Find Data and Statistics: Citing Data

When using datasets for your research, you must cite them just as you would a journal article or other publications.  Data citation acknowledges the original author or producer and helps others find the data. There is not one set way to cite data, but there are guidelines you can follow.

Citation Elements

A data citation should include at least the following elements:

• Author or creator. This can be an individual, a group of individuals, or an organization.
• Title of the dataset or study
• Version
• Name of data center, repository, and/or publication
• Analysis software, if required
• Date accessed
• URL and/or DOI/DOI link or other persistent link

APA Style

MLA Style