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Citing Data and Statistics
Whether you use a numeric dataset or a prepared statistical table from an existing source (print or electronic) you need to cite the source of your information.
It is critical to correctly cite data and statistics. This ensures that research data and statistics can be:
- discovered
- reused
- replicated for verification
- credited for recognition
- tracked to measure usage and impact
By citing your dataset or statistics, you ensure that your work can be reproduced, and you also attribute credit to those who provided the data or statistics.
Guide to Data Citation
Elements of Data Citation
It is important to identify the elements of your data and statistics, as these elements are organized into a properly formatted citation in accordance with your associations preferred style guide.
| Citation Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Author | Name(s) of each individual or organizational entity responsible for the creation of the dataset. |
| Date of Publication | Year the dataset was published or disseminated. |
| Title | Complete title of the dataset, including the edition or version number, if applicable. |
| Publisher and/or Distributor | Organizational entity that makes the dataset available by archiving, producing, publishing, and/or distributing the dataset. |
| Electronic Location or Identifier | Web address or unique, persistent, global identifier used to locate the dataset (such as a DOI). Append the date retrieved if the title and locator are not specific to the exact instance of the data you used. |
These are the minimum elements required for dataset identification and retrieval. Fewer or additional elements may be requested by author guidelines or style manuals. Be sure to include as many elements as needed to precisely identify the dataset or statistics you have used.
Arrange these elements following the order and punctuation specified by your style guide. If examples for datasets are not provided, the format for books is generally considered a generic format that can be modified for other source types.
Source: Quick Guide to Data Citation - IASSIST Special Interest Group on Data Citation (SIGDC)