Locate and cite (using the referencing style of your primary discipline) at least four books or journal articles on your topic that will help you answer your research questions. Using the framework for analyzing sources provided in chapter 5 and/or the Purdue OWL Guide to Annotated Bibliographies
Links to an external site., write a brief annotation a solid paragraph for each. Since this is an interdisciplinary project, you should make sure that your initial sources represent multiple disciplinary perspectives, approaches, and/or epistemologies. Be sure to
Summarize: "What are the main arguments? What is the point of this book or article? What topics are covered? If someone asked what this article/book is about, what would you say?"
Evaluate: "Is it a useful source? How does it compare with other sources in your bibliography? Is the information reliable? Is this source biased or objective? What is the goal of this source?" The video and JHU guide
Links to an external site. will help you understand how to evaluate a source for authorship, currency, accuracy, publishing body, point of view or bias, and knowledge of the literature.
Reflect: "Was this source helpful to you? How does it help you shape your argument? How can you use this source in your research project? Has it changed how you think about your topic?"
Full Answer Section
- Evaluation: This book is a valuable contribution to the discussion on the impact of the internet on society. While some of Pariser's claims about the extent of filter bubbles have been debated, the book effectively highlights the potential dangers of personalized online experiences. It's written for a general audience and provides a good overview of the algorithmic forces shaping our online world. The author draws on research from various fields, including computer science, sociology, and political science.
- Reflection: Pariser's work was foundational for my understanding of how algorithms can contribute to polarization. It helped me frame my research questions about the specific mechanisms through which social media platforms might be exacerbating political divides. I can use this source to establish the theoretical background for my project and to support arguments about the need for greater transparency and user control over online content.
2. Prior, M. (2007). Post-broadcast democracy: How media choice increases political polarization. Cambridge University Press. (Political Science)
- Summary: Prior examines the effects of increased media choice on political polarization. He argues that the proliferation of cable television and other media outlets has allowed individuals to selectively expose themselves to information that confirms their existing political beliefs. This "selective exposure" reinforces partisan identities and leads to greater polarization. He uses empirical data to support his claims.
- Evaluation: Prior's work is a significant contribution to the political science literature on media effects. His research is rigorous and his arguments are well-supported by evidence. Compared to Pariser's focus on algorithms, Prior emphasizes the role of individual choice in shaping political polarization. This book offers a valuable perspective on the demand-side of the polarization equation.
- Reflection: Prior's research helped me understand the role of individual agency in the process of polarization. It challenged me to consider how people actively choose their media diets and how this contributes to the problem. I can use this source to support arguments about the need for media literacy and critical thinking skills in the digital age.
3. Brady, H. E., & Fiorina, M. P. (Eds.). (2006). Polarization in American politics. MIT Press. (Political Science)
- Summary: This edited volume brings together essays by leading political scientists examining various aspects of political polarization in the United States. It covers topics such as the ideological sorting of voters, the role of elites in driving polarization, and the consequences for political participation and governance. It offers a range of theoretical perspectives and empirical analyses.
- Evaluation: This is a comprehensive and authoritative source on political polarization. The contributions are written by experts in the field and represent diverse viewpoints. It's a valuable resource for understanding the different dimensions of polarization and the ongoing debates among scholars. Because it's an edited volume, the quality of individual chapters varies somewhat, but overall it offers a high-level overview of the field.
- Reflection: This book provided me with a broader understanding of the political science literature on polarization. It helped me identify key theories and empirical findings that are relevant to my research. I can use specific chapters from this book to support different aspects of my argument and to engage with the existing scholarly debates.
4. Sunstein, C. R. (2017). #Republic: Divided democracy in the age of social media. Princeton University Press. (Law/Political Science)
- Summary: Sunstein explores how social media platforms, through their design and algorithms, can exacerbate political polarization. He argues that online echo chambers and "cybercascades" can amplify extreme views and make it more difficult for people to engage in constructive dialogue across political divides. He also discusses the implications for democratic governance and proposes potential solutions.
- Evaluation: Sunstein's work is a valuable contribution to the interdisciplinary study of social media and politics. He brings a legal and political science perspective to the issue of polarization, focusing on the role of platform design and the potential for regulation. His arguments are well-reasoned and supported by research from various fields.
- Reflection: Sunstein's book helped me understand the legal and regulatory implications of social media's impact on polarization. It provided me with ideas for potential policy interventions and further directions for my research. I can use this source to support arguments about the need for platform accountability and the potential for government regulation to address the problem of online polarization.
Sample Answer
Let's assume my interdisciplinary research project focuses on the impact of social media on political polarization. Here are four annotated bibliography entries, drawing from different disciplines:
1. Pariser, E. (2011). The filter bubble: What the Internet is hiding from you. Penguin Press. (Communication/Sociology)
- Summary: Pariser argues that personalized online environments, driven by algorithms that curate content based on our past behavior, create "filter bubbles." These bubbles limit our exposure to diverse perspectives and reinforce existing biases, contributing to political polarization. He explores how these algorithms work, their potential consequences for civic discourse, and what we can do to break out of these echo chambers.