Introduction to ASA Research Paper Format
The American Sociological Association (ASA) style is one of the most widely used formats for citing sources in sociology papers as well as papers written for other subjects within the social sciences. When writing a research paper for a sociology or other social science class, you will likely be expected to use the ASA format to structure your paper and cite your sources. This article will provide an in-depth overview of the key elements of the ASA format to help you structure and format your research paper properly.
Paper Structure
The basic structure of an ASA formatted research paper includes four main sections: title page, abstract, main body, and references. Each section serves an important purpose and adheres to specific formatting guidelines.
Title Page
The title page should include the title of your paper, your name, and the institution you are affiliated with. Center these elements vertically and horizontally on the page.
Abstract
The abstract is a short summary of your paper, typically between 150-250 words. It should describe the purpose, methods, and main findings or arguments of the paper. Do not include citations in the abstract. The word “Abstract” should be centered at the top of the page.
Main Body
The main body contains the bulk of your paper where you will discuss and analyze your topic. This is where your literature review, methods, findings, and conclusions will appear. The main sections or topics should each have a clear heading.
References
All sources cited in the body of the paper need to be fully cited in an alphabetized references list at the end of the paper. Follow specific ASA citation style guidelines for different source types like books, journal articles, websites, etc.
Formatting Guidelines
In addition to structuring the paper according to the main sections, ASA has specific formatting guidelines for elements like font, spacing, pagination, headings, and citations. Follow these guidelines consistently throughout your paper:
Use 12-point Times New Roman font
Double-space the entire paper, including references list
Use 1-inch margins all around
Number pages consecutively starting with the title page as page 1
Center page numbers in the top right header
For headings:
Center level one headings
Left-align subsequent sub-headings
Do not bold, underline, italicize, or use all caps for headings
In-text citations are usually formatted as (Author Last Name, Year) and placed in parentheses. Long quotes require block formatting.
Literature Review Guidelines
A literature review analyzes and synthesizes scholarly work done on your research topic. For ASA papers, follow these literature review guidelines:
Categorize sources thematically rather than chronologically
Develop analysis of major themes, debates, and gaps in the literature
Critically evaluate evidence rather than just summarizing each source
Synthesize material to develop connections between sources
Cite sources parenthetically or with footnotes to back up arguments
Methods Section Guidelines
If you conducted original research for your paper, include a methods section describing:
Research questions/hypotheses guiding the study
Data collection techniques like surveys, interviews, observations, etc.
Sample characteristics and size
Data analysis procedures
Limitations of methodology
Be sure to provide enough detail that another researcher could replicate your study.
Tips for ASA Style Success
Carefully adhering to formatting guidelines creates a polished, professional paper. Be sure to:
Use the title page, abstract, and reference list templates
Double check font, spacing, pagination, and citations match guidelines
Proofread carefully to catch minor errors that impact credibility
Consult the ASA Style Guide for any questions on formatting obscure source types
Leave ample time for revisions based on instructor feedback
Following the ASA style correctly demonstrates mastery of scholarly writing conventions and ensures consistency across social science research. With practice and by utilizing the guidelines outlined here, you’ll be well equipped to succeed with ASA formatted sociology and other social science papers.