What to Put in APA Citation If No Author
In academic writing, citing sources is a crucial aspect that helps maintain academic integrity and give credit to the original authors. The American Psychological Association (APA) citation style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and other fields. When citing a source without an author, it can be challenging to determine what information to include in the citation. This article will guide you on what to put in an APA citation if no author is available.
Firstly, it is essential to understand that the absence of an author does not mean you cannot cite the source. Instead, you should follow the APA guidelines for citing sources without an author. The basic structure of an APA citation without an author includes the title of the source, the publication date, and the location of the source. Here’s how to format it:
1. Title of the Source: Start the citation with the title of the source in italics. If the title is a work of art, such as a painting or a sculpture, use quotation marks around the title. For example:
“The Starry Night”
2. Publication Date: Include the publication date of the source in parentheses, following the title. If the date is not available, use the word “n.d.” (which stands for “no date”) in parentheses. For example:
“The Starry Night” (1889)
3. Location of the Source: Next, provide the location of the source, such as the URL for an online source or the page number for a print source. For example:
“The Starry Night” (1889). Available at: https://www.example.com/painting
4. Source Type: Depending on the type of source, you may need to include additional information in the citation. For example:
– If the source is a website, include the URL in the location section.
– If the source is a video or a podcast, include the title of the video or podcast, followed by the producer’s name, the publication date, and the location of the source.
– If the source is a book or an article, include the volume, issue, and page numbers in the location section.
In conclusion, when citing a source in APA style without an author, ensure you include the title of the source, the publication date, and the location of the source. Following these guidelines will help you create accurate and comprehensive citations, maintaining academic integrity in your writing.
