How are electronic sources without an author listed in an APA reference?

In APA format, when citing electronic sources that do not have a specified author, the source is referenced by its title. This title is listed in an abbreviated form, which refers to how the source is cited in the text, making it easier for readers to identify the source in the reference list. This rule helps ensure that even when an author is absent, readers can still trace the original material through the title, facilitating accurate attribution and avoiding plagiarism.

Using an abbreviated title ensures coherence and clarity, allowing readers to easily match the in-text citations to the reference list, which is part of APA style’s emphasis on organization and accessibility in research documentation. Titles are typically presented in italics, and only the first word and proper nouns are capitalized in the reference entry.

This method of listing sources upholds the core principles of the APA format that focus on both the clarity of the source and the ease of finding that source within the reference list for anyone reviewing the work.