| name | cite-a-dataset |
| category | school |
| description | Cite a dataset with creator, title, publisher, date, version, persistent identifier, access information, and relevant subset details. Use when data supports an assignment, paper, analysis, or reproducible result. |
cite-a-dataset
Cite the exact version and subset used, not merely the repository home page.
When to use
- Use for public, licensed, restricted, archived, or self-created datasets.
- Do not expose restricted record locations, credentials, personal data, or prohibited metadata in a citation.
Procedure
- Check the required citation style, repository guidance, license, and data-use agreement.
- Identify creators, dataset title, collection or project, publisher or repository, publication year, and release date.
- Record the exact version, edition, snapshot, accession, or checksum used.
- Prefer a DOI, accession, handle, or other persistent identifier over a transient download URL.
- Add access date when the dataset changes over time or the style requires it.
- Describe the subset, query, table, files, dates, or filters needed to locate the analyzed data.
- Cite related software, codebook, methods paper, or data paper separately when it contributes distinct evidence.
- Generate the reference in the required style and verify each field against the repository record.
- Test the identifier and ensure the citation resolves without unauthorized access.
Worked example
A student analyzed one annual release from a frequently updated government dataset. The citation includes the agency, dataset title, release date, version, DOI, and access date. The methods section separately records the table, years, filters, and downloaded-file checksum.
Done
- A dataset citation contains verified creator, title, repository, date, version, persistent identifier, and required access details
- A reproducibility note records the exact subset or files used and confirms the identifier resolves within permission boundaries
