How to In Text Citation No Author No Date APA
In academic writing, proper citation is crucial to give credit to the original authors of the information used. APA (American Psychological Association) style is widely used in the social sciences and is also applicable to other fields. When citing sources without an author and without a publication date, the process can be a bit tricky. In this article, we will guide you on how to in-text cite a source without an author and without a date in APA style.
Understanding APA In-Text Citation Format
Before diving into the specific format for in-text citations without an author and date, it is essential to understand the basic structure of APA in-text citations. Generally, APA in-text citations consist of the author’s last name and the year of publication, separated by a comma. For example: (Smith, 2020). If the author’s name is mentioned in the text, only the year is included in the parentheses.
Formatting In-Text Citations Without an Author and Date
When citing a source without an author and without a date, the APA style suggests using a shortened title of the source instead of the author’s name. The shortened title should be placed in parentheses, followed by a period. Here’s how to format it:
– Use a shortened title that includes the first few words of the source title, but avoid using articles like “a,” “an,” or “the.”
– If the shortened title is already in parentheses, place a period after the closing parenthesis.
– If the shortened title is not in parentheses, place a period after the title.
Example: (Source Title)
Remember that the shortened title should be as descriptive as possible to help readers identify the source.
Using a Page Number
If you are referencing a specific part of the source, such as a paragraph or a specific page, include the page number in your in-text citation. Place the page number after the shortened title, separated by a comma. Here’s how to format it:
– Include the page number after the shortened title, separated by a comma.
– Use “p.” or “pp.” before the page number, depending on whether you are referencing a single page or multiple pages.
Example: (Source Title, p. 25) or (Source Title, pp. 10-15)
Example Sentences
To help you visualize how to in-text cite a source without an author and date in APA style, here are some example sentences:
– The concept of climate change has been widely debated in recent years (Global Warming).
– The impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health is a topic of growing concern (Youth and Social Media).
– The use of renewable energy sources is essential for a sustainable future (Green Energy Solutions, p. 35).
By following these guidelines, you can effectively in-text cite sources without an author and without a date in APA style, ensuring that your academic work is both credible and properly credited.
