An annotated bibliography is a list of reference material, providing all referencing information, plus a short review of each item. It is generally set out in alphabetical order by first authors’ family names.
Annotated Bibliography Assignment Instructions
This assignment requires you to search for three (3) published peer-reviewed journal articles* of primary research from three (3) different journals by three (3) different authors on one (1) of the following topics:
Health workforce issues
For example, rural general practitioner training, expanded scope of practice for paramedics in rural locations, working hours for junior doctors, nurse practitioners in emergency departments.
Population issues
For example, diabetes in Aboriginal populations, cancer screening detection rates, sexual health education and sexually transmitted disease rates, healthy school canteen and childhood obesity, fall prevention programs.
Health professional therapy issues
For example, occupational therapy interventions for children, physiotherapy interventions for osteoporosis, speech therapy for stroke patients, pre-hospital care interventions for head injuries.
These topics are examples only, so talk with your tutor about a particular topic that may interest you.
*The articles are to come from 3 different peer-reviewed journals to demonstrate that you can locate a range of material from a variety of quality sources. The journal articles need to be research-based and primary research, not secondary research. That is, no Systematic Literature Reviews or Mata-analysis articles should be selected.
This assignment has a specific structure, as outlined in the template. An Introduction is needed to inform the reader which issue has been selected. This is followed by a review of each of the three research-based articles (in alphabetical order of the first author’s name) and commentary on how this information might be used in practice. Then draw this information together in a brief conclusion. Finally, you are asked to comment on your academic skills by identifying the challenges you faced with this assignment and what support you will need for the next assignment.
Annotated Bibliography template
Introduction Give a brief overview of the issue and what you intend to discuss from the three articles selected so that the reader can anticipate appropriately. (50-75 words)
Full reference (Harvard or APA referencing – sub-heading).
Describe the study and what was found. Identify who the participants were and what methods were used to collect the data – was it qualitative or quantitative research, did this include descriptive (interview or focus group) or statistical (survey or questionnaire) data. Draw conclusions on how this information impacts other health professionals (generally). Explain how this information might be used in your future practice (be specific). (200 words)
Conclusion Make a brief statement that summarises the three articles to the intention provided in your introduction. (50-75 words)
Academic skills Comment on your academic skills by identifying the challenges you faced with this assignment and what support you will need for the next assignment. (50-75 words)
Total word count: 750 words (+ or – 10%). There is no need for either a reference list or in-text referencing.
Purpose and tasks of the assignment
What is the purpose of the Annotated Bibliography?
The purpose of this assessment piece is to develop academic skills in searching for recent (published between 2010 and 2015) quality primary research literature in selected electronic databases, writing a summary and critique in formal academic style, and evaluating your academic skills.
Health professionals are expected to have an evidence-based practice. This requires practitioners to be able to locate up-to-date information on a range of issues that impact their practice and the practice of other health practitioners in the field.
What are the key tasks and skills expected?
Locating quality primary research literature
Reading and comprehending the evidence
Synthesising the information for your future practice
Formal
What will be assessed?
• Locating quality primary research literature
• Reading and comprehension of the three articles
• Synthesis of information
• Academic writing skills; correct referencing using an Author (date) style such as Harvard or APA
• Structure and format
What is the structure and format?
Structure – Annotated Bibliography template
Word count – 750 words (range of 675 – 825)
Word document (.doc or .docx)
Margins – 2cm
Line spacing – 1.5 or double
Font and size – Arial or Times New Roman, 12 point
Header – Your name, ID and HLTH1305
Footer – Page numbers
Paragraph headings