The American Sociological Association (ASA) style is a widely used citation format in sociology and related disciplines. Proper in-text citations are crucial for maintaining academic integrity and allowing readers to locate your sources. Below are three diverse, practical examples of ASA style in-text citation.
In this scenario, you are writing a research paper on social behavior and using a direct quote from a book. You want to emphasize the author’s findings on group dynamics.
In a study on social behavior, Smith (2020:45) states, “Group dynamics play a critical role in individual decision-making processes.” This insight highlights the importance of understanding how group interactions influence choices.
Note: When citing a direct quote, include the author’s last name, year of publication, and the page number where the quote can be found, separated by colons.
When discussing sociological theories, you may paraphrase information from a journal article to support your argument about the impact of technology on social interactions.
According to Johnson (2021), the rise of social media platforms has significantly altered how individuals form and maintain relationships. This shift has led to new patterns of communication and connection among peers.
Note: For paraphrasing, only the author’s last name and the year of publication are required. There is no need for page numbers in this case, as you are summarizing the author’s ideas rather than quoting them directly.
In a comprehensive analysis of educational inequality, you may need to reference a study conducted by multiple authors to demonstrate a broader perspective on the issue.
Research conducted by Lee and Martinez (2022) indicates that socioeconomic factors heavily influence educational outcomes across different demographics. Their findings suggest that targeted interventions could help bridge the gap in educational access.
Note: When citing work with two authors, include both last names in the citation. If there are three or more authors, use the first author’s last name followed by ‘et al.’ (e.g., Taylor et al. 2021) for subsequent citations.