What if you don’t have an author for APA citation? This is a common concern among students and researchers when they encounter sources without an identifiable author. APA citation style, developed by the American Psychological Association, is widely used in the social sciences, education, business, and other fields. It requires that every source be cited with specific information, including the author’s name. However, what if the author’s name is not available? This article will explore the options and guidelines for citing sources without an author in APA format.
When citing a source without an author, it is important to remember that the author’s name is not always necessary. In some cases, you may still be able to use the author’s name if it is listed on the source or if it can be verified through other means. However, if the author’s name is truly unknown, you can still create a proper APA citation by following these steps:
1. Start with the Title: If the source has a title, use it as the first element of the citation. If the source is an article, include the title of the article. If it is a book, use the title of the book.
Example: “Title of the Source” (year published)
2. Use a Corporate Author: If the source was published by an organization, use the name of the organization as the author. This is particularly relevant for government documents or reports.
Example: United States Government Printing Office (USGPO) (year published)
3. Incorporate the Date: Include the year of publication in parentheses after the title or organization name.
Example: “Title of the Source” (2021)
4. Identify the Source Type: If the source is an article from a journal, include the volume, issue number, and page numbers. For books, include the publisher and location of publication.
Example: “Title of the Source” (2021). In J. Smith (Ed.), Book Title (pp. 45-60). Publisher, Location.
5. Use a DOI or URL: If the source is available online, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or URL (Uniform Resource Locator) at the end of the citation.
Example: “Title of the Source” (2021). Retrieved from http://www.example.com/source
It is crucial to note that when an author’s name is not available, it is still essential to include as much information as possible to ensure the reader can locate the source. If the source is not available online, consider including the library or archive where the source can be found.
Remember, while the absence of an author can make citing a source more challenging, it is not impossible. By following the guidelines outlined above, you can create a proper APA citation for sources without an author. Always consult the latest edition of the APA Publication Manual for the most up-to-date rules and formatting instructions.
