Mastering APA 7th Edition- How to Cite Sources with No Author Correctly

by liuqiyue

How to Cite APA 7th with No Author

In academic writing, it is essential to follow the correct citation format to ensure the integrity of the research and to give proper credit to the sources. One common scenario in APA 7th edition citation is when a source does not have an author. This article will guide you on how to cite APA 7th with no author, ensuring that your reference list is accurate and complete.

Understanding APA 7th Edition

APA 7th edition, published by the American Psychological Association, is widely used in the social sciences, education, and other fields. It provides guidelines for formatting in-text citations, reference lists, and the overall structure of the paper. One of the key changes in APA 7th edition is the emphasis on the author-date system, which involves citing the author’s last name and the publication year in the text.

Citing Sources with No Author

When citing a source that does not have an author, you should still include the author’s name in parentheses after the citation, even if it is not available. The following steps will help you cite APA 7th with no author:

1. Start by identifying the source title. If the source is a book, article, or chapter, include the title in italics. For online sources, use quotation marks.
2. Include the publication date in parentheses after the title. If the date is not available, use “n.d.” (no date).
3. Add the retrieval information for online sources, such as the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier).
4. For print sources, include the page numbers if relevant.

Example of Citing APA 7th with No Author

Here are a few examples of how to cite APA 7th with no author:

– (World Health Organization, 2020)
– (Smith, 2019)
– (n.d.)
– (Journal of Psychology, 2018)
– (https://www.example.com, accessed on May 5, 2021)

Formatting the Reference List

When listing the source in the reference list, follow these guidelines:

1. Start with the author’s last name, followed by a comma and the first initial of their first name.
2. Include the publication date in parentheses.
3. List the title of the source, followed by the publication information (e.g., journal name, book title, or website URL).
4. Add the page numbers or DOI if relevant.

Conclusion

Citing APA 7th with no author can be challenging, but following these guidelines will help you create accurate and complete references. By adhering to the APA 7th edition citation format, you ensure the integrity of your research and give proper credit to the sources you use.

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