How to Cite Unknown Author in APA
In academic writing, it is crucial to give proper credit to the original authors of the works you reference. When citing sources in APA (American Psychological Association) style, it is essential to follow the guidelines, especially when dealing with sources that do not have a known author. This article will provide you with a comprehensive guide on how to cite unknown authors in APA format.
When Citing an Unknown Author in APA Format:
1. Begin the citation with the title of the work in quotation marks.
2. Place a period after the title.
3. Include the publication date in parentheses, followed by a period.
4. If the source is a web page, include the URL in italics.
5. If the source is a print publication, include the page number in parentheses.
Example of Citing an Unknown Author in APA Format:
– “Title of the Work.” (Year of Publication). Retrieved from URL
Example of Citing an Unknown Author in APA Format for a Print Source:
– “Title of the Work.” (Year of Publication). Page Number.
Example of Citing an Unknown Author in APA Format for a Web Page:
– “Title of the Work.” (Year of Publication). Retrieved from www.example.com
When the Source Has No Title:
If the source you are citing does not have a title, use three hyphens (—) in place of the title in the citation.
Example of Citing an Unknown Author with No Title in APA Format:
– — (Year of Publication). Retrieved from URL
When the Source Has No Date:
If the source does not have a publication date, omit the date from the citation.
Example of Citing an Unknown Author with No Date in APA Format:
– “Title of the Work.” (n.d.). Retrieved from URL
When the Source Is a Book Chapter or Article:
If the source is a chapter or article within a book or journal, include the author of the chapter or article, followed by the title of the chapter or article, and then the rest of the citation format.
Example of Citing an Unknown Author in a Book Chapter:
– Author of the Chapter. (Year of Publication). Chapter Title. In Editor’s Name (Ed.), Book Title (pp. Page Numbers). Publisher.
Example of Citing an Unknown Author in a Journal Article:
– Author of the Article. (Year of Publication). Article Title. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), Page Numbers.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you properly cite unknown authors in APA format, maintaining the integrity of your academic work.
