How do I cite a source that has no author?

Answer

First, check if the source has a group author.

A group author means an organization, government agency, company, or other form of group is responsible for the content:

  • On a website, look at the top for a banner or logo that appears on every page or find the contact information (e.g. the "About Us" page).
  • In a document or report, look at the first 1-3 pages to see if a group is listed as the author or publisher of the information.

Note: Only refer to an author as Anonymous if the work is signed as Anonymous.

If you cannot find a person(s) or group listed as the author, move the title into the author position:

 

 Create a reference                                                                                                                                                                             

   Template          

                                                            

           Title. (Year, Month Day). Source.

 

   Example   

Go ask Alice. (1971). Prentice Hall. 

 

 Create a citation                                                                                                                                                      

   Template   
(Title, Year of publication )  

(Title, Year of publication, p.#)  

 

   Example   

(Go ask Alice, 1971)

(Go ask Alice, 1971, p. 8)

 

For more information and examples, see the APA's blog post how to incorporate missing information into citations and references

 

                                      

 

  • Last Updated Aug 16, 2023
  • Views 330
  • Answered By Daljeet Dhaliwal

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