MLA vs ASA: Key Differences
MLA and ASA are two of the most widely used citation styles in academia, but they differ in important ways. MLA (Modern Language Association 9th Edition) the standard citation style for the humanities. ASA (American Sociological Association 7th Edition) the standard citation style for sociology and social research. Understanding the differences will help you choose the right format for your paper.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | MLA | ASA |
|---|---|---|
| Citation System | Author-Date | Author-Date |
| In-Text Format | (Author Page) | (Author Year) |
| Reference List Name | Works Cited | References |
| Edition | 9th edition | 7th edition |
| Common Fields | Literature, Languages, Arts, Humanities, Cultural Studies | Sociology, Social Work, Criminology, Demography |
When to Use MLA
MLA (Modern Language Association 9th Edition) uses a parenthetical author-date citation system with (Author Page) in-text citations and a Works Cited at the end of the paper. It is most commonly used in Literature, Languages, Arts, and related fields.
When to Use ASA
ASA (American Sociological Association 7th Edition) uses a parenthetical author-date citation system with (Author Year) in-text citations and a References at the end of the paper. It is most commonly used in Sociology, Social Work, Criminology, and related fields.
See the Difference in Action
Try our interactive comparison tool to compare MLA and ASA citations side by side using your own sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between MLA and ASA?
- MLA and ASA differ in their in-text citation format, reference list structure, and the academic disciplines that use them. MLA uses (Author Page) in-text citations with a Works Cited, while ASA uses (Author Year) with a References.
- Which is better, MLA or ASA?
- Neither MLA nor ASA is inherently better. The right choice depends on your academic discipline, your instructor's requirements, or the journal you are submitting to. Check your assignment guidelines or target publication to determine which style to use.
- Can I switch between MLA and ASA?
- Yes, you can switch between MLA and ASA using CitationEasy's free citation generator. Simply select the desired style and your citations will be reformatted automatically. However, you should only use one style per paper unless your instructor says otherwise.