Mastering APA 7 Citation- Navigating References Without an Author

by liuqiyue

How to Cite Without Author APA 7

Citing sources without an author can be a challenging task, especially when using the APA 7th edition format. However, with a few guidelines and examples, you can easily navigate this process. In this article, we will discuss how to cite without an author in APA 7th edition format, including in-text citations and reference list entries.

In-text citations without an author

When citing a source without an author in the text, you should use the title of the source in parentheses. The title should be placed in quotation marks if it is a shorter work, such as an article or a chapter in a book. If the title is longer, you can omit the quotation marks.

For example, if you are citing a research article titled “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities,” you would write:

(p. 45)

(p. 45)

In this example, “p. 45” indicates the page number where the information was found.

Reference list entries without an author

When creating a reference list entry for a source without an author, you should start with the title of the source in italics. If the source is a longer work, such as a book or a report, you can include the publisher’s name in parentheses after the title. Next, list the publication date, followed by the location of publication (city and state or country).

For example, if you are citing a report titled “The State of the Environment,” published by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2020, you would write:

United Nations Environment Programme. (2020). The state of the environment. Nairobi, Kenya.

If the source is an online article or a webpage, you should include the URL at the end of the reference list entry. For example:

Environmental Protection Agency. (n.d.). Air quality. Retrieved March 15, 2022, from air-quality

Additional considerations

When citing sources without an author, it is essential to ensure that you have enough information to identify the source. If you cannot find the author’s name, you can use other identifying information, such as the organization or the title of the source.

In some cases, you may need to include additional information in your in-text citation or reference list entry to provide context for the reader. For example, if you are citing a report or a government document, you may need to include the agency or department responsible for the publication.

By following these guidelines, you can successfully cite sources without an author in APA 7th edition format. Remember to always double-check your citations to ensure accuracy and consistency.

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