Scholarly writing is a key part of academic research, requiring clear communication, critical thinking, and engagement with existing literature. Unlike casual or personal writing, scholarly writing is structured, evidence-based, and supported by credible sources. It often involves analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating research to contribute to academic discussions.
Two common types of scholarly writing assignments that help build research skills are annotated bibliographies and literature reviews:
Both assignments develop your ability to critically engage with sources and organize research effectively, laying the foundation for more advanced academic writing.
An annotated bibliography is a structured research tool that lists sources relevant to a specific topic, accompanied by a brief description and evaluation of each. In occupational therapy (OT) research, annotated bibliographies help develop evidence-based skills, such as assessing the quality of studies, identifying research gaps, and synthesizing key findings.
Annotations can be descriptive, providing a summary of the source, or analytical (critical), which examines its credibility, methodology, and relevance to a research question. Most academic assignments require analytical annotations, which assess the study’s strengths and limitations, the author's argument, and its applicability to occupational therapy practice.
An annotated bibliography is a foundational step in conducting a systematic literature review or writing a research paper in occupational therapy. It helps researchers:
For each selected source, write a concise summary of its content and how it contributes to your research. If applicable, provide evaluative comments on its strengths, limitations, and relevance. Consider the author’s expertise and credibility, and compare the source’s evidence, arguments, or findings to other works on the same topic.
By addressing these questions, your annotations will demonstrate critical analysis and synthesis, helping you build an evidence-based understanding of your research topic.
When summarizing and evaluating a source, it can be challenging to find the right vocabulary to describe arguments, analyze evidence, and critique sources effectively. Below are some useful verbs and phrases to help you frame your annotations:
Using these terms will strengthen your annotations by making them clear, analytical, and evidence-based.
In the OTD program, all research assignments, including annotated bibliographies, should follow APA (7th edition) citation style. Always check your assignment guidelines and consult your instructor if you have any questions about formatting or citation expectations.
Your topic, scope, and purpose will determine the level of detail in your annotations. The tone should align with evidence-based research practices in occupational therapy. Below is an example of an annotated bibliography entry in APA style.
Smith, J. R., Patel, M., & Hernandez, L. (2024). New technological approaches in occupational therapy for pediatric cerebral palsy: A systematic review. Journal of Rehabilitation and Assistive Technology, 45(3), 112-130. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11899563/
This systematic review examines emerging technology-based interventions in occupational therapy for children with cerebral palsy, focusing on virtual reality, robotic-assisted therapy, and sensor-based motion tracking. The authors reviewed 45 peer-reviewed studies, highlighting improvements in motor function, task engagement, and therapy adherence among pediatric cerebral palsy patients. The findings suggest that virtual reality-based interventions show significant promise in enhancing upper limb function compared to traditional occupational therapy methods. However, the review notes inconsistencies in study methodologies and a lack of long-term follow-up data, limiting the generalizability of results. This article provides valuable evidence for occupational therapy practitioners exploring technology-driven rehabilitation strategies and emphasizes the need for further longitudinal studies to assess the long-term impact of technological interventions in pediatric occupational therapy.
A literature review is a critical synthesis of existing research on a particular topic within a discipline. In occupational therapy, literature reviews play a key role in identifying gaps in research, evaluating interventions, and establishing evidence-based practices. A well-conducted literature review does not merely summarize studies but synthesizes findings, critically appraises methodologies, and positions the reviewed studies within the broader scholarly conversation.
Introduction
Methodology
Findings
Discussion
Conclusion
References
Literature reviews are not a book reports or commentaries; make sure to stay focused, organized, and free of personal biases or unsubstantiated recommendations.
Kessler, D., & Graham, F. P. (2015). The use of occupation-based interventions in hand therapy: A literature review. Journal of Hand Therapy, 28(3), 258-266. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jht.2015.02.001
This systematic review examines the effectiveness of occupation-based intervention in hand therapy and discusses their implications for client-centered practice in occupational therapy. The review highlights strong empirical evidence supporting occupation-based interventions compared to traditional biomechanical approaches. It also identifies gaps in research regarding the long-term functional outcomes of such interventions.
Define Your Research Question
Your literature review should be guided by a focused research question. Use frameworks like PICO (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome) to develop a strong question.
Determine the Scope
Select Databases and Sources
Search and Collect Literature
Evaluate and Synthesize Findings