How to Reference Unknown Author
In academic writing, citing sources is crucial for maintaining integrity and giving credit to the original authors. However, what if you come across a source with an unknown author? This can be a challenging situation, but there are specific guidelines to follow when referencing an unknown author. In this article, we will discuss how to reference an unknown author in various citation styles, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago.
APA Citation Style
When referencing an unknown author in APA style, you should include the title of the source in quotation marks, followed by the publication date in parentheses. If the source is a webpage, include the URL. Here is an example:
– “Title of the Source” (Year). Retrieved from [URL]
For example:
– “Unknown Author” (2021). Retrieved from https://www.example.com/source
MLA Citation Style
In MLA style, you should include the title of the source in quotation marks, followed by the publication date in parentheses. If the source is a webpage, include the URL. Here is an example:
– “Title of the Source.” Year. [Website Name]. Retrieved from [URL]
For example:
– “Unknown Author.” 2021. Example.com. Retrieved from https://www.example.com/source
Chicago Citation Style
In Chicago style, you should include the title of the source in quotation marks, followed by the publication date in parentheses. If the source is a webpage, include the URL. Here is an example:
– “Title of the Source.” Year. [Website Name]. Retrieved from [URL]
For example:
– “Unknown Author.” 2021. Example.com. Retrieved from https://www.example.com/source
Additional Tips
1. If you cannot find the author’s name, you can use “Author” or “No Author” in place of the author’s name.
2. Always check the publication date to ensure you are referencing the most current information.
3. When in doubt, consult the specific citation style guide for your academic institution or publication.
By following these guidelines, you can effectively reference an unknown author in your academic writing, ensuring that you maintain integrity and give credit where it is due.
