How to Cite No Author No Date APA
In academic writing, citing sources is an essential part of the process. One common scenario that can arise is when you need to cite a source that does not have an author or a publication date. This can be challenging, especially when using the APA (American Psychological Association) citation style. In this article, we will discuss how to cite no author no date sources in APA format.
Understanding APA Format
Before we delve into the specifics of citing no author no date sources, it is important to have a basic understanding of APA format. APA style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and other fields. The main components of an APA citation include the author’s name, the publication date, the title of the source, the title of the container, other contributors, version or edition, numbers, publisher, and location.
Citing No Author Sources
When citing a source with no author, you should still include the author’s name in the in-text citation. If the source does not have an author, use a shortened version of the title instead. For example:
In their study on climate change, researchers found that greenhouse gas emissions have increased significantly over the past few decades (Title of the Source, n.d.).
Citing No Date Sources
If a source does not have a publication date, you can use “n.d.” (which stands for “no date”) in the in-text citation. In the reference list, you should still include the publication date if it is available. If not, you can leave the date field blank. Here’s an example:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), obesity is a significant public health concern (WHO, n.d.).
Citing No Author No Date Sources in the Reference List
When citing a source with no author and no date in the reference list, you should follow the standard APA format. Here’s an example:
Title of the Source. (n.d.). Retrieved from URL
If the source is a website, you should include the URL in the reference list. For example:
Title of the Source. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.example.com/source
Conclusion
Citing no author no date sources in APA format can be a bit tricky, but with a clear understanding of the guidelines, you can effectively reference your sources. Remember to always use the in-text citation format and provide complete information in the reference list. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your academic writing is both credible and well-documented.
