Guide to Citing Data

Guide to Citing Data

Data Citation in APA 7th Edition

The International Journal of Open Science recommends that authors properly cite datasets used in their research, following APA 7th edition style guidelines for data citation.

1. Elements of a Dataset Citation

A complete dataset reference should include:

  • Author(s) or responsible entity
  • Year
  • Title of the dataset (in italics)
  • Description in brackets: [Dataset]
  • Name of the repository
  • DOI or URL

2. Extended Examples

  • Dataset with DOI (individual authors):
    García-Leal, H., Puelles-Díaz, A., & González-Aroca, J. (2025). Global Trends and Emerging Gaps in Physiotherapy: A Scientometric Analysis Using VOSviewer and InCites (2018–2023) (Version 1.0) [Data set]. Dataverse ULS Data Repository. https://doi.org/10.5072/FK2/UTON4U
  • Institutional dataset (no DOI):
    Universidad de la Serena. (2021). Encuesta sobre percepción de ciencia abierta [Dataset]. Repositorio Institucional ULS. https://repositorio.userena.cl/percepcion_ciencia_abierta
  • Dataset with multiple authors and versioning:
    Boissin, E., Costello, T. H., Alonso, D. M., Rand, D., & Pennycook, G. (2025). Data and analysis code for AI reduces conspiracy beliefs even when presented as a human expert [Conjunto de datos y materiales]. OSF. https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/C6RVM
  • Governmental database:
    Secretaría de Gobierno Digital. (2024). Estudio de indicadores de gobierno digital 2023 [Conjunto de datos]. Datos Abiertos Chile. https://datos.gob.cl/dataset/estudio-de-indicadores-de-gobierno-digital-2023
  • Figshare dataset with visible license:
    Saha, S., Luckham, P. F., & Garbin, V. (2022). Data underlying the publication: Interfacial elasticity of colloid monolayers probed by high-frequency bubble dynamics in ultrasound [Conjunto de datos]. 4TU.ResearchData. https://doi.org/10.4121/19859467.v1

3. In-text Citations

  • Parenthetical: (Torres & Rivera, 2022)
  • Narrative: Torres and Rivera (2022) analyzed usage data...

4. Recommendations

  • Always cite the dataset’s DOI when available.
  • Avoid citing private files or databases without public access.
  • If the data are not available, clearly state this in the manuscript.

For more examples and full details, please consult the official APA 7th edition style guide.