How to Cite a Paper with No Author APA
Citing a paper without an author can be a bit tricky, especially when using the APA (American Psychological Association) citation style. However, with a few simple steps, you can ensure that your citation is accurate and follows the APA guidelines. In this article, we will discuss how to cite a paper with no author in APA format.
Understanding APA Format
Before we dive into the specifics of citing a paper without an author, it’s essential to have a basic understanding of APA format. APA style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and other fields, and it provides guidelines for formatting in-text citations, reference lists, and other elements of academic writing.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing a paper without an author in APA format, you should use a shortened title of the work as the in-text citation. Place the citation within parentheses, followed by the page number where the information is found. For example:
(Title of the Paper, p. 10)
If the title is too long, you can use the first few words to create a shortened title. However, make sure that the shortened title is still recognizable as the original title.
Formatting the Reference List Entry
In the reference list, you will need to provide the necessary information about the paper, even though there is no author. Here’s how you can format the reference list entry:
Title of the Paper. (Year of Publication). Source Title, volume(issue number), page numbers.
For example:
Title of the Paper. (2020). Journal of Social Sciences, 15(2), 50-60.
If the paper is available online, include the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) at the end of the reference list entry:
Title of the Paper. (2020). Journal of Social Sciences, 15(2), 50-60. https://doi.org/10.1234/exampledoi
Remembering the Exceptions
While the general guidelines for citing a paper without an author in APA format are straightforward, there are a few exceptions to keep in mind:
1. If the work is a personal communication (such as an email or interview), you should not include it in the reference list. Instead, mention the source in parentheses within the text.
2. If the work is a government document, use the title of the document as the author’s name.
3. If the work is a work of art or a legal case, use the title of the work as the author’s name.
Conclusion
Citing a paper with no author in APA format may seem daunting at first, but by following these guidelines, you can ensure that your citation is accurate and follows the APA style. Remember to use a shortened title for the in-text citation and provide the necessary information in the reference list entry. By doing so, you’ll be well on your way to creating a well-cited academic paper.
