How to APA Format with No Author
Formatting a paper in APA style can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to handling sources without an author. APA (American Psychological Association) formatting is widely used in the social sciences, education, and psychology fields. One of the key aspects of APA formatting is the reference list, where authors’ names are typically included. However, there are instances where a source may not have an author. In this article, we will guide you on how to format a reference in APA style when there is no author.
1. Start with the Title or Source
When there is no author, the title of the source should be placed first in the reference list entry. Make sure to capitalize the first letter of each major word in the title, excluding articles, prepositions, and conjunctions. If the title is longer than 60 characters, abbreviate it to fit the space, but do not use periods or other punctuation.
2. Include the Publication Date
After the title, include the publication date. For print sources, use the month, day, and year of publication. For online sources, use the date the source was accessed or the date of the latest update, if available.
3. Specify the Source Type
Next, indicate the source type, such as “Journal Article,” “Book,” “Thesis/Dissertation,” or “Webpage.” This helps readers identify the format of the source.
4. Add the Source Information
Provide the necessary information to locate the source. For example, if it’s a journal article, include the volume, issue number, and page numbers. For a book, include the publisher and location. For a webpage, include the URL or DOI (Digital Object Identifier).
5. Use a Period to End the Reference
Finally, end the reference with a period. If the source has multiple authors, follow the standard APA format for multiple authors, which includes listing all authors’ last names followed by their initials.
Example:
Journal Article with No Author
Environmental impact of plastic waste. (2019, June 15). Environmental Science & Technology. Retrieved from https://www.es&T.org/article.cfm?id=123456
Book with No Author
Plastic pollution: A global issue. (2018). New York: Springer.
Webpage with No Author
Global plastic pollution statistics. (2021, January 1). Retrieved from https://www.example.com/plastic-pollution-statistics
Conclusion
Formatting a reference in APA style with no author can be challenging, but following these steps will help you create a properly formatted reference list. Remember to always check the latest APA guidelines for any updates or changes to the formatting rules.
