The American Psychological Association (APA) 7th edition style is a widely used formatting style in academic writing, particularly in social sciences. One of the essential elements of APA style is the annotated bibliography, which provides a brief summary and evaluation of each source cited in the research paper. Here, we will explore the essential APA 7th edition annotated bibliography templates that you can use for your research papers.
What is an Annotated Bibliography?
An annotated bibliography is a list of sources used in research, accompanied by a brief description and evaluation of each source. The annotation provides an overview of the source's content, relevance, and quality, helping readers understand the source's significance and credibility.
APA 7th Edition Annotated Bibliography Templates
Here are seven essential APA 7th edition annotated bibliography templates that you can use for different types of sources:
Template 1: Book
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the book. Publisher.
Annotation:
- Briefly summarize the book's content (approx. 100-150 words)
- Evaluate the book's credibility and relevance to the research topic
- Discuss the book's strengths and weaknesses
Example:
Smith, J. (2020). The impact of climate change on mental health. Routledge.
This book provides an in-depth analysis of the relationship between climate change and mental health. The author presents a comprehensive review of existing research and offers practical recommendations for addressing the issue. While the book is well-researched and informative, some readers may find the tone too alarmist.
Template 2: Journal Article
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, Volume(Issue), pp-pp.
Annotation:
- Summarize the article's main points and findings (approx. 100-150 words)
- Evaluate the article's methodology and conclusions
- Discuss the article's relevance to the research topic and its contribution to the field
Example:
Johnson, K. (2020). The effects of social media on depression. Journal of Mental Health, 29(2), 12-20.
This article examines the relationship between social media use and depression in young adults. The study found a significant correlation between social media use and depressive symptoms. While the study's methodology is sound, the sample size is relatively small, and further research is needed to confirm the findings.
Template 3: Website
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day of Publication). Title of the webpage. Title of the Website. https://www.url.com
Annotation:
- Summarize the webpage's content (approx. 100-150 words)
- Evaluate the webpage's credibility and reliability
- Discuss the webpage's relevance to the research topic and its usefulness as a source
Example:
American Psychological Association. (2020, February 10). Stress in America: Coping with change. https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/stress/2020/coping-with-change.pdf
This webpage provides an overview of the latest research on stress and coping mechanisms. The webpage is well-organized and easy to navigate, but some readers may find the information too general.
Template 4: Newspaper Article
Author, A. A. (Year, Month Day of Publication). Title of the article. Title of the Newspaper, pp-pp.
Annotation:
- Summarize the article's main points and findings (approx. 100-150 words)
- Evaluate the article's credibility and reliability
- Discuss the article's relevance to the research topic and its contribution to the field
Example:
Williams, J. (2020, January 10). The impact of climate change on mental health. The New York Times, A1-A3.
This article discusses the growing concern about the impact of climate change on mental health. The article provides a balanced view of the issue, citing both experts and individuals affected by climate change. However, some readers may find the article too sensationalized.
Template 5: Dissertation or Thesis
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the dissertation or thesis (Doctoral dissertation or Master's thesis). University Name.
Annotation:
- Summarize the dissertation or thesis's main points and findings (approx. 100-150 words)
- Evaluate the dissertation or thesis's methodology and conclusions
- Discuss the dissertation or thesis's relevance to the research topic and its contribution to the field
Example:
Lee, S. (2020). The effects of mindfulness on anxiety in college students (Doctoral dissertation). University of California, Los Angeles.
This dissertation examines the relationship between mindfulness and anxiety in college students. The study found a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms among participants who practiced mindfulness. While the study's methodology is sound, the sample size is relatively small, and further research is needed to confirm the findings.
Template 6: Conference Proceeding
Author, A. A. (Year, Month). Title of the paper. In Title of the Conference Proceedings (pp. xx-xx). Publisher.
Annotation:
- Summarize the paper's main points and findings (approx. 100-150 words)
- Evaluate the paper's methodology and conclusions
- Discuss the paper's relevance to the research topic and its contribution to the field
Example:
Kim, J. (2020, June). The impact of social media on self-esteem. In Proceedings of the 2020 International Conference on Psychology and Social Science (pp. 12-20). ACM.
This paper examines the relationship between social media use and self-esteem in young adults. The study found a significant correlation between social media use and self-esteem. While the study's methodology is sound, the sample size is relatively small, and further research is needed to confirm the findings.
Template 7: Government Report
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the report (Report No. xxx). Government Agency.
Annotation:
- Summarize the report's main points and findings (approx. 100-150 words)
- Evaluate the report's credibility and reliability
- Discuss the report's relevance to the research topic and its contribution to the field
Example:
National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Anxiety disorders (Report No. 2020-01). U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
This report provides an overview of anxiety disorders, including their causes, symptoms, and treatment options. The report is well-researched and provides useful information for healthcare professionals and researchers. However, some readers may find the report too technical.
By using these APA 7th edition annotated bibliography templates, you can ensure that your annotated bibliography is well-organized, informative, and meets the APA style guidelines.
Final Thoughts
Creating an annotated bibliography can be a time-consuming task, but it is an essential part of the research process. By using these APA 7th edition annotated bibliography templates, you can ensure that your annotated bibliography is well-organized, informative, and meets the APA style guidelines. Remember to evaluate each source critically and provide a brief summary and evaluation of each source.
Share Your Thoughts
Have you used these APA 7th edition annotated bibliography templates before? Do you have any tips or tricks for creating an annotated bibliography? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
What is an annotated bibliography?
+An annotated bibliography is a list of sources used in research, accompanied by a brief description and evaluation of each source.
What are the essential elements of an annotated bibliography?
+The essential elements of an annotated bibliography include a brief summary of the source, an evaluation of the source's credibility and reliability, and a discussion of the source's relevance to the research topic.
How do I create an annotated bibliography in APA 7th edition style?
+To create an annotated bibliography in APA 7th edition style, use the APA 7th edition annotated bibliography templates provided above, and follow the APA style guidelines for formatting and citations.