Citing Journal Articles Without an Author- A Comprehensive Guide

by liuqiyue

How to Cite Journal without Author

In academic writing, citing a journal article is a crucial aspect that helps readers locate the original source of information. However, there are instances where a journal article does not have an author listed. This can be due to various reasons, such as the article being a collaborative effort or the authors choosing to remain anonymous. In such cases, it is essential to follow a specific format to correctly cite the journal without an author. This article will guide you through the process of citing a journal article without an author, ensuring that your citation is accurate and meets the required standards.

Understanding the Format

When citing a journal article without an author, it is important to adhere to the format recommended by your institution or the specific citation style you are using, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago. The general format for citing a journal article without an author is as follows:

1. Title of the Article: Place the title of the article in quotation marks.
2. Title of the Journal: Italicize the title of the journal.
3. Volume and Issue Number: Include the volume and issue number of the journal, separated by a comma.
4. Year of Publication: Provide the year of publication.
5. Page Numbers: Include the page numbers of the article.

Example of Citing a Journal without Author

Let’s consider an example to illustrate the process of citing a journal article without an author. Suppose you are using the APA citation style and you want to cite an article titled “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities” that was published in the journal “Environmental Science and Policy” in 2020, volume 23, issue 1, on pages 10-20.

The citation would be formatted as follows:

“The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.” Environmental Science and Policy, 23(1), 10-20.

Additional Considerations

When citing a journal article without an author, there are a few additional considerations to keep in mind:

1. If the journal article is part of a special issue, include the name of the special issue in parentheses after the volume and issue number.
2. If the journal article is available online, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) at the end of the citation.
3. If the journal article is a translation, include the original title and language in brackets after the translated title.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citation of a journal article without an author is accurate and meets the required standards. Remember to always consult the specific citation style guidelines for any additional rules or variations.

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