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Annotated Bibliography Assignment
NAME
Department of Psychology, Pikes Peak State College
PSY1001: General Psychology I
Kellyanne Achramowicz
Month Day, Year
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Annotated Bibliography Assignment
Assignment Synopsis: Annotated Bibliography
Objective To develop your research, critical thinking, and APA formatting skills by creating a
structured annotated bibliography. You will select, evaluate, and analyze two academic sources,
each focusing on a different psychological topic covered throughout this course.
Purpose This assignment is designed to help you move beyond simply finding sources to deeply
engaging with them. By completing this bibliography, you will learn to:
Assess the relevance, scientific accuracy, and overall quality of psychological research.
Deepen your understanding of core course concepts through self-directed inquiry.
Master APA 7th edition formatting for both reference citations and academic writing
mechanics.
Getting Started Before beginning your research, review this introductory guide from Cornell
University Library to learn more about the structure of an annotated bibliography and see formal
examples. Once you understand the baseline format, return to the detailed prompt here in D2L to
review the specific grading criteria and submission expectations.
Sample Assignment: Annotated Bibliography: Formatting Requirements
APA Citation: Each source must have a fully correct APA 7th edition reference list
citation.
Hanging Indent: The reference itself uses a hanging indent, and the entire annotation
paragraph below it is indented an additional 0.5 inches from the left margin.
Annotation Content: For each source, the annotation must contain:
o Summary: What is the main purpose, method, and finding of the study?
o Evaluation: Is the source credible, objective, and scientifically sound?
o Application: How does this source relate to the course material or a potential
research paper topic?
Example Student Submission: Annotated Bibliography
Dweck, C. S. (2008). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
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In this book, Dweck explores the concept of mindsets, specifically differentiating
between a "fixed mindset" (the belief that intelligence and talent are static traits) and a
"growth mindset" (the belief that abilities can be developed through dedication and hard
work). Drawing on decades of psychological research, she demonstrates how these
mindsets influence motivation, resilience, and achievement across various domains,
including education, sports, and business. The book is highly credible, as Dr. Dweck is a
leading researcher in developmental and social psychology at Stanford University, and
her theories are backed by numerous peer-reviewed empirical studies. This source
directly connects to the Learning and Motivation chapters of General Psychology I. It
provides valuable insight into how cognitive appraisals of one's own abilities can
drastically alter academic performance and behavioral persistence.
Suchajahit, K., & Phruksananurat, N. (2022). The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive
performance and emotional regulation in young adults. Journal of Behavioral and Brain Science,
12(4), 145–158. https://doi.org/10.4236/jbbs.2022.124009
This empirical study investigates the impact of acute sleep deprivation on executive
functioning and emotional control among a sample of college-aged individuals. Using a
controlled experimental design, the researchers measured participants' reaction times,
working memory capacity, and mood self-reports after 24 hours of total sleep deprivation
compared to a control group with normal sleep. The results indicated significant declines
in short-term memory retention and a marked increase in emotional irritability in the
sleep-deprived group. This peer-reviewed journal article is highly objective and relevant,
utilizing standardized cognitive tests and a clear experimental methodology. This source
applies directly to the Biological Psychology and States of Consciousness units in the
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course. It clearly demonstrates the physiological necessity of sleep for maintaining
healthy cognitive and emotional homeostasis.
Tips for Success
Alphabetical Order: Just like a standard APA reference page, organize your sources
alphabetically by the first author's last name.
Double Spacing: Ensure the entire document, including the citations and annotations, is
double-spaced.
Be Concise: Keep your annotations focused. A strong annotation is typically between 150
to 250 words per source.
Conclusion
Summarize your key findings and discuss the implications of your observations for
understanding general psychology 1 with references in APA format and citations of at least two
of your two annotated bibliography articles and the course book.
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References
Dweck, C. S. (2008). Mindset: The new psychology of success. Random House.
Suchajahit, K., & Phruksananurat, N. (2022). The effects of sleep deprivation on cognitive
performance and emotional regulation in young adults. Journal of Behavioral and Brain
Science, 12(4), 145–158. https://doi.org/10.4236/jbbs.2022.124009
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