The American Sociological Association (ASA) style is widely used in social sciences, particularly in sociology. When it comes to formatting a paper according to ASA guidelines, there are several key elements to consider. Understanding these guidelines is essential for scholars and students alike to ensure that their work is presented in a clear, concise, and professionally acceptable manner.
General Guidelines
Font and Size: ASA recommends using a standard font such as Arial, Calibri, or Times New Roman, in size 12 points. Consistency in font and size is crucial throughout the document, with headings and subheadings differentiated through size, bolding, or italics, but not underlining.
Margins and Spacing: Papers should have one-inch margins on all sides (left, right, top, and bottom). The text should be double-spaced, including the abstract, quotations, notes, and references. This facilitates readability and provides space for editorial comments.
Length: While ASA doesn’t specify a particular length for papers, the length is often determined by the specific requirements of the journal or the professor’s guidelines in an academic setting.
Headings: ASA style utilizes a combination of headings and subheadings to organize the paper. Typically, headings are centered and bolded, and they help to break the paper into logical sections such as Introduction, Literature Review, Methods, Results, and Conclusion.
Specific Elements
Title Page: The title page should include the title of the paper, the author’s name, and the institutional affiliation. The title should be centered and in title case. If the paper is for a course, include the course name and number.
Abstract: An abstract, usually around 150-200 words, provides a summary of the paper, including the research question, methods, main findings, and conclusions. It is placed on a separate page immediately following the title page.
In-Text Citations: ASA style uses a parenthetical citation system where the author’s last name and the year of publication are included in parentheses within the text. For example, (Smith 2020) or (Johnson and Williams 2019). If the citation includes a page number, it is separated from the year by a colon (e.g., (Smith 2020:23)).
References: The reference list is titled “References” and is placed at the end of the document. Entries are listed alphabetically by the author’s last name and are double-spaced. Each reference includes the author’s name, year of publication, title of the work (in title case and italicized for books and journals), publication information (for books), and the DOI or URL (for online sources).
Footnotes and Endnotes: While not preferred, if used, footnotes are placed at the bottom of the page, and endnotes are placed on a separate page after the references, titled “Endnotes.” They should be numbered consecutively throughout the paper and provide supplementary information that doesn’t interrupt the flow of the main text.
Tables and Figures: These should be numbered (Table 1, Figure 1, etc.) and have descriptive titles. They are typically placed on separate pages after the references. The information in tables and figures should not duplicate the text but rather supplement it.
Conclusion
Formatting a paper according to ASA style requires attention to detail and adherence to specific guidelines regarding font, margins, spacing, citations, references, and the structure of the paper. By following these guidelines, authors can ensure that their work is professional, clear, and accessible to readers in the field of sociology and related social sciences. Remember, the key to successful academic writing is not just the content, but also the presentation, as it reflects the author’s professionalism and respect for the audience.
