following resources can help you format your entries in APA style.