The American Sociological Association (ASA) style is commonly used for research papers in sociology and related fields such as social work and criminology. It focuses on using parenthetical citations to attribute sources rather than footnotes or endnotes. Here are the key elements of ASA style:
Title Page: The title page should include the title of the paper, student’s name, class information, instructor’s name, and date. Do not label this page “Title Page”; in ASA, the title page is self-evident.
Abstract: The abstract is a concise summary of the main points of the paper in around 150-250 words. It begins on a new page after the title page. At the top of the page, “Abstract” should be centered. Only entries are indented; discuss is single spaced.
Introduction: The introduction provides background on the topic and thesis statement. Discuss purpose and importance of the research. Include brief summaries of sources used.
Literature Review: Summarize and compare major works related to the topic organized by theme or argument. Critical assessment of each work should continue the discussion started in the intro.
Key points of organization within literature review sections:
Briefly summarize the central argument or purpose of the works.
Discuss the methodology and how evidence supports conclusions.
Identify limitations or weaknesses in each work.
Relate individual studies back to thesis through comparison/contrast.
Methodology: If applicable, describe participants, procedures, instruments, or approaches used. Details allow reproducibility and assessment of strengths/limitations. Ethics considerations discussed.
Findings/Results: Present unbiased analysis and discussion of data as relates back to thesis and literature review. Well organized paragraphs with clear transitions. Summarize findings without unsupported conclusions.
Discussion: Interpret key findings in relation to existing literature and theories. Evaluate study limitations or unexpected findings. Speculate on implications, need for future research, or changes to theories/arguments based on results. Address problems or questions raised earlier.
Conclusion: Do not simply restate argument or findings without analysis. Restate importance of topic. Concisely summarize how study addresses gaps identified in introduction and literature review. Suggest significance or applications of results.
References: All sources cited in text must appear here and vice versa. Arrange alphabetically by author’s last name or title if no author is given. Use hanging indent, double spaced, with no extra returns between entries. For as many as three authors, cite all names every time; for four or more authors, cite only the first author’s name followed by “et al.” in subsequent citations. Here are example reference list entries for common source types in ASA style:
Book with One Author
Author, First Initial. Last Name. Year. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher.
Smith, John R. 2009. Sociology of Deviance. New York: Routledge.
Book with Two or More Authors
Author, First Initial. Last Name and First Initial. Last Name. Year. Title of Book. Place of Publication: Publisher.
Jones, Sally A. and Michael P. Williams. 2007. Social Problems and Inequality. Chicago: University of Chicago Press.
Chapter in an Edited Book
Author, First Initial. Last Name. Year. “Chapter Title.” In Book Title, edited by Editor’s First Initial. Last Name, page range. Place of Publication: Publisher.
Thompson, Max S. 2001. “Deviance and Social Control.” In Handbook of Sociology, edited by N.J. Smelser and P.B. Baltes, 345-372. New York: Springer.
Journal Article
Author, First Initial. Last Name. Year. “Article Title.” Journal Name Volume(Issue):page range.
Martin, Gregory L. 2010. “Social Inequality and Health.” American Sociological Review 75(5):700-724.
Webpage
Author, First Initial. Last Name OR Organization Name. Year. “Article Title.” Website Name, date accessed. URL.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2019. “Social Determinants of Health.” CDC.gov, accessed February 15, 2021. https://www.cdc.gov/socialdeterminants/index.htm
Overall format: 1-inch margins all around, left alignment, 12pt Times New Roman font, double spaced, page numbers in top right header with last name. While ASA style is more flexible than some, adherence to details allows for clear and coherent organization as needed for research papers. Proper use of parenthetical citations and reference list demonstrates understanding use and attribution of sources to support evidence-based discussion.