How to Cite When There is No Author APA
In academic writing, citing sources is an essential part of maintaining integrity and giving credit to the original authors. However, what should you do when you come across a source with no listed author? This article will guide you on how to cite such sources using the APA (American Psychological Association) citation style.
Identifying the Source
When you encounter a source without an author, it is crucial to identify the source as accurately as possible. This includes noting the title, publication date, and any other relevant information that can help you locate the source in the future. If the source is an online article, take note of the website’s name, the URL, and the date of access.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing a source without an author in APA style, you should still include the author’s last name in parentheses after the quote or paraphrase. If the author’s name is not available, use a shortened version of the title of the source instead. For example:
– (Title of Source, para. 5)
– (Smith, 2020, para. 3)
If the title is too long, you can use a shortened version, such as:
– (Smith, 2020, para. 3)
– (Smith, 2020, para. 3)
Remember to include the page number if you are quoting directly from the source.
Formatting the Reference List Entry
When creating the reference list entry for a source without an author, you should still include the title of the source, publication date, and any other relevant information. Here’s an example:
– Title of Source. (Year, Month Day). Retrieved from URL
If the source is an online article, you can format the reference list entry as follows:
– Title of Article. (Year, Month Day). Retrieved from Website Name URL
If the source is a book or journal article without an author, you can format the reference list entry as follows:
– Title of Book or Journal Article. (Year). Retrieved from URL
Conclusion
Citing sources without an author can be challenging, but following the APA citation style can help you maintain academic integrity and provide your readers with the necessary information to locate the source. Always remember to identify the source as accurately as possible and use the appropriate formatting for in-text citations and reference list entries.
