How to Cite When No Author APA
Citing sources in academic writing is a crucial aspect of maintaining academic integrity and giving credit to the original authors. However, sometimes you may come across sources that do not have an identifiable author. In such cases, it is essential to follow the guidelines provided by the APA (American Psychological Association) style to correctly cite the source. This article will guide you on how to cite when no author is available in APA format.
Using the Title or Editor’s Name
When you are unable to identify an author for a source, you can use the title of the source as the author’s name in the citation. Make sure to capitalize the first letter of each major word in the title, excluding articles, prepositions, and conjunctions. If the source is a book, include the editor’s name after the title, followed by an ampersand (&) and the publication date.
Example:
Smith, J. (Ed.). (2020). The psychology of emotions. New York: Psychology Press.
Using the Organization’s Name
If the source is produced by an organization, you can use the organization’s name as the author. Ensure that you capitalize the first letter of each major word in the organization’s name.
Example:
World Health Organization. (2019). Global health statistics. Geneva: WHO Press.
Citing from a Database
When citing a source from a database, such as PsycINFO or JSTOR, it is essential to follow the specific guidelines provided by the database. In general, you will need to include the author’s name, if available, the title of the source, the database name, and the access date.
Example:
Smith, J. (2020). The impact of social media on mental health. PsycINFO.
Using the Publication Date
If you cannot find an author or the title, you can use the publication date as the author in the citation. Place the publication date in parentheses before the title.
Example:
(2020). The importance of sleep. Journal of Sleep Research.
Formatting the In-text Citation
When incorporating a citation into your text, use parentheses to enclose the author’s name and the publication date. If you are citing a source that does not have an author, use the title or organization’s name instead.
Example:
The impact of social media on mental health has been extensively studied (Smith, Ed., 2020).
Conclusion
Citing sources without an identifiable author can be challenging, but following the APA guidelines can help you create accurate and professional citations. Always prioritize using the title or organization’s name when an author is not available, and remember to format your in-text citations and reference list correctly. By adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure that your academic work is properly cited and maintains the integrity of the research process.
