AAA Format
Master the formatting guidelines for AAA citation style in anthropological writing
General Paper Format
AAA (American Anthropological Association) format follows specific guidelines for anthropological papers, emphasizing clarity and consistency in ethnographic and anthropological writing.
Key Format Requirements:
- • 12-point Times New Roman font
- • Double-spaced throughout
- • 1-inch margins on all sides
- • Page numbers in upper right corner
- • Left-aligned text
- • Author-date citation system
Title Page Structure
AAA style requires a specific title page format with proper spacing and element placement.
Student Name
University Name
Course Name
Professor Name
Date
Abstract and Keywords
The abstract should summarize the research question, methodology, and findings in 150-200 words.
Abstract Requirements:
- • 150-200 words maximum
- • Summarize research question and methods
- • Highlight key findings and implications
- • Include 3-5 keywords below abstract
- • No citations in abstract
Headings and Organization
AAA uses a clear hierarchy for headings with specific formatting conventions.
FIRST-LEVEL HEADING
Bold, centered, all caps
Second-Level Heading
Bold, flush left, title case
Third-level heading.
Bold, indented, sentence case, period
Fourth-level heading.
Italic, indented, sentence case, period
Ethnographic Considerations
Anthropological writing often includes special considerations for ethnographic material and fieldwork data.
Pseudonyms and Privacy:
- • Use pseudonyms for research participants
- • Protect confidentiality of field sites
- • Follow ethical guidelines for ethnographic research
- • Note use of pseudonyms in methodology section
Field Notes and Interviews:
- • Cite field notes with date and location
- • Use consistent format for interview citations
- • Include interpreter information when relevant
- • Document consent for quoted material
Tables, Figures, and Maps
Anthropological papers often include specialized visual materials requiring specific formatting.
Table Format:
- • Number consecutively (Table 1, Table 2, etc.)
- • Title appears above the table
- • Include source information
- • Explain abbreviations in notes
Figure and Map Format:
- • Number consecutively (Figure 1, Map 1, etc.)
- • Caption appears below the visual
- • Include scale and orientation for maps
- • Credit photographers and sources
References Cited Format
The reference list appears under the heading "REFERENCES CITED" and follows specific anthropological conventions.
Reference List Guidelines:
- • Alphabetical order by author surname
- • Hanging indent for each entry
- • Double-spaced throughout
- • Include only sources cited in text
- • Use specific format for ethnographic sources
- • Include DOI or URL for online sources