AAA Citation Style: Learn to Cite Different Sources With Examples

When writing a research paper in anthropology, the AAA (American Anthropological Association) citation style is often the standard format. 

This guide will walk you through using AAA style, making it easy to cite your sources, format a reference list, and organize your work. 

Let's dive into how AAA style works with simple examples to help make it relatable.

What is AAA Citation Style?

AAA citation style is a way to cite sources used in anthropology. It is based on the Chicago Manual of Style but adapted for research in anthropology. 

The American Anthropological Association (AAA) created this style to help researchers present their work clearly.

Using the AAA style helps readers understand where your information comes from. This is important because anthropology often uses various sources, like books, articles, and interviews. By following AAA citation rules, you make it easier for readers to find and verify your sources.

Title Page Formatting Rules in AAA

When formatting a title page in AAA citation style, adhere to the following rules to maintain a clear and professional presentation:

• Title of Your Paper
• Your Name
• Course Information
• Instructor’s Name
• Institution Name
• Date of Submission

General Formatting Guidelines

• Spacing: All text on the title page must be double-spaced.
• Font: Use a 12-point font, preferably Times New Roman.
• Margins: Maintain 1-inch margins on all sides.
• Page Number: The title page is usually the first page and does not include a page number.

Here is what a complete and formatted title page should look like:

AAA In-Text Citations

In-text citations in AAA style provide essential source details within the text itself. Here’s how to format in-text citations for different types of authors:

Single Author In-Text Citation

Use the author's last name and publication year in parentheses. 

Format: (Last Name Year)
Example: (Smith 2023)

Two Authors  In-Text Citation

List both authors' last names with “and” between them, followed by the publication year.
Format: (Last Name and Last Name Year)
Example: (Doe and Baker 2023)

Three or More Authors In-Text Citation

List the first author’s last name, followed by “et al.” and the publication year.

Format: (Last Name et al. Year)
Example: (Jones et al. 2023)

Multiple Sources in One Citation In-Text Citation

Arrange citations chronologically and separate them by semicolons.

Format: (First Author Year; Second Author Year)
Example: (Smith 2023; Doe and Baker 2023)

Reference List in AAA Forma

The reference list in AAA style appears at the end of the document under the title "References Cited." Each source type has a specific format to follow:

Citing Books

Citing Journal

Citing Book Chapters in Edited Books

When citing a specific chapter in an edited book, include the chapter title, editor’s name, and page range.

Citing Online Books

If the book is accessed online, include the URL at the end of the citation.

Citing Websites

When citing a web page, AAA requires the author (if available), date, page title, website title, access date, and URL.

Citing Journal Articles Online

If the journal article is accessed online, include a DOI or URL at the end.

Special Cases in AAA Citations

When sources lack specific details like including an author or date, AAA style has specific formats to ensure citations remain clear and consistent. Here are guidelines and examples for handling these common special cases in AAA citations.

Citing Missing Author

When a source lacks an author, use the title in place of the author’s name, both in-text and in the reference list.

Citing Missing Date

For sources missing a publication date, use “n.d.” (no date) in place of the year.

Citing Missing Publisher

If a source does not list a publisher, simply omit that element from the citation.

Online Sources Without Dates or Authors

When citing an online source without an author or date, use the title in place of the author, and add “n.d.” for no date. If the URL is lengthy, use only the main website.

Citing Organization as Author

When the source is authored by an organization rather than an individual, use the organization’s name as the author.

Reference List Page in AAA Style

The References Cited page in AAA style is where you list all the sources you used in your paper. Here’s how to set it up:

General Formatting Rules

1. Title: Write "References Cited" at the top of the page, centered.
2. Spacing: Double-space all entries.
3. Indentation: Use a hanging indent for each entry. This means the first line starts at the left margin, and the following lines are indented.
4. Order: List sources in alphabetical order by the author’s last name.
5. Font and Margins: Use a 12-point font (like Times New Roman) and 1-inch margins on all sides.

Take a look at what a proper reference page should look like in AAA citation style:

[Infographic]

Common Mistakes in AAA Citation

When you use the AAA citation style, it's important to avoid mistakes that can hurt the quality of your work. Here are some common errors and tips on how to fix them:

Wrong Author Formatting

Mistake: Not writing the author's last name first.
How to Avoid: Always write it as Last Name, First Name. For example, write “Smith, John” instead of “John Smith.”

Missing Publication Dates

Mistake: Forgetting to include the year of publication in your citations.
How to Avoid: Always add the year right after the author's name. For instance, “Smith, John. 2020.”

Inconsistent Formatting

Mistake: Using different styles for different sources (like italicizing some titles but not others).
How to Avoid: Keep it consistent. Use italics for book and journal titles, and make sure all entries look the same.

Using "et al." Wrong

Mistake: Misusing "et al." when citing more than one author.
How to Avoid: Use “et al.” only when there are three or more authors. For example, write “Smith et al. 2020” instead of “Smith, Johnson, and Lee et al. 2020.”

Not Adding Page Numbers for Direct Quotes

Mistake: Forgetting to provide page numbers when quoting directly.
How to Avoid: Always include the page number after the year when citing a direct quote. For example: “Chocolate is delicious” (Smith 2020:45).

By double-checking these details, you can avoid common errors and make your work look polished.

Wrapping Up!

AAA citation style is a valuable tool for students, especially in anthropology, to document research clearly. By using the guidelines in this blog, you can easily format in-text citations, create a well-organized reference list, and ensure accuracy in your research. 

With a bit of practice, you’ll be confident in your ability to use AAA style for all your anthropology papers.

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