What is anthropomorphism?

Anthropomorphism refers to giving human characteristics to a nonliving object or animal.

Why should I avoid anthropomorphism?

In academic writing, it is best to avoid using anthropomorphism because it causes sentences to be unclear and imprecise. Because academic writing should be clear and direct, you want to avoid any phrasing that is not precise. To make sure your sentences are precise, be sure that the subject of your sentence is capable of performing the action of the verb.

What does anthropomorphism look like and how can I correct it?

Anthropomorphism can show up differently in your writing. To see variations and how to correct them, see the examples below:

For Example

Anthropomorphism: The article from Lassitter and Jones (2009) discussed how coffee wakes you up in the morning.

Correct: Lassitter and Jones (2009) discussed how coffee wakes you up in the morning.

Correct: The article from Lassitter and Jones (2009) includes information on how coffee wakes you up in the morning.

An article cannot discuss something, as being able to discuss a topic is a human characteristic. Putting the focus on the authors is a way to correct this. Stating what the article includes is another way to correct this.
For Example

Anthropomorphism: This experiment attempted to investigate how students learn APA style (Wheatley, 2016).

Correct: Wheatley (2016) attempted to investigate how students learn APA style.

Correct: This experiment was an attempt to investigate how students learn APA style (Wheatley, 2016).

An experiment cannot attempt something, but a researcher can. Revise by putting the focus on the researcher or state that the experiment was an attempt at something.
For Example

Anthropomorphism: A review of the literature concluded that there is a gap in the research on this topic.

Correct: I concluded that there is a gap in the research on this topic.

Correct: A review of the literature indicates that there is a gap in the research on this topic.

A written work cannot conclude, but a writer can. It is acceptable to use "I" in academic writing when referring to your own research or writing. Another way to correct is to use a verb that the literature can do, such as indicate something.
For Example

This paper focuses on...

The article addresses...

The results suggest...

The study found...

With the change to APA 7, sentence constructions that are in widespread use and have a clear meaning are now acceptable in academic writing.

If in doubt, avoid all forms of anthropomorphism and instead focus on the author as the subject or change the verb to something the inanimate object can do, as shown in the examples above. .

How do I simply avoid anthropomorphism?

With the change to acceptable sentence constructions that are in widespread use and have a clear meaning (but were once considered unacceptable), it can be difficult to know what use is considered widespread enough to be acceptable.

When in doubt, avoid anthropomorphism by focusing on the author or writer as the subject of the sentence or by choosing a verb that the inanimate object can do, as shown in the examples above.

 

*The examples on this page have APA-formatted citations.