What is a bibliography?

A bibliography is a structured list of references used to present information, typically found at the end of a research paper or academic work. This list includes various sources, such as books, journal articles, websites, and other academic materials that the author consulted while conducting their research or supporting their arguments. The bibliography allows readers to trace the sources of information and further explore the subject matter. It serves as an essential component of scholarly practice, reinforcing the credibility of the work by acknowledging previous contributions and guiding readers to relevant literature for deeper understanding or verification of the presented information. This distinguishes it from a summary of research findings, a collection of personal opinions, or a set of instructions for writing, which have different purposes and structures.