How do you cite no author in APA 7?
In the world of academic writing, citing sources is a crucial aspect of maintaining integrity and giving credit where it is due. The APA (American Psychological Association) citation style is widely used in the social sciences, education, and other related fields. One common scenario that arises when citing sources is when there is no author listed. This article will guide you on how to cite sources with no author in APA 7 format.
Formatting the Reference List
When citing a source with no author in APA 7, it is essential to follow the proper format. The reference list entry should begin with the title of the source, followed by the publication date, the title of the container, the publisher, and the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier). Here is an example:
Title of the Source. (Year, Month Day). Title of the Container. Publisher. URL or DOI
For example:
Example Title. (2020, January 15). Title of the Container. Publisher. https://doi.org/10.1234/example
Formatting the In-text Citation
When citing a source with no author in the text, you can use the title of the source or a shortened version of it as the author’s name. In APA 7, the in-text citation should include the year of publication and the page number, if available. Here are two examples:
1. (Example Title, 2020)
2. (Example Title, p. 10)
If you choose to use the title of the source, ensure that it is in quotation marks and is spelled correctly. If you are using a shortened version of the title, it should be in parentheses after the year of publication.
Additional Considerations
In some cases, the source may have multiple authors, but none of them are credited. In this situation, you can use the title of the source as the author’s name in the in-text citation. For example:
(Example Title, 2020)
It is important to note that if the source has no author and no title, you should still include it in your reference list. In this case, you can use the title “n.d.” (no date) to indicate that the publication date is unknown.
Conclusion
Citing sources with no author in APA 7 format can be challenging, but following the proper guidelines can help you maintain academic integrity and give credit to the original source. By using the title of the source as the author’s name and following the appropriate format for the reference list and in-text citations, you can ensure that your work is accurately cited and your sources are properly acknowledged.
