How to Cite a Database in APA: A Definitive Guide

Citing databases correctly in APA style is crucial for academic integrity and giving credit where it’s due. The general format involves identifying the author (if available), date, title of the database, and source information, including a URL or DOI. This guide unpacks the process with examples and answers common questions to ensure you’re citing like a pro.

Understanding the Core Components of an APA Database Citation

The American Psychological Association (APA) style emphasizes clarity and consistency in citations. When citing a database, you’re essentially pointing your readers toward a curated collection of information. To do this effectively, understanding the key components is paramount.

Author: This might be an individual or a group responsible for compiling the database. If no specific author is listed, use the organization or institution that maintains the database.

Date: This refers to the year the database was published or updated. If the database is continuously updated, use the year you accessed it.

Title: This is the official name of the database, italicized.

Source Information: Crucial for directing readers to the exact location of the database. Include the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) or the DOI (Digital Object Identifier) if available. A DOI is preferred as it’s a persistent link, less prone to change than a URL.

General Format

The general format for an APA database citation is as follows:

Author, A. A. (Year). Title of database. Source.

Let’s break this down with examples:

Example 1: Database with a DOI

American Psychological Association. (2020). PsycINFO. https://doi.org/xxxxx

Example 2: Database with a URL

EBSCO Information Services. (n.d.). Academic Search Ultimate. Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https://www.ebsco.com/products/research-databases/academic-search-ultimate

Example 3: Database with no Author

(Database Name). (Year). Retrieved Date, from URL

FAQs: Mastering Database Citations in APA Style

These frequently asked questions cover specific scenarios and nuances that often arise when citing databases in APA.

1. How do I cite a specific article within a database?

This is crucial. You’re not citing the entire database, but a specific entry within it. The format resembles a journal article citation:

Author, A. A., Author, B. B., & Author, C. C. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, Volume(Issue), Page range. https://doi.org/xxxxx (or URL if no DOI)

Example:

Smith, J., & Jones, K. (2023). The impact of social media on anxiety. Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 132(2), 123-145. https://doi.org/10.1037/abn0000333

2. What if the database has no author?

If no individual author is identified, use the name of the organization or institution responsible for the database. If there’s truly no author or organization listed, use the database title in place of the author.

3. What if the database has no date?

If the date of publication or last update is unavailable, use (n.d.), which stands for “no date.”

Example:

EBSCO Information Services. (n.d.). Academic Search Complete. https://www.ebsco.com/products/research-databases/academic-search-complete

4. Do I need to include the database name if I’m citing a specific article found within it?

No. If you are citing a specific article within the database, the focus should be on the article’s information (author, title, journal, etc.). The database name is not typically included in this case. The URL or DOI leads the reader to the article, irrespective of the database used to find it.

5. How do I cite a statistic or data set from a database?

Treat the database as the source and cite accordingly. Ensure you clearly identify the specific dataset or table you’re referencing.

Example:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2023). Labor force statistics from the Current Population Survey. https://www.bls.gov/cps/

In the text: (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)

6. What is the difference between a DOI and a URL, and which should I use?

A DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a permanent, unique identifier assigned to scholarly articles and other documents. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator) is the web address of a specific page. Always prefer a DOI if available, as it’s a persistent link that is less likely to break over time. If a DOI isn’t available, use the URL.

7. How should I format the URL or DOI?

APA 7th edition recommends presenting URLs and DOIs as active hyperlinks. Do not include “Retrieved from” unless a retrieval date is also required.

8. Do I need to include a retrieval date for databases?

You generally only need to include a retrieval date if the content of the database is likely to change over time. Most static databases don’t require it. However, if the database content is updated frequently, including a retrieval date is a good practice.

Example:

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Definition of “epistemology.” Retrieved July 15, 2024, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/epistemology

9. How do I handle a database with multiple editions or versions?

If the database has different editions or versions, specify the edition or version number in the citation.

Example:

Cochrane Library. (2023, Quarter 3). Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

10. How do I cite a database entry with multiple authors?

For database entries with multiple authors, follow standard APA guidelines for multiple authors:

• One or two authors: List both names.
• Three to twenty authors: List all authors.
• More than twenty authors: List the first nineteen authors, followed by an ellipsis (…) and then the final author.

11. What if the database is only accessible through a subscription?

The citation remains the same, even if the database requires a subscription. The URL or DOI should still be included. The reader may need a subscription to access the database, but your citation provides the necessary information for them to attempt to do so.

12. Where do I place the citation in my paper?

Database citations should be included in two places:

• In-text citations: Brief references within the body of your paper, typically including the author’s name and year of publication.
• Reference list: A comprehensive list of all sources cited in your paper, located at the end of your document.

Mastering APA Database Citations: A Recap

Accurately citing databases in APA style is a cornerstone of academic writing. By understanding the key elements – author, date, title, and source information (DOI or URL) – and addressing common scenarios with the guidance provided, you can confidently navigate the complexities of database citation. Remember to always prioritize clarity, accuracy, and consistency to uphold academic integrity and give proper credit to the sources you’ve used. Keep this guide handy, and you’ll be citing databases like a seasoned pro in no time!