How to Cite a Journal Article in ASA 6
Complete guide with examples for citing journal articles in ASA 6th edition, including those with DOI, from databases, and in print.
Basic Format: Print Journal Article
Include author(s), year, article title (in quotation marks), journal title (italicized), volume number, issue number in parentheses, and page range.
Reference List Entry
Author Lastname, Firstname. Year. "Title of Article." Journal Title Volume(Issue):pages.
Example: Single Author
Citation
Campbell, Mary E. 2009. "Multiracial Groups and Educational Inequality: A Rainbow Or a Divide?" Social Problems 56(3):425-46.
In‑Text Citation (Parenthetical)
(Campbell 2009)
Article with Multiple Authors
Example (Two Authors)
Mouw, Ted, and Arne L. Kalleberg. 2010. "Occupations and the Structure of Wage Inequality in the United States, 1980s to 2000s." American Sociological Review 75(3):402-31.
Example (Three Authors)
Scandurra, Anna, Alfredo Di Lucrezia, and Biagio D'Aniello. 2023. "Home Sweet Home: The Impact of Lifestyle on a Cat's Approach to Impossible Tasks in the Home Environment." Animals 13(16):2679-86.
Online Journal Article with DOI
Example
Scandurra, Anna, Alfredo Di Lucrezia, Biagio D'Aniello, and Claudia Pinelli. 2023. "Home Sweet Home: The Impact of Lifestyle on a Cat's Approach to Impossible Tasks in the Home Environment." Animals 13(16):2679-86. doi:10.3390/ani13162679.
Article from an Online Database
For articles retrieved from databases like ProQuest or EBSCOhost, include the database name. A retrieval date is not required for formally published electronic sources with a permanent URL or DOI.
Example
Graham, Lorie M. 1998. "The Past Never Vanishes: A Contextual Critique of the Existing Indian Family Doctrine." American Indian Law Review 23:1. LEXIS-NEXIS Academic Universe, Law Reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I include the issue number?
Yes. ASA style recommends including the issue number in parentheses after the volume number.
Do I need a retrieval date for online journal articles?
No. Retrieval dates are not required for formally published electronic sources with a permanent URL or DOI.