1. Writing about Methods in Dissertations and Doctoral Studies
Hello, everyone, and welcome to the Writing Center’s presentation of Annotated Bibliography Basics. My name is Hillary Wentworth, and I will be your presenter for this evening. This presentation will be about 30 – 45 minutes in length. During the presentation, feel free to use the Q and A box on the right hand side of the screen to type questions as you think of them. I will also answer these questions at the end. Do know that this presentation will be recorded, so you can always watch it again if you need to. The slides will also be available for you to download and keep for your records.
Walden University Writing Center

2. Session objectives Learn how methods concern your research
Identify components of qualitative, quantitative, and mixed-methods studies
Connect components to present in your proposal
Learn writing tips and university resources to use in researching and writing your proposal
In this webinar, we’ll be discussing the annotated bibliography section of your KAM’s Depth, including its purpose, format, and organization. I’ll also provide some strategies for approaching this section and ensuring expectations are met. Finally, together, we’ll review some example writing to determine what the annotated bibliography looks like and what the author is doing well. Hopefully you’ll be able to then use these as models while writing your own.

3. Methods in the capstone
EdD
Research option: Section 3; see EdD research study rubric
Project option: Section 2; see EdD project study rubric
DBA
Section 2; see DBA doctoral study rubric
PhD
Chapter 3; see PhD dissertation checklist and rubric
New PhD rubric webinar (Center for Research Quality)
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

4. Methods and the proposal
Conduct preliminary research and research between drafts
Literature first
Draft literature review
Draft methods section
Draft introduction
Introduction first
Draft literature review
C. Do not begin with the method
Your research problem
dictates your method,
so you need to
identify your problem first.
Research problem webinar
Before we get into how to create an annotated bibliography, we need to understand the purpose of the assignment. Overall, there can be many functions. [CLICK] As a writer, creating an annotated bibliography allows you to demonstrate your knowledge on a current topic. It also requires you to think critically about a source’s value (or lack of value) to help inform future researchers. Specifically in your KAM, the annotated bibliography appears at the beginning of the Depth section, so it can be seen as a stepping stone to the literature review. Essentially, through the annotated bibliography, you are gathering your sources—and your thoughts on those sources.

5. Research methods
Qualitative Quantitative Mixed methods Grounded theory (brief note)
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

6. Qualitative studies
Purpose To explore a phenomenon in great detail Approach Inductive (specific to general; phenomenon to patterns/themes to interpretation to conclusion) Language Open-ended (e.g., “explore the lived experiences…” or “examine the narratives…”); typically two or three research questions.
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

7. Qualitative studies: Components
Topics in methods section
Data collection
Introduction
Data analysis
Justification of method/design
Data quality
Role of the researcher
Ethical considerations
Questions and subquestions
Conclusion
Researcher-participant relationship
Criteria for selecting participants
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

8. Qualitative studies: Connecting components
Describe and justify design (derives from problem)
Include research questions (no hypotheses)
Explain
Context of study
Criteria for selecting participants.
Data collection procedures.
How and when the data will be analyzed
Address your potential bias (the researcher’s role)
Describe measures for ethical protection of participants
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

9. Quantitative studies Purpose Approach Language
To examine the relationship between two or more quantifiable variables
Approach
Deductive (general to specific; theory to hypothesis to observation to conclusion)
Language
Open-ended (“what is the relationship between X and Y”?)
Variables should be identified. The independent variable should be conceptualized as a variable that affects the dependent variable.
Number of research questions can depend on number of variables.
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

10. Quantitative studies: Components
Topics in methods section
Data collection
Introduction
Data analysis
Justification of method/design
Ethical considerations
Research questions and hypotheses
Conclusion
Setting and sample
Treatment (if applicable)
Instrumentation and materials
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

11. Quantitative studies: Connecting components
Describe and justify design (derives from problem)
Include research questions (hypotheses)
Explain
Setting, population, and sample.
Treatment, instrumentation, and materials.
Name and type; concepts measured; reliability/validity
Data collection and analysis procedures.
Explanation of descriptive and/or inferential analyses
Pilot study results, if applicable
Describe measures for ethical protection of participants
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

12. Mixed-method studies Purpose Approach Language
To explore a multifaceted phenomenon. Some components of the phenomenon should be quantified, and others should be in narrative form.
Approach
Both inductive and deductive
Language
Research questions presented in two sections
One section includes qualitative, open-ended questions
One section includes quantitative questions with variables and null and alternative hypotheses
Components (subheadings)
Relevant qualitative and quantitative components
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

13. Mixed-method studies: Connecting components
Describe and justify design (derives from problem).
Address relevant qualitative and quantitative content (see preceding slides).
Explain measures for ethical protection of participants.
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

14. Grounded theory
Grounded theories are typically based on qualitative methods but may use quantitative approaches, too.
Any grounded theory study results in a theory. This important outcome is often missing in student work.
Grounded theories use an abductive approach (beginning with incomplete data & proceeding to likeliest possible explanation).
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

15. Use the Q&A box on your screen Type a question, and I will answer it.
Questions
Use the Q&A box on your screen
Type a question, and I will answer it.
This concludes our presentation on Annotated Bibliography Basics for this evening! If you have any follow-up questions, feel free to ask them using the Questions box. I will remain online for a few more minutes to make sure I have resolved any of your questions. I’ll answer them in the Q and A box, but if I feel like something should be addressed verbally, I’ll do so. Also, if you think of any questions at a later date, know you can always the writing tutors at

16. Introduction to the Study and methods
Parts of Chapter/Section 1 concerning methods include
Problem Statement: guides the choice of method
Nature of the Study: provides overview of method/design
Limitations: determines generalizability of final results
Delimitations: clarifies the focus of the study.
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

17. Problem statement and methods
Identifies a gap in literature or in education/business practice
Quantitative: Gap is best addressed by examining the relationship between two or more variables
Qualitative: Gap is best addressed by increasing understanding about an issue (the “issue” cannot or should not be quantified)
Mixed method: Gap is best addressed through multiple methodological approaches. Employing only one method will not adequately address the gap.
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

18. Nature of the study and methods
Provides a brief introduction to your methods
Include details (e.g., number of participants, names of instruments)
Direct readers to methods section for more information (e.g., “See Chapter 3 for an extended discussion of the proposed study’s methods.”)
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

19. Limitations and methods
Characteristics of the design or method that set parameters on application or interpretation of the study’s results
Sample size: Small samples lessen the ability to draw conclusions from sample data about a larger group.
Instruments used for data collection: Instruments may limit the validity of participant responses.
Time frame for data collection: A short time frame may prohibit causal claims between the variables.
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

20. Delimitations
The boundaries of the inquiry, usually determined in the development of the proposal.
Delimitations should explain what a study does not intend to cover, with justification for not doing so. These decisions should be based on criteria as “not directly relevant” or “not feasible" and the like.
Let’s begin with the term annotated bibliography. We at the Writing Center often receive questions from students on what this term means, so let’s break it down: According to Merriam-Webster’s Online Dictionary, the verb “annotate” means “to make or furnish critical or explanatory notes or comment.” The words to pick out of this definition are “critical, explanatory, and notes.” As for “bibliography,” this term is defined as “the history, identification, or description of writings or publications.” So, if we are to combine these terms together, we can see that an annotated bibliography is a collection of explanatory, critical notes on a list of sources. You could also envision this as a reference list with a chunk of text below each entry describing the nature of that source.

21. Writing tips For the proposal, write in the future tense.
“I will run a regression analysis…”
After the proposal has been approved and data have been collected and analyzed, write in the past tense.
“I ran a regression analysis…”
Be specific
Recipe card analogy (how many participants, which instruments, etc.)
Anthropomorphism is giving human traits to inanimate objects. Because it can be confusing, APA says to avoid this structure in your sentences. An example of anthropomorphism would be the article stated… or The study found. Because an article cannot really say anything and a study itself cannot find, these should not be in your annotations—or any scholarly writing, for that matter. [CLICK] A good revision is to identify the authors—either through their actual names or “the authors” and “the researchers.” In the critique section I tend to see many general opinion-based statements like “The researchers did an excellent job.” I read this and ask “Why were the researchers excellent? What about the article was so good?” I am looking for specific examples to justify that assessment. As a reader, I want to believe your critique—but I need more information to be able to believe.
Example: Example: The researchers effectively described the study procedures by listing them chronologically, in a logical format.

22. Take-home points Writing is a process.
Allow yourself multiple revisions of each section and take advantage of the Writing Center’s services.
The research problem dictates the method.
Do not impose a “pet” method to address an ill-fitting research problem.
The method components should be clear.
The description of the method should be detailed enough so that others could replicate the study.
Anthropomorphism is giving human traits to inanimate objects. Because it can be confusing, APA says to avoid this structure in your sentences. An example of anthropomorphism would be the article stated… or The study found. Because an article cannot really say anything and a study itself cannot find, these should not be in your annotations—or any scholarly writing, for that matter. [CLICK] A good revision is to identify the authors—either through their actual names or “the authors” and “the researchers.” In the critique section I tend to see many general opinion-based statements like “The researchers did an excellent job.” I read this and ask “Why were the researchers excellent? What about the article was so good?” I am looking for specific examples to justify that assessment. As a reader, I want to believe your critique—but I need more information to be able to believe.
Example: Example: The researchers effectively described the study procedures by listing them chronologically, in a logical format.

23. Resources Center for Research Quality Research resources
See Research Planning and Writing
See Research Design and Analysis
Forms (arranged by program: DBA, EdD, PhD)
Writing Center
Webinars
See Scholarly Writing Webinars
See Graduate Level Webinars
See Capstone Webinars
This webinar is not your only way to become more knowledgeable about the annotated bibliography and the KAM as a whole. You can contact the library for help locating scholarly sources. If you would like additional examples of what your KAM sections should look like, see the Writing Center’s KAM Exemplars page. The university also offers KAM Intensives, which are like PhD residencies but smaller and focused only on producing your KAM. The Writing Center also has other tips regarding scholarly writing in general on our website.

24. Questions
research questions to the Center for Research Quality (see Contact Us page)
writing questions to the Writing Center
Course papers/KAMs:
Capstone proposals/studies:
This concludes our presentation on Annotated Bibliography Basics for this evening! If you have any follow-up questions, feel free to ask them using the Questions box. I will remain online for a few more minutes to make sure I have resolved any of your questions. I’ll answer them in the Q and A box, but if I feel like something should be addressed verbally, I’ll do so. Also, if you think of any questions at a later date, know you can always the writing tutors at