In this assignment, you will create an annotated bibliography about crime prevention research and initiatives aimed at reducing juvenile delinquency and subsequent adult criminal behavior. You will continue to utilize the research developed in the annotated bibliography as you prepare for the assignments in Units 4 and 5.

What is an annotated bibliography?

This is a bibliography that includes brief explanations or notes for each reference. An annotated bibliography helps the researcher determine which sources are relevant to a line of inquiry. This determination is based on a summary of the work, an evaluation of its credibility, and its applicability to what you are specifically writing about. Each annotation should be between 100–150 words.

Visit and read examples from the recommended resources that the CTU Library provides about the annotated bibliography:

• This site gives an explanation of what an annotated bibliography is and the process of creating one. Be sure you check the format of your own work with the assignment and your instructor.
  • How to Prepare an Annotated Bibliography: The Annotated Bibliography
• This site gives an overview of the annotated bibliography and samples in APA and other formats. Be sure you check the format of your own work with the assignment and your instructor.
  • Annotated Bibliography Samples

Examples of topics to search:

• Articles on juvenile delinquency and its causes
• Articles on theory that address juvenile delinquency
• Government or nonadvocate, nonprofit organization Web pages for statistics
• Peer-reviewed articles and academic journal articles

What are peer-reviewed references?

Peer-reviewed references are those documents that have been written and subsequently reviewed by experts or scholars in a specific field. Examples in criminology and criminal justice include: Criminology, the Journal of Research in Crime and Delinquency, and Justice Quarterly. Do not use an article that is more than 5–7 years old unless it is considered foundational in the field.

Annotations Versus Abstracts

Abstracts are the purely descriptive summaries often found at the beginning of scholarly journal articles or in periodical indexes. Annotations are descriptive and critical; they expose the author’s point of view, clarity, and appropriateness of expression and authority.

Assignment Guidelines

• First, search for books, periodicals, and information related to your topic of study. Take your time to look them over and see what the authors are describing in their work, and then make a decision on which material would have the most impact upon your paper.
• Select a minimum of 10–15 sources that you will use for your annotated bibliography.
• For each selected source, complete the following:
  • Make an APA reference for the material.
  • Write a brief description that summarizes the central theme of the material.
    • Evaluate the credibility of the source, comment on the intended audience, compare or contrast this work with other sources that you have referenced, and explain how this work relates to your topic.
• All references should be in APA style.