How to APA Cite When There is No Author
When citing a source in APA format, it is common to include the author’s name as part of the citation. However, there are instances where the source does not have an identifiable author. In such cases, it is important to follow the proper guidelines to ensure that your citation is accurate and complete. This article will provide a step-by-step guide on how to APA cite when there is no author.
First and foremost, it is crucial to remember that the absence of an author does not mean that the source is not citable. Instead, you should focus on other identifying information, such as the title of the source, to create a proper citation. Here’s how to do it:
1. Start with the title of the source: Begin your citation with the title of the work, using quotation marks if it is a shorter work (e.g., an article or a chapter) or italics if it is a longer work (e.g., a book or a journal).
2. Include the publication date: After the title, include the publication date of the source. If the source does not have a specific publication date, you can use the year of creation or the year it was retrieved from a database.
3. Specify the source type: Next, indicate the type of source you are citing (e.g., book, article, website, etc.). This can be done by using parentheses and the appropriate abbreviation (e.g., “book” as “Book”).
4. Provide the location information: Depending on the source type, you may need to include additional location information, such as the publisher, city, or URL.
5. Use a shortened title for subsequent citations: If you need to cite the same source multiple times in your paper, use a shortened version of the title for subsequent citations. This helps to avoid repetition and keeps your references organized.
Here are some examples to illustrate the process:
Example 1: Citing a book without an author
Title: (The title of the book)
Publication Date: (Year of publication)
Source Type: Book
Location Information: (Publisher, city, or URL)
Citation: “The title of the book” (Year).
Example 2: Citing an article without an author
Title: (The title of the article)
Publication Date: (Year of publication)
Source Type: Article
Location Information: (Journal name, volume, issue, and page numbers)
Citation: “The title of the article” (Year). Journal Name, volume(issue), pages.
Example 3: Citing a website without an author
Title: (The title of the web page)
Publication Date: (Year of publication or retrieval)
Source Type: Website
Location Information: (URL)
Citation: “The title of the web page” (Year). Retrieved from (URL).
By following these guidelines, you can successfully APA cite a source without an author. Remember to always double-check the formatting and punctuation to ensure your citation is accurate and professional.
