Final answer:
An annotated bibliography includes a summary, evaluation, and reflection on each source, while a regular bibliography lists only the sources. It serves as a tool for engaging with the literature on a deeper level and situating the research within the broader academic conversation.
Step-by-step explanation:
An annotated bibliography is different from a regular bibliography in that it includes additional information beyond the standard bibliographic citation. Each entry in an annotated bibliography begins with the formal citation of the source, followed by a descriptive and evaluative paragraph. This paragraph, or annotation, provides a summary of the content, an assessment of its usefulness or relevance to the topic under consideration, an evaluation of the author's authority or the work's credibility, and a reflection on how the source fits into the larger context of the research. There are two major types of annotated bibliographies: descriptive (or informative) and analytical (or critical). Descriptive annotations summarize the source and explain its relevance, while analytical annotations include critical analysis of the source's content, author's arguments, potential biases, and its contribution to the research project.
The purpose of creating an annotated bibliography is to engage with the sources on a deeper level, which not only strengthens the researcher's claims but also helps to situate their work within the broader scholarly conversation. This process involves close reading, critical thinking, and synthesis. Annotated bibliographies can also help other scholars by providing an overview and insight into the breadth of knowledge surrounding a particular research topic.
To format an annotated bibliography correctly, you must follow specific academic style guidelines such as MLA, APA, or Chicago style. The information included in an annotation generally consists of one to two paragraphs with a typical length of 100 to 200 words.