Cite data

Why data citation?

As for publications, it is essential to provide a unique reference for datasets used in your research.

Besides the compliance to scentific principles, citing a dataset helps:

to recognize the importance of research data in the scientific process
collaboration and data reuse
a quicker and more efficient dissemination of research outputs
the recognition of research work

Structure

A dataset citation includes all of the same components as any other citation:

Authors Creator of the dataset, either an individual, a group or an organisation Title Name of the dataset or of the experiment Year of publication Date of publication or online publishing Publisher Institution in charge of the production and/or the dissemination of the dataset
It is possible to add a publication place, too (ex. Lausanne : EPFL) Edition or version If the cited dataset is the second edition or version of a previous dataset, it should be stated Link or identifier
URL identifier (ex. DOI) allowing to access the data

In an academic paper or a publication, a dataset should of course be cited with the same style as other citations.

Examples of citations

Short citation

Author (Publication year). Title (version) [file type]. Identifier

Milberger, S. (2002). Evaluation of violence against women with physical disabilities in Michigan, 2000-2001 (ICPSR version) [data file and codebook]. doi:10.3886/ICPSR03414

Full citation

Author (Publication year). Title (version) [file type]. Publisher place : Publisher. Identifier

Milberger, S. (2002). Evaluation of violence against women with physical disabilities in Michigan, 2000-2001 (ICPSR version) [data file and codebook]. Detroit: Wayne State University [producer]. Ann Arbor, MI: Inter-university Consortium for Political and Social Research [distributor]. doi:10.3886/ICPSR03414

Tables, charts, graphs, maps, or figures appearing in a publication

Author. Dataset title. Journal title. Publication date. URL. Access date.

United States Bureau of the Census. "Table 151. Retail Prescription Drug Sales: 1995 to 2007." Statistical Abstract of the United States.Year: 2009. http://www.census.gov/compendia/statab/tables/09s0151.pdf. Accessed: 11/4/09.

Unpublished raw data from study, untitled work

Author (Year). [Description of the study]. Unpublished raw data.

Smith, J.A. (2006). [Personnel survey]. Unpublished raw data.