MLA Annotated Bibliography Example for Journal Articles

Browse our collection of MLA journal article citation examples. Each entry includes a properly formatted citation and annotation.

MLA Source Type: Journal Article Summary

Citation

Martinez, Elena R., and James K. Thompson. "The Impact of Social Media on Adolescent Mental Health: A Longitudinal Study." Journal of Youth Psychology 45.3 (2023): 234-251.

Annotation

Martinez and Thompson examine the relationship between social media usage and mental health outcomes in teenagers over a three-year period. The study tracked 2,500 adolescents aged 13-18, measuring daily screen time alongside standardized mental health assessments. Their findings reveal a significant correlation between excessive social media use (over 4 hours daily) and increased anxiety and depression symptoms. The researchers employ both quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive analysis. This longitudinal approach strengthens the study's validity by demonstrating patterns over time rather than isolated snapshots.
MLA Source Type: Journal Article Evaluation

Citation

Chen, Wei, and Sarah L. Rodriguez. "Renewable Energy Adoption in Developing Nations: Barriers and Solutions." Environmental Policy Quarterly 28.2 (2024): 112-134.

Annotation

Chen and Rodriguez analyze the obstacles preventing widespread renewable energy implementation in developing countries. The authors draw on case studies from twelve nations across Africa, Asia, and South America to identify common challenges including infrastructure limitations, financing gaps, and policy inconsistencies. While the research methodology is sound and the data collection comprehensive, the article occasionally oversimplifies complex political dynamics within individual countries. The proposed solutions, particularly the microfinancing models for solar installations, demonstrate practical applicability.
MLA Source Type: Journal Article Reflection

Citation

Williams, Patricia A. "Teaching Critical Thinking Through Historical Analysis." Education Research Quarterly 19.4 (2023): 78-95.

Annotation

Williams explores pedagogical approaches for developing critical thinking skills through history education. The article presents various classroom strategies that encourage students to analyze primary sources and question historical narratives. Reading this piece transformed my understanding of how history instruction can serve broader educational goals beyond content knowledge. The examples of student discussions about conflicting historical accounts resonated with my own teaching experiences. This source will significantly influence how I structure my own lesson plans.
MLA Source Type: Journal Article Summary

Citation

Nakamura, Yuki, and David O'Brien. "Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare Diagnostics: Promises and Ethical Concerns." Medical Ethics Journal 33.1 (2024): 45-67.

Annotation

Nakamura and O'Brien investigate the growing implementation of AI-assisted diagnostic tools in healthcare settings. The authors examine current applications in radiology, pathology, and cardiology, documenting both improved accuracy rates and potential risks. Their analysis reveals that while AI can detect certain conditions with greater precision than human practitioners, issues of algorithmic bias and data privacy remain unresolved. The article surveys existing regulatory frameworks across different countries and proposes guidelines for ethical AI deployment in medical contexts.
MLA Source Type: Journal Article Evaluation

Citation

Foster, Michelle L. "Urban Green Spaces and Community Well-Being: A Comparative Analysis." Urban Planning Review 41.2 (2023): 156-178.

Annotation

Foster compares the effects of urban green spaces on community health and social cohesion across six major cities. The research methodology combines quantitative health metrics with qualitative resident interviews, providing both statistical significance and personal narratives. The author's selection of cities spanning different continents strengthens the study's generalizability, though the comparison sometimes overlooks significant cultural differences. The data on reduced stress levels and increased social interaction in neighborhoods with accessible parks is compelling and well-documented.
MLA Source Type: Journal Article Summary

Citation

Patel, Anita, and Robert Greene. "The Gig Economy and Worker Rights: Navigating Legal Gray Zones." Labor Studies Quarterly 52.3 (2024): 201-223.

Annotation

Patel and Greene examine the legal challenges facing gig economy workers in the United States and European Union. The article traces the evolution of employment classification laws and analyzes recent court decisions regarding worker status for platform-based jobs. The authors document how companies have exploited ambiguities in existing labor legislation to minimize obligations to workers while maintaining significant control over their activities. Their comparative analysis reveals different regulatory approaches across jurisdictions.
MLA Source Type: Journal Article Reflection

Citation

Morrison, Katherine E. "Decolonizing the Literature Curriculum: Challenges and Opportunities." English Education Today 27.1 (2023): 34-52.

Annotation

Morrison discusses the ongoing efforts to diversify and decolonize English literature curricula at secondary and post-secondary levels. The article examines resistance from various stakeholders and proposes strategies for meaningful curricular change. As an educator working to broaden my course readings, this piece provided both validation and practical guidance. Morrison's acknowledgment of the emotional labor involved in advocating for diverse texts within institutions resonated deeply with my experiences.
MLA Source Type: Journal Article Evaluation

Citation

Bergman, Stefan, and Lisa Huang. "Climate Migration and National Security: Rethinking Policy Frameworks." International Affairs Review 67.4 (2024): 289-315.

Annotation

Bergman and Huang argue that climate-induced migration should be reframed as a national security issue to prompt more urgent policy responses. Their analysis draws on projections of displacement due to rising sea levels, extreme weather, and agricultural disruption. The authors present a thorough review of existing migration policies and their inadequacies in addressing climate-specific displacement. However, the security framing raises concerns about militarized responses to vulnerable populations, a tension the authors acknowledge but do not fully resolve.

Quick Template: Journal Article

Author(s). "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. #, no. #, Date, pp. #-#. Database, DOI or URL.

Note: Cite online journals with a DOI if available, otherwise use a URL. Database names are italicized.

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