How to Cite a Database in APA Format
As researchers, citing sources is an essential part of the academic process. With the rise of online databases, it’s crucial to know how to properly cite these sources in various academic styles, including APA. In this article, we will guide you on how to cite a database in APA format.
Direct Answer: To cite a database in APA format, follow these general guidelines:
- Author/Creator (if available): If the database has an author or creator, include their name and initials. For example: Smith, J. (2020).
- Title: Provide the title of the database, in title case ( capitalize the first word and proper nouns).
- Year of Publication: The year of publication is usually the year the database was created, not the year you accessed it. For example: (2020).
- Retrieval Date: Include the date you accessed the database, in the format: (Month, YYYY).
Here’s an example:
Smith, J. (2020). DataStream. Retrieved from https://wwwDataStream.com
Additional Guidelines:
- Use a specific date: If the database has an update schedule, use the date it was last updated. If not, use the date you accessed the database.
- Use the URL: If the database does not have a DOI (Digital Object Identifier), use the URL of the database. If the URL is very long, you can provide a shortened version or use a snippet of the URL.
- No abstracts or summaries: Avoid using abstracts or summaries as references, as they are not primary sources.
Citing Specific Database Sources:
Here are some examples of specific database sources and their corresponding APA citations:
- Academic Search Engines:
- Google Scholar: (Author, YYYY). Retrieved from https://scholar.google.com
- Microsoft Academic: (Author, YYYY). Retrieved from https://academic.microsoft.com
- Specialized Databases:
- JSTOR: (Author, YYYY). Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org
- ProQuest: (Author, YYYY). Retrieved from https://proquest.umi.com
- Government Databases:
- Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED): (Author, YYYY). Retrieved from https://fred.stlouisfed.org
- US Census Bureau: (Author, YYYY). Retrieved from https://www.census.gov
Common APA Citation Resources:
For more information on citing databases in APA format, refer to the following resources:
- APA Publication Manual (7th ed.): Chapter 6, "Citing Online Sources"
- APA Style Blog: "Citing Online Sources" and "Citing Databases"
- APA Style Center: "Citing Databases and Online Sources"
Conclusion:
Citing databases in APA format is an essential part of academic research. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your references are accurate and properly formatted. Remember to provide the author’s name, title of the database, year of publication, and retrieval date. For specific databases, use the above examples as a guide. With this guide, you’ll be well-equipped to cite databases in APA format with confidence.
Table: APA Citation Examples
| Database | Author | Year | Retrieval Date | Citation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Google Scholar | (Smith, 2020) | 2020 | January 2022 | (Smith, 2020). Retrieved from https://scholar.google.com |
| JSTOR | (John, 2015) | 2015 | February 2022 | (John, 2015). Retrieved from https://www.jstor.org |
| Federal Reserve Economic Data (FRED) | (Reserve Bank, 2020) | 2020 | March 2022 | (Reserve Bank, 2020). Retrieved from https://fred.stlouisfed.org |
Bulleted List: Tips for Citing Databases:
• Always include the author’s name and initials
• Use title case for the title of the database
• Use the year of publication, if available
• Include the retrieval date, in the format (Month, YYYY)
• If the database has a DOI, use it; otherwise, use the URL
• Avoid using abstracts or summaries as references
• Consult the APA Publication Manual, APA Style Blog, and APA Style Center for guidance on citing databases in APA format