How to Cite APA Without an Author
Citing sources in APA format can sometimes be challenging, especially when the author’s name is not available. However, it is still possible to create a proper citation by following the guidelines provided by the American Psychological Association (APA). In this article, we will discuss how to cite APA without an author, ensuring that your reference list is accurate and compliant with APA standards.
1. Start with the Title
When citing a source without an author, the title of the source should be placed first in the citation. If the title is longer than 60 characters, it should be abbreviated according to APA guidelines. For example, “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities” can be abbreviated to “Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities.”
2. Include the Publication Date
The publication date is crucial in a citation, even when the author’s name is missing. Place the publication date immediately after the title, using the format (Year). For instance, “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities (2020).”
3. Specify the Source Type
APA requires that you indicate the type of source you are citing. Common source types include journal articles, books, and websites. For example, if you are citing a journal article, you would use the abbreviation “J” after the publication date, like this: “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities (2020). J”
4. Add the Source Details
After specifying the source type, include the details of the source. This may include the volume, issue number, page numbers, or URL, depending on the source. For instance, if you are citing a journal article, your citation might look like this: “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities (2020). J, 10(2), 45-58.”
5. Include the Publisher Information
For books and other print sources, include the publisher’s name after the source details. For online sources, include the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier) instead. For example, “The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities (2020). J, 10(2), 45-58. Springer.”
6. Cite the Source in Your Text
When citing the source in your text, use the author’s initials if available. If not, simply use the title or a shortened version of it. For example, “As the title of the article ‘The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Cities’ suggests (2020), coastal cities are increasingly vulnerable to the effects of climate change.”
By following these steps, you can create a proper APA citation even when the author’s name is not available. Remember to always double-check the guidelines provided by the APA to ensure that your citation is accurate and compliant with the latest standards.
