How to Cite APA Without Author in Text
Citing sources in APA format can sometimes be a bit tricky, especially when you don’t have the author’s name. However, it’s important to remember that proper citation is crucial for academic integrity and giving credit where it’s due. In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of citing sources without an author in APA format, both in-text and in the reference list.
Understanding APA Format
Before we dive into the specifics of citing without an author, let’s quickly review the basics of APA format. APA (American Psychological Association) is a widely used citation style in the social sciences, education, and other fields. The format typically includes the author’s last name, the publication date, and the page number(s) where the information can be found. When an author is not available, certain adjustments must be made to the citation.
In-Text Citation Without an Author
When citing a source without an author in APA format, you should still include the year of publication and the page number(s). Here’s an example:
– (Smith, 2020, p. 15)
In this example, “Smith” is the last name of the author, “2020” is the year of publication, and “p. 15” indicates the specific page where the information is found.
Reference List Entry Without an Author
When creating the reference list entry for a source without an author, you’ll need to follow a specific format. Here’s an example:
– Smith, J. (2020). Title of the book or article. Journal Name, 10(2), 15-20.
In this example, “Smith” is the last name of the author, “2020” is the year of publication, “Title of the book or article” is the title of the source, “Journal Name” is the name of the journal or publication, and “10(2)” indicates the volume and issue number. The page range, “15-20,” is included to provide context for the reader.
Using a DOI or URL
If you’re citing an online source without an author, you may need to include a DOI (Digital Object Identifier) or URL (Uniform Resource Locator) in the reference list entry. Here’s an example:
– Smith, J. (2020). Title of the online source. Retrieved from http://www.example.com/source
In this example, “Smith” is the last name of the author, “2020” is the year of publication, “Title of the online source” is the title of the source, and “http://www.example.com/source” is the URL where the source can be found.
Conclusion
Citing sources without an author in APA format may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, it becomes second nature. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure that your work is properly cited and meets the standards of academic integrity. Remember to always check the latest APA guidelines for any updates or changes to the format.
