Doctor of Occupational Therapy (OTD): Research Starter

What is an annotated bibliography?

A bibliography is a list of sources about a topic. An annotated bibliography adds a summary for each source, helping readers decide its usefulness. Abstracts summarize articles, while annotations also evaluate the author's viewpoint and authority.

Elements of an Annotation

Annotations are short descriptions of sources that inform readers about their quality and relevance. They usually contain a summary of the article, including the author's name and main point. They also describe who the intended audience is and how the article contributes to your topic. Annotations evaluate the source's usefulness, reliability, strengths, weaknesses, and value for your research. Additionally, they may discuss how the article relates to others in your bibliography.

Sample elements of a critical annotated bibliography. See also the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th ed. (2019) for sample elements, p. 308 Figure 9.3. 

Source: Hesburgh Libraries

Preparing an Annotated Bibliography (OWL at Purdue)

Start your research journey by carefully analyzing the bibliographic citation of any source, be it a book or an article. This initial step involves scrutinizing crucial details such as the publisher's name, publication date, presence of an index and bibliography, and the affiliations of the author. By conducting this thorough examination, you're equipped to make informed judgments about the reliability and credibility of the source. It's your gateway to ensuring the quality and trustworthiness of the information you're relying on for your research.

AOTA has a webpage of valuable information on evidence-based practice and research. They offer getting started with evidence-based practice, practice guidelines, and access to peer-reviewed OT literature. 

View the video below from AOTA on accessing articles from PubMed. You may access PubMed from the library homepage and select the tab, "PubMed". 

What is a literature review? 

A literature review is a thorough investigation of all the published writings on a particular topic or question. It's not just about summarizing these writings but also analyzing them closely. It helps to understand how these writings connect to your research question and provide background information. 

A literature review is NOT...

A literature review is more than just summarizing articles you've read. It's not like making a list with summaries. Instead, it's about deeply analyzing those articles and how they relate to your research question. Also, it's not about picking articles that only support your viewpoint. You should explore all sides of the topic to avoid bias and show where there's agreement or disagreement among researchers.

Why is a literature review important?

A literature review is vital because it:

1. Tells the history of research on a topic.
2. Shows why a topic is important.
3. Guides your research questions.
4. Finds connections between studies.
5. Uncovers new ideas or groups.
6. Highlights key themes, ideas, and researchers.
7. Challenges assumptions and biases.
8. Pinpoints gaps or problems in studies.
9. Suggest where research can go next.

Conducting a literature review takes time, planning, and searching. 

Contact your Library Liaison with any questions about conducting a literature review.