difference between literature review and annotated bibliography

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Annotated Bibliography vs. Literature Review

What's the big deal.

There are fundamental differences between an annotated bibliography and a literature review that are crucial to completing the assignment correctly. The chart below is provides an overview of the biggest differences between the two types of assignments in a side-by-side comparison. However, if you need more specific information about either assignment, visit our Annotated Bibliography and/or Literature Review pages for more detailed information on how to complete them. 

Differences between an annotated bibliography and literature review

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Annotated Bibliography vs Literature Review

• By Prof M Lambert
• November 12, 2020

If you’re undertaking a research project or writing a thesis in the US, be it at undergraduate, postgraduate, or PhD level, you may be wondering what the difference between an annotated bibliography and a literature review is.

Both are important sections of a research paper and aim to give context to the sources cited around a particular research problem. A literature review places a stronger emphasis on the importance of the findings of a paper, whilst an annotated bibliography focuses on the quality, validity, and relevance of the source of information itself.

What is a Literature Review?

A literature review summarises the research findings of others in a specific topic (this can be from a range of publications including scholarly journal articles, textbooks, interviews, and magazines), critically appraises their work, and uses this information to develop the research project at hand. The purpose of this section is also to identify any gaps in knowledge that exist in the research topic and how your research project can help address them. The literature review also allows you to question the research carried out, for example: does one author’s argument conflict with another’s?, or are a particular author’s conclusions valid?

What is an Annotated Bibliography?

Firstly, a bibliography is the list of sources referred to in a body of work. You should be familiar with this for any essay you have written – think of the APA style references you normally include. This includes important information about the source such as the author name, document title, date of publication, and page number (if applicable). The exact information differs depending on the source type – for example, a scholarly journal article may require a DOI ( Digital Object Identifier ) to be included in the citation, whilst a website will require a URL. The bibliography has several uses, primarily it serves as a reference point for readers who wish to read further into the statements made in a body of work. It also allows readers to question statements and verify the information provided in the body of work.

An annotated bibliography is a list of sources used in your body of work, which includes a brief summary for each source. These summary annotations evaluate the sources of information with regards to their accuracy and quality and identify any potential reasons for bias. As with a standard bibliography, an annotated bibliography should present sources alphabetically in a list-style format. The source summaries are typically around 150 words, though this can vary depending on the nature of the source.

Annotated Bibliography vs Literature Review – What are the differences?

The literature review is presented in a more conversational tone (essay format), as it looks to relate the findings of the source to the research question under review. In comparison, the annotated bibliography is much more structured and factual. It may evaluate sources that only have an indirect relevance to the current project.

Another difference is the length. As mentioned earlier, the annotation summaries are around 150 words per source. The literature review, on the other hand, is typically somewhere between 6,000 – 12,000 words. This reinforces the fact that the annotated bibliography is a concise assessment of the source, whilst the literature review is a comprehensive appraisal of the current knowledge and contributions around a particular topic. For example, the annotated bibliography may comment on a research paper which conducted a similar study and note information such as the scale of the experiments, how they were conducted, and which parameters were controlled. In the literature review this same source of information may be discussed further: what were the limitations of this type of experiment, how does the methodology compare to other studies, do the findings support your argument, and was the scale big enough to draw valid conclusions.

Students preparing a dissertation or thesis should use their annotation summaries to help develop their literary review. This can be done by using the information provided in the bibliography as a reference point to help paint the bigger picture in the literature review.

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Literature Reviews

Annotated bibliographies, writing the literature review, matrix for organizing sources for literature reviews / annotated bibliographies, sample literature reviews.

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A literature review is a synthesis of published information on a particular research topics. The purpose is to map out what is already known about a certain subject, outline methods previously used, prevent duplication of research, and, along these lines, reveal gaps in existing literature to justify the research project.

Unlike an annotated bibliography, a literature review is thus organized around ideas/concepts, not the individual sources themselves. Each of its paragraphs stakes out a position identifying related themes/issues, research design, and conclusions in existing literature.

An annotated bibliography  is a bibliography that gives a summary of each article or book. The purpose of annotations is to provide the reader with a summary and an evaluation of the source. Each summary should be a concise exposition of the source's central idea(s) and give the reader a general idea of the source's content.

The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to:

• review the literature of a particular subject;
• demonstrate the quality and depth of reading that you have done;
• exemplify the scope of sources available—such as journals, books, websites and magazine articles;
• highlight sources that may be of interest to other readers and researchers;
• explore and organize sources for further research.

Further Reading:

• Annotated Bibliographies (Purdue OWL)
• How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography (Cornell University)

" Literature Reviews: An Overview for Graduate Students " 2009. NC State University Libraries

Review the following websites for tips on writing a literature review:

Literature Reviews. The Writing Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. 

Write a Literature Review: Virginia Commonwealth University. 

• Matrix for Organizing Sources

Levac, J., Toal-Sullivan, D., & O`Sullivan, T. (2012). Household Emergency Preparedness: A Literature Review.  Journal Of Community Health ,  37 (3), 725-733. doi:10.1007/s10900-011-9488-x

Geale, S. K. (2012). The ethics of disaster management.  Disaster Prevention and Management,  21 (4), 445-462. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1108/09653561211256152

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Annotated Bibliography: Annotated Bibliography vs. Literature Review

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• Annotated Bibliography vs. Literature Review

Literature Review vs. Annotated Bibliography

The purpose of a literature review is to provide an overview of existing academic literature on a specific topic and an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the author’s arguments. You are summarizing what research is available on a certain topic and then drawing conclusions about the topic.

An annotated bibliography is a list of resources that you have gathered on a topic that includes an annotation following the reference.  Like a References list, annotated bibliographies gather all resources discovered in the research process in one document. Each citation in the bibliography is followed by an annotation, a summary of that source.

An annotated bibliography is different from a literature review because it serves a different purpose. Annotated bibliographies focus on sources gathered for a specific research project. A literature review attempts to take a comprehensive approach to evaluate all of the research available on a particular question or a topic to create the foundation for a research paper. This review is often incorporated at the beginning of a research paper in its own section but it may also form the thesis for the paper.

Or as the University of North Alabama puts it " An annotated bibliography examines each source based on its relationship to the topic; a literature review draws together multiple sources to examine where they agree or disagree ."

Comparison Chart

Literature Review Example

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• How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography
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• What is an Annotated Bibliography?
• Examples of Annotated Bibliographies

Difference between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review

Although both types of writing involve examining sources, a literature review attempts to correlate the information and draw connections between the sources.

Examples of Literature Reviews

• Student Example
• Journal Example

Citation Help

• MLA Center The Modern Language Association website can help you cite sources in MLA style.
• APA Style Blog The American Psychology Association can help you cite sources in APA style.
• Chicago Manual of Style Use this site to help you site sources in Chicago Manual of Style.
• Purdue's Online Writing Lab (OWL) Purdue's Online Language Writing Lab contains up-to-date information on MLA and APA styles.

What is a Literature Review?

Literature Review - from The Writing Center at UNC Chapel Hill

A literature review discusses published information in a particular subject area, and sometimes information in a particular subject area within a certain time period. It usually has an organizational pattern and combines both summary and synthesis. A summary is a recap of the important information of the source, but a synthesis is a re-organization, or a reshuffling, of that information. It might give a new interpretation of old material or combine new with old interpretations. Or it might trace the intellectual progression of the field, including major debates.

Organizing a Literature Review

There is not one "standard" for literature reviews but they should include the following:

• Introduction: Gives a quick idea of the topic of the literature review, such as the central theme or organizational pattern.
• Body: Contains your discussion of sources and is organized either chronologically, thematically, or methodologically (see below for more information on each).
• Conclusions/Recommendations: Discuss what you have drawn from reviewing literature so far. Where might the discussion proceed?

Organizing your literature review:

• Chronological: If your review follows the chronological method, you write about your materials according to when they were published. The oldest date is first and the most recent publication date is last.
• By publication: Order your sources by publication chronology, then, only if the order demonstrates a more important trend.
• By trend: A better way to organize sources chronologically is to examine the sources under another trend, such as the history of whaling. Then your review would have subsections according to eras within this period.
• Thematic: Thematic reviews of literature are organized around a topic or issue, rather than the progression of time. However, progression of time may still be an important factor in a thematic review. For instance, a thematic review of material on sperm whales might examine how they are portrayed as "evil" in cultural documents. The subsections might include how they are personified, how their proportions are exaggerated, and their behaviors misunderstood. A review organized in this manner would shift between time periods within each section according to the point made.
• Methodological: A methodological approach differs from the two above in that the focusing factor usually does not have to do with the content of the material. Instead, it focuses on the "methods" of the researcher or writer. A methodological scope will influence either the types of documents in the review or the way in which these documents are discussed.
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Things to remember.

Be Selective

Summarize and Synthesize

Keep Your Own Voice

Use Caution When Paraphrasing

Revise, Revise, Revise

Source: Literature Reviews - The Writing Center at UNC Chapel Hill

Things to Clarify

Items to clarify if not in assignment:

• How many sources should be included?
• What types of sources should be included? (scholarly articles, books, websites, etc.)
• Should information be reviewed by a common theme or issue?
• Should subheadings and background information be provided? (i.e. definitions and/or a history?)
• Should the review be in chronological or publication order?
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Annotated Bibliographies and Literature Reviews

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What is an Annotated Bibliography

What is a Literature Review - video

Michelle Early

Difference Between a Literature Review and an Annotated Bibliography

Literature review.

A literature review should not be confused with an annotated bibliography. A literature review is not simply a summary of information you have found on a topic. Literature reviews are more in depth and provides analysis of multiple works relating to a research question. An annotated bibliography is a list of the resources, that you consulted when working on a research project. Each citation is accompanied by a brief written analysis of its usefulness to your research.

Courtesy of Washington University Library

“Library Guides: Annotated Bibliographies: Overview.” Overview - Annotated Bibliographies - Library Guides at University of Washington Libraries , guides.lib.uw.edu/tacoma/annotated.

Purdue Owl Annotated Bibliographies

Purdue owl annotated bibliography information, annotated bibliography breakdown, stem cell research: an annotated bibliography.

Holland, Suzanne. The Human Embryonic Stem Cell Debate: Science, Ethics, and Public Policy . Boston: MIT P, 2001.

This is the annotation of the above source, which is formatted according to MLA 2016 (8 th ed.) guidelines for the bibliographic information listed above. If one were really writing an annotation for this source, one would offer a brief summary of what this book says about stem cell research.

After a brief summary, it would be appropriate to assess this source and offer some criticisms of it. Does it seem like a reliable and current source? Why? Is the research biased or objective? Are the facts well documented? Who is the author? Is she qualified in this subject? Is this source scholarly, popular, some of both?

The length of your annotation will depend on the assignment or on the purpose of your annotated bibliography. After summarizing and assessing, you can now reflect on this source. How does it fit into your research? Is this a helpful resource? Too scholarly? Not scholarly enough? Too general/specific? Since "stem cell research" is a very broad topic, has this source helped you to narrow your topic?

Senior, K. "Extending the Ethical Boundaries of Stem Cell Research." Trends in Molecular Medicine , vol. 7, 2001, pp. 5-6.

Not all annotations have to be the same length. For example, this source is a very short scholarly article. It may only take a sentence or two to summarize. Even if you are using a book, you should only focus on the sections that relate to your topic.

Not all annotated bibliographies assess and reflect; some merely summarize. That may not be the most helpful for you, but, if this is an assignment, you should always ask your instructor for specific guidelines.

Wallace, Kelly. "Bush Stands Pat on Stem Cell Policy." CNN . 13 Aug. 2001.

Using a variety of sources can help give you a broader picture of what is being said about your topic. You may want to investigate how scholarly sources are treating this topic differently than more popular sources. But again, if your assignment is to only use scholarly sources, then you will probably want to avoid magazines and popular web sites.

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Lit review vs annotated bib: what's the big difference?

Even experienced writers and researchers sometimes confuse literature reviews with annotated bibliographies. The two have very different structures and purposes. Additionally, the annotated bibliography is often the precursor to a literature review. It identifies sources that will be used to inform the thinking and organization of the literature review. Here's a quick guide to the components of a literature review, compared to an annotated bibliography.

(Source: University of North Alabama Center for Writing Excellence, http://www.una.edu/writingcenter/)

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Understanding literature review vs annotated bibliography, bob cardens.

• November 30, 2023
• How to Guides

A literature review is kind of like an annotated bibliography because they both involve summarizing research about a specific topic. Because of this similarity, some students mix up these two different parts of a research paper. If you’re one of those students who gets them mixed up, don’t worry!

In this article, you’ll find out the main differences between a literature review and an annotated bibliography. Understanding these differences will clear up any confusion you might have about them.

Let’s dive in.

What You'll Learn

What Is an Annotated Bibliography?

An annotated bibliography is a valuable research tool that provides a list of sources along with concise annotations . These annotations offer a brief summary or analysis of the sources, highlighting their relevance and quality .

Annotations typically consist of a 150-250 word description or interpretation, allowing readers to quickly assess the value of each source. By including annotations, the annotated bibliography helps researchers delve deeper into the topic and gather information for their own research.

Annotated bibliographies play a vital role in academic writing by not only providing information for readers but also aiding writers in developing their thesis. Through the process of critically evaluating sources and creating annotations, students gain a better understanding of their subject matter.

They can assess the strengths and weaknesses of each source, identify key arguments, and make connections between different works. This comprehensive evaluation allows writers to present a well-rounded analysis in their own research and support their arguments effectively.

“An annotated bibliography is a valuable research tool that provides a list of sources along with concise annotations.”

When creating an annotated bibliography , it is important to remember that the quality of the annotations is just as important as the selection of sources. The descriptions or interpretations should be clear, concise, and focused on the main ideas of each source.

It’s also crucial to consider the relevance of the sources to your research topic and to evaluate their credibility . By including annotations that highlight the strengths and weaknesses of each source, the annotated bibliography serves as a guide for readers and a resource for researchers.

How to Write an Annotated Bibliography Step-by-Step

When writing an annotated bibliography, it is important to follow a step-by-step process to ensure that your annotations are informative, well-structured, and relevant. Here are the key steps to consider:

• Analysis of Sources: Begin by analyzing the sources you have collected for your bibliography. Evaluate the author’s qualifications , the credibility of the source, and consider the intended audience . Look for any errors or biases that may impact the reliability of the information.
• Evaluating Sources: Once you have analyzed the sources, evaluate their relevance and quality. Consider how each source contributes to your research topic and assess its significance. This critical analysis will help you determine which sources to include in your annotated bibliography.
• Writing Descriptive Annotations: When creating annotations, you can choose between different types, including descriptive, summary, or evaluation annotations . Descriptive annotations provide a quick summary of the source, highlighting the key points and main arguments.
• Writing Summary Annotations: Summary annotations go beyond a simple summary and provide a more detailed overview of the source. They highlight the main points, arguments, and findings, offering a comprehensive understanding of the source.
• Writing Evaluation Annotations: Evaluation annotations involve a critical analysis of the source. Here, you assess the reliability, bias , and credibility of the information presented. Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the source and determine its relevance to your research.
• Choosing Writing Styles: It is important to use the appropriate writing style for your annotations. Depending on the length and complexity of the source, you can use short phrases, sentences, or even paragraphs to convey your analysis effectively.

By following these steps, you can ensure that your annotated bibliography provides a comprehensive and critical analysis of the sources, supporting your research and enhancing your understanding of the topic.

Remember, an annotated bibliography is not just a list of sources. It is an opportunity to engage with the materials, critically analyze them, and demonstrate your understanding of their relevance to your research. Take the time to carefully evaluate and write informative annotations that provide valuable insights into the sources you have chosen.

Related Article: Difference Between a Literature Review and an Annotated Bibliography

Annotated Bibliography Examples

When creating an annotated bibliography , there are different types of annotations and writing styles that can be used. Examples of annotated bibliographies can help illustrate these variations and provide guidance on how to effectively structure and format your own annotations. Below are three types of annotations commonly used in annotated bibliographies:

1. Indicative Annotations

Indicative annotations provide a brief summary of the source without going into too much detail. They give the reader a general idea of the content and focus of the source, helping them determine its relevance to their research. Here’s an example of an indicative annotation:

“This article explores the impact of climate change on biodiversity in coastal ecosystems. It discusses the various factors contributing to biodiversity loss, such as rising sea levels, habitat degradation, and pollution. The author also suggests potential conservation strategies to mitigate the negative effects of climate change on coastal biodiversity.”

2. Informative Annotations

Informative annotations provide a more detailed overview of the source, summarizing its main arguments, methodologies, and key findings. They offer a deeper understanding of the source’s content and help the reader assess its relevance and reliability. Here’s an example of an informative annotation:

“In this book, the author examines the role of social media in shaping political discourse and public opinion. The study analyzes the impact of platforms like Twitter and Facebook on political campaigns, discussing their potential to both facilitate democratic participation and spread misinformation. The author uses case studies and empirical evidence to support their arguments, providing valuable insights into the complex relationship between technology and politics.”

3. Evaluation Annotations

Evaluation annotations not only summarize the source but also critically assess its strengths, weaknesses, and overall quality. They provide an evaluation of the source’s reliability, credibility, and bias , helping the reader make informed decisions about its use in their research. Here’s an example of an evaluation annotation:

“This research article presents a novel approach to renewable energy generation using solar panels integrated into building facades. The study includes an in-depth analysis of the energy output, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of the proposed system. While the findings are promising, the author acknowledges certain limitations, such as the need for further testing and optimization. Overall, this article offers valuable insights into the potential of building-integrated solar panels as a sustainable energy solution.”

Remember to follow the appropriate citation style, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, when formatting your annotated bibliography. Each annotation should be concise, informative, and relevant to your research topic, providing the reader with a clear understanding of the source’s content and its significance to your study.

What Is a Literature Review?

In the research process , a literature review plays a vital role in reviewing and tying together existing research on a specific topic. Unlike an annotated bibliography, a literature review goes beyond summarizing individual sources and focuses on analyzing and synthesizing the findings and theories of multiple studies.

By thoroughly examining the existing research, a literature review provides a comprehensive understanding of the current knowledge base and identifies any gaps in the literature.

A well-written literature review serves as the foundation for further research and thesis development . It not only defines the main ideas and concepts related to the topic but also helps in formulating the research methodology .

Through the synthesis of relevant literature, a literature review offers insights into the implications and potential directions for future research. By critically evaluating and analyzing existing studies, researchers can contribute to the knowledge base and advance understanding in their field.

Literature Review Key Points:

• A literature review reviews and ties together existing research.
• It goes beyond summarizing individual sources.
• A literature review identifies gaps in the existing literature.
• It lays the foundation for further research and thesis development .
• A literature review offers insights into implications and directions for future research.

Difference Between Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography

In the realm of academic research, two common tools used to analyze sources are literature reviews and annotated bibliographies. While they may seem similar at first glance, there are distinct differences between the two. Understanding these variances can help researchers effectively employ each method to enhance their study.

A literature review is a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of existing research on a specific topic. Its purpose is to examine the scope , depth , and relevance of the current body of knowledge. By delving into various studies and theories, a literature review not only identifies gaps in the research but also provides a foundation for thesis development . It goes beyond summarizing sources and explores methodologies, implications, and potential directions for future inquiry.

An annotated bibliography, on the other hand, primarily serves as a list of sources accompanied by brief summaries or evaluations known as annotations. While it also involves analyzing sources, its focus is on providing a resource for assessing the relevance and quality of the materials. An annotated bibliography is useful for researchers to quickly evaluate sources, but it does not offer the same depth of analysis and synthesis as a literature review.

Table: Comparison between Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography

In summary, while both literature reviews and annotated bibliographies involve source analysis, they serve different purposes and have distinct approaches. A literature review offers a comprehensive analysis of existing research, while an annotated bibliography provides a resource for evaluating sources . Understanding these differences is crucial for researchers to effectively utilize these tools in their academic endeavors.

Methods of Conducting a Literature Review and Creating an Annotated Bibliography

When conducting a literature review , there are several methods that can be employed to ensure a thorough and comprehensive analysis of existing research . The process starts with searching for relevant sources, using databases, academic journals, and other reputable scholarly sources to gather a wide range of studies and articles.

Once the sources are collected, the next step is to evaluate their relevance and quality. This involves assessing the author’s qualifications , the credibility of the publication or journal, and the intended audience . By critically evaluating the sources, researchers can ensure that they are using reliable and trustworthy information for their literature review.

After evaluating the sources, the next step is to select the most appropriate ones for inclusion in the literature review. This means choosing sources that are directly relevant to the research question or topic at hand. Once the sources are selected, they need to be organized in a coherent manner. This can be done by categorizing the sources based on their main themes or topics, allowing for a structured and logical presentation of the literature review.

Analyzing and synthesizing the information gathered from the sources is a crucial step in conducting a literature review . This involves critically evaluating the findings and theories presented in the research and identifying common themes or trends.

By synthesizing the existing research, researchers can provide a comprehensive overview of the current knowledge base and identify any gaps or areas for further investigation. The literature review should also highlight the implications of the findings and suggest directions for future research.

In conclusion, the literature review and annotated bibliography are essential components of the research process . While both involve analysis and synthesis, they serve different purposes in academic writing.

The literature review provides a comprehensive analysis of existing research on a specific topic, helping to identify gaps and contribute to the knowledge base. On the other hand, the annotated bibliography serves as a list of sources with brief summaries or evaluations, allowing readers to assess the relevance and quality of the sources.

By understanding the differences between these two tools and utilizing them effectively, researchers can enhance their understanding of a topic, develop their thesis, and contribute to the existing knowledge base. Both the literature review and annotated bibliography are valuable resources that can strengthen the research and writing process.

For more guidance and inspiration, StudyingHq.com offers a free Essays and Papers Database with thousands of essay examples, samples, guides, topics, and research papers. Additionally, if you need writing help within a short timeframe, you can rely on expert writers who can provide assistance in 2-3 hours.

What is the difference between a literature review and an annotated bibliography?

A literature review is a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of existing research on a specific topic, while an annotated bibliography is a list of sources with brief summaries or evaluations.

What is the purpose of an annotated bibliography?

The purpose of an annotated bibliography is to provide information for the reader and help the writer delve deeper into the topic by critically evaluating the sources and creating annotations.

How do you write an annotated bibliography?

Writing an annotated bibliography involves analyzing sources, evaluating their credibility, and creating annotations that can be descriptive, summary, or evaluation-based.

What are the different types of annotations in an annotated bibliography?

The different types of annotations in an annotated bibliography include  indicative annotations ,  informative annotations , and evaluation annotations, which provide different levels of summary and analysis.

What is the purpose of a literature review?

The purpose of a literature review is to  review and tie together  the findings and theories of various studies on a specific topic, demonstrating their importance and relevance and identifying gaps in the existing literature.

How do you conduct a literature review?

Conducting a literature review involves searching for relevant sources, evaluating their quality,  selecting  the most appropriate ones, and  organizing  and analyzing the information to provide a comprehensive analysis and synthesis of existing research.

What are the similarities between a literature review and an annotated bibliography?

Both involve evaluating and analyzing sources, gathering information on a topic, and organizing and synthesizing the findings. They are both tools used in the research and writing process.

How can literature reviews and annotated bibliographies enhance the research process?

By utilizing both tools effectively, researchers can enhance their understanding of a topic, identify research gaps, and contribute to the existing knowledge base.

Source Links

• https://www.bibliography.com/examples/annotated-bibliography-writing-guide-with-examples/
• https://edtechbooks.org/rapidwriting/lit_rev_intro
• https://open.byu.edu/rapidwriting/lit_rev_intro

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McNair Scholars: Annotated Bibliographies vs. Literature Reviews

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What is the difference between an Annotated Bibliography and a Literature Review?

Annotated Bibliography - an annotated bibliography is a list of citations with brief notes added below each citation summarizing the content of the article cited (the annotation) included. The annotation accompanying a citation may also contain a short evaluation of the article in addition to a summary. 

Literature Review  - a systematic review of the published material, or scholarly writings, on a specific topic or research question that can be part of a scholarly work or a stand-alone product. The primary goal is analysis - and not simply summarization - of these scholarly writings. This analysis serves to provide background information on your topic and detail the connection between those writings and your research question. 

Learn More - Annotated Bibliographies

Annotated bibliographies are:

• Brief - about 150 words or so
• Summarize and evaluate a source
• Are located under the citation in a bibliography or works cited list
• Are distinct from abstracts, which are mostly a condensed description of an article
• Are distinct from literature reviews.
• Purdue OWL's Annotated Bibliography Page Purdue's Online Writing Lab's page on annotated bibliographies has examples of from the major citation styles and more.
• Writing Center's MLA Annotated Bibliography Handout This handout from the Writing Center is a guide to MLA format annotated bibliographies.

Learn More - Literature Reviews

A Literature Review will help you achieve the following:

• Provides background on research topic
• Guides you in detailing or focusing your own research question
• Provides a framework for research or future research - identifying major themes and concepts
• Offers insights on unexplored ideas related to a topic, gaps in the research
• Assists with avoiding repetition of earlier research
• Tests assumptions; may help counter preconceived ideas and remove unconscious bias
• Identifies points of disagreement, or potentially flawed methodology or theoretical approaches

Searching databases such as  Web of Science, Google Scholar,   and  Dissertations & Theses   is the way you are able to discover the research that has been done on any given subject.

There are many resources available to help you understand what a literature review is and how to write one. Here are a few:

• Literature Reviews: An Overview for Graduate Students. A video overview of what a literature review is.
• The Literature Review: A Few Tips On Conducting It Includes an overview and a set of questions to ask of each source included in the review. This guide is hosted on the University of Toronto's Writing Advice website.
• Writing A Literature Review and Using a Synthesis Matrix This tutorial describes a method of notetaking to help you organize the content of your literature review so you can synthesize a coherent presentation of what different authors have said about different parts of your topic. This method may be useful.

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• Last Updated: May 7, 2024 1:44 PM
• URL: https://guides.library.tamucc.edu/mcnair

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Chapter 5: The Literature Review

5.6 The Difference Between a Literature Review and an Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a third type of academic writing that can confuse students who are attempting to write a literature review. An annotated bibliography provides all of the reference details of a bibliography, but it goes one step further and provides a short (approximately 150 words) description of the reference. An annotated bibliography is not to be confused with a bibliography, which is a list of journal articles, books, and other resources that someone has utilized in writing. The bibliography provides a list of all resources that someone used to write a research paper and, unlike a reference list, includes references that may not appear in the body of the paper. No doubt you have had to create many bibliographies in your academic studies. Here is a link to a website where you can learn more about annotated bibliographies and also to see a sample of an annotated bibliography:   Annotated Bibliographies

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Difference Between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review

Main difference – annotated bibliography vs literature review.

Annotated bibliography and literature review summarize and analyze the information gathered from different sources. The difference between annotated bibliography and literature review lies in the way they present information. An annotated bibliography lists the sources separately, followed by short descriptions. But, literature review analyses all the sources together, examining the relationship between them. In addition, differences can also be observed in purpose, format, and components as well.

This article examines,

1. What is an Annotated Bibliography? – Structure, Components, and Purpose 

2. What is a Literature Review? – Structure, Components, and Purpose 

What is an Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a bibliography (a list of resources) accompanied by annotations. Annotations are usually short descriptions and critical assessment of each word. The writer will evaluate whether the information from that particular source is relevant to the particular topic and examine the quality of the work. The annotations will contain about 100-200 words. The information about different sources are given separately in an annotated bibliography. The information is listed in alphabetical order. Moreover, each item in the list should use a formal citation style such as APA, MLA or Chicago.

Moreover, annotations may be classified into different types based on their purpose. Informative annotations summarize the source. Evaluative annotations evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of the source. The following section is an example of the structure of an annotated bibliography. Here, you can see how different sources are analysed separately. Read more about Annotated Bibliography and how to write it.

What is a Literature Review

A literature review is an evaluative report of information found in the literature related to your selected area of study. It provides an overview of a particular topic or issue by summarizing and explaining the most significant sources in the field. In a literature review, the sources are integrated into paragraphs based on the relevance. Unlike in an annotated bibliography, the sources are not summarized individually. This method helps to establish relationships – similarities and difference – between the literature you have reviewed. In addition, the gaps in the knowledge are highlighted by this presentation of information as a whole. The structure of a literature review is similar to that of an essay or an article. The list of sources is given as a bibliography or reference list at the end of the text.

The following example indicates the structure of a literature review. In this example, you can observe how different sources are analysed to bring out the commonalities or differences. 

Annotated Bibliography: Sources are analyzed separately.

Literature Review: Information from different sources are analyzed together.

Listing Sources

Annotated Bibliography: The source is indicated at the beginning of each section.

Literature Review: The sources are listed at the end of the document, as a bibliography.

Annotated Bibliography: Annotated bibliography comments on the relevance and quality of the information.

Literature Review: Literature review establishes a relationship between different sources and highlights gaps in knowledge.

Annotated Bibliography : Sources are listed alphabetically.

Literature Review: Sources are integrated together according to relevance.

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Annotated Bibliography: Annotated Bibliography vs. Literature Review

• Introduction
• Annotated Bibliography vs. Literature Review
• Types of Annotations
• Creating Your Annotated Bibliography
• Additional Online Resources

Differences between Annotated Bibliographies and Literature Reviews

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• Last Updated: Sep 12, 2023 10:51 AM
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Literature Review vs. Annotated Bibliography vs. Research Paper... What's the difference?

Literature Review

The purpose of a literature review is to provide an overview of existing academic literature on a specific topic and an evaluation of the strengths and weaknesses of the author’s arguments. You are summarizing what research is available on a certain topic and then drawing conclusions about the topic. To make gathering your research easier, be sure to start with a narrow/specific topic and then widen your topic if necessary.

A literature review is helpful when determining what research has already been discovered through academic research and what further research still needs to be done. Are there gaps? Are there opportunities for further research? What is missing from my collection of resources? Are more resources needed?

It is important to note that the conclusions described in the literature you gather may contradict each other completely or in part.  A literature review gives the researcher an overview and understanding of research findings to date on a particular topic or issue.

Annotated Bibliography

An annotated bibliography is a list of resources that you have gathered on a topic that includes an annotation following the reference.  Like a References list, annotated bibliographies gather all resources discovered in the research process in one document. Each citation in the bibliography is followed by an annotation a 5-7 sentence paragraph consisting of a summary, an evaluation, and a reflection of that resource.

An annotated bibliography is different from a literature review because it serves a different purpose. Annotated bibliographies focus on sources gathered for a specific research project. A literature review attempts to take a comprehensive approach to evaluate all of the research available on a particular question or a topic to create the foundation for a research paper. 

For more information, please visit the annotated bibliography page of our APA guide.

Research Paper

A research paper presents a single argument/idea on a topic supported by research that you have gathered. Your own thoughts and opinions will be supported by research that you have gathered on your topic. The resources used in your research paper typically support the argument that you are making.

For more information on writing a research paper, check out our Writing guide .

Generally, either an annotated bibliography or a literature review are written first and set the framework for the final product: your research paper. 

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Difference Between a Literature Review and Annotated Bibliography

As students enter the research writing world, they have to learn a whole new language about theses, bibliographies, secondary sources, and other new terms. Some students may not understand the difference between an abstract, an annotated bibliography entry, and a literature review.

The confusion is understandable as there are many similarities in these aspects of report writing. First of all, abstracts, annotations and literature reviews all present summaries of sources. Secondly, each summary of a source is short and concise. The main differences are the purpose and the way each are presented to the reader.

What Is a Literature Review?

Literature reviews can be full papers, in their own right, or they can be incorporated into a school paper. Their purpose is to review and tie together previously published research to bolster a writer’s own thesis. Also, the literature review then suggests ways to move research forward or identifies gaps in existing literature.

Preparing a Literature Review

Preparing a literature review is an excellent way for students to learn how to find and critically evaluate sources. Students need to make sure they find the most current research on a subject, as well.

As you find sources, you will see the same authors writing on a particular topic. This helps you in your research. That’s because you can start searching by author name. Databases, such as ProQuest and Science Direct , have tools to help you find current information. Look for the original research that sparked the current thread of research.

Find ways to tie your sources together as you prepare your literature review. Consider using in-text citations to back up your points.

What Is  an Annotated Bibliography?

An annotated bibliography, like a literature review, can be a section of a research report or stand alone. Teachers will sometimes assign annotated bibliographies so students can develop their research and critical evaluation skills.

Unlike a literature review, however, you should format annotations as a list. Evaluate each source on its own, although you may compare and contrast sources in the annotations, as well.

Annotation simply means a note or comment on an item. When you annotate a source, you are making a note or comment on it. Of course, there is more to it than that. Annotations are either a brief summary or an evaluation of the source.

Annotated Bibliography Entry Example

Doerr, John. Measure What Matters: How Google, Bono, and the Gates Foundation Rock the World with OKRs. New York: Portfolio/Penguin. 2018.

This book is written by Doerr, who is the chair of a venture capitalist group. The book describes how business organizations can use OKRs to drive the focus of a company through agility, which leads to explosive growth. There are first-person, behind the scenes case studies narrated by leaders like Bill Gates and Bono. This book helps guide understanding of business and management strategies that drive the success of large companies.

Writing With Purpose

Although there are many similarities among literature reviews, abstracts and annotated bibliographies, each work has its own purpose within the research paper. And, while this article focuses on literature reviews and annotated bibliographies, you’ll also find similarities between abstracts and annotated bibliographies , too.

Developing an APA Annotated Bibliography

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Difference between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review

• June 25, 2022

A literature review and annotated bibliography are both important components of a research paper, but they have different functions. A literature review summarizes and evaluates the published work on a topic, while an annotated bibliography provides a brief description of each source and its relevance to the topic. Knowing the difference between these two types of citations is important for ensuring that your research paper is complete and accurate.

What is Annotated Bibliography?

An Annotated Bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. The purpose of the annotation is to inform the reader of the relevance, accuracy, and quality of the sources cited.

An Annotated Bibliography is a great tool to help you evaluate the research that you have done for a paper or project. It can also be a useful way to share your research with others. An Annotated Bibliography can be an invaluable resource for students, scholars, or researchers who are looking for more information on a particular topic.

What is Literature Review?

• A literature review is a critical evaluation of what has been published on a topic by accredited scholars and researchers. In other words, it is a survey of the current state of knowledge on a given topic. It typically includes a summary and an evaluation of the work in question. Literature reviews are usually included in journal articles, dissertations, and books. The purpose of a literature review is to provide the reader with an overview of the field of study, highlight significant themes that have emerged over time, and identify gaps in knowledge.
• Literature reviews are not simply summaries of what has been published; they are also analytical pieces that explore the relationships between different works and identify areas of agreement and disagreement. When writing a literature review, it is important to keep in mind that it should be organized around your own research question or hypotheses.
• This will help you to focus your analysis and ensure that your findings are relevant to your topic. Literature reviews can be daunting tasks, but they are an essential part of the academic journey. With a little planning and effort, they can be insightful, rewarding experiences that can contribute to your understanding of the world around you.

An Annotated Bibliography is a list of citations to books, articles, and documents. Each citation is followed by a brief (usually about 150 words) descriptive and evaluative paragraph, the annotation. An Annotation differs from an Abstract (the brief summary of work) in that the Annotation describes, explains, and critiques a work in order to provide readers with important information about a work.

An Annotated Bibliography also provides readers with a concise overview of the research that has been conducted on a particular topic. A Literature Review is slightly different from an Annotated Bibliography in that it not only provides an overview of the research that has been conducted on a topic but also draws conclusions about the findings of that research. A Literature Review may also include recommendations for further research on the topic.

The main difference between an annotated bibliography and a literature review is that a literature review discusses published research, whereas an annotated bibliography includes both published research and other material such as book reviews, newspaper articles, or Web sites. In addition, annotations in an annotated bibliography are typically much shorter than the annotations found in a literature review.

When deciding which type of document to write, it’s important to ask yourself two questions: (1) What am I trying to accomplish? and (2) What has already been written on this topic? If you can answer these questions effectively, you will be able to determine whether an annotated bibliography or a literature review is the best format for your project.

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Difference Between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review

• Categorized under Language | Difference Between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review

Have you ever written an essay, a research paper, or a thesis?  If you have, then you must be familiar with what an annotated bibliography is and how to create and use it.  It will also follow that you will have experienced writing a literary review too.  Both are important parts of any thesis or research paper.

While both provide summaries of a specific topic, its content and sources, they differ in the way that these facts are presented.  Both the literary review and annotated bibliography can be about any topic, but literature reviews are usually made with the purpose of answering a particular question about a particular subject while annotated bibliographies are about the importance of the sources of information.

Every essay, research paper, or thesis contains a bibliography.  It is meant to let the people reading the essay know where you obtained the information stated in it and to check and verify the facts that are included therein.  It will also support the conclusions that you have made about a certain topic.

A bibliography contains the name of the author, title of the document, article, or book, date of publication, place of publication, publishing company, volume number, and the page number.  In the case of an online source, the name of the author and editor should be placed together with the URL and the last date that you visited the site.

In many cases, a simple bibliography will not do and you will be required to make an annotated bibliography; that is, a bibliography with annotations.  Annotations are brief summaries, evaluation, and analysis of the content included in your essay and about its sources of information.

An annotated bibliography therefore is an alphabetical list of all the sources of information that you have gathered and used in your essay together with 100-200 word descriptions of each source.  This will inform the readers of the accuracy, relevance, and quality of the sources of information that you have gathered.  It is simply a list of all the sources of information that you have included in your work with a short assessment of each source.

A literary review on the other hand is an essay in itself.  It serves as a guide to a specific topic.  It gives an overview of the topic, evaluates its sources and advices the readers as to what is admissible and important.  It can contain several sections or segments, each with a different subject or argument about the topic.  The arguments can either be contrary or similar to your analysis or thesis.

Literary reviews are meant to summarize and evaluate already published arguments about a certain topic.  It analyzes these arguments, revealing their regularities as well as the irregularities that are present.

Although the scope of literary reviews varies, literary reviews are oftentimes products of annotated bibliographies, providing a story-like use of the references cited in the annotated bibliography.  A good literary review is one which is derived from a good annotated bibliography and every literary review must always come with an annotated bibliography.

Summary: 1. A literary review is a summary about a specific topic while an annotated bibliography is an alphabetical list of the sources of information for the topic with a brief summary and analysis. 2. While an annotated bibliography contains facts about the sources of information, the literary review contains a summary, evaluation, and analysis of a particular topic or argument. 3. The annotated bibliography informs readers about the accuracy, relevance and quality of the source while the literary review informs the readers about the topic’s pros and cons and how the author’s insights differ from, and conform to, previous arguments about it. 4. The literary review mostly comes from an annotated bibliography but unlike it, it can be a literary work by itself.

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Cite APA 7 M, E. (2011, January 14). Difference Between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review. Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects. http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-annotated-bibliography-and-literature-review/. MLA 8 M, Emelda. "Difference Between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review." Difference Between Similar Terms and Objects, 14 January, 2011, http://www.differencebetween.net/language/difference-between-annotated-bibliography-and-literature-review/.

Thank you for sharing this wonderful article. I can now clearly differentiate between Annotated Bibliography and Literature Review.

Do you have any guide that elaborates on structuring a good essay. I feel like it would be a on demand writeup.

Thank You once again!

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Written by : Emelda M. and updated on 2011, January 14 Articles on DifferenceBetween.net are general information, and are not intended to substitute for professional advice. The information is "AS IS", "WITH ALL FAULTS". User assumes all risk of use, damage, or injury. You agree that we have no liability for any damages.

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