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How Do You Cite a Public Database in APA?

Published in APA Style 2 mins read

You can cite a public database in APA style by following these steps:

1. Identify the Database Type

First, determine the type of public database you are citing. This could be:

  • A government database: Such as the U.S. Census Bureau or the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
  • A research database: Like PubMed or JSTOR.
  • A statistical database: For example, the World Bank's World Development Indicators.

2. Gather the Necessary Information

Once you know the database type, gather the following information:

  • Database Name: The official name of the database.
  • Year: The year the data was collected or published.
  • Version: If applicable, the version number of the database.
  • Publisher: The organization or institution responsible for the database.
  • URL: The website address where you accessed the database.

3. Format the Citation

The specific format for citing a public database depends on the type of database. Below are examples:

For Government Databases:

For Research Databases:

For Statistical Databases:

4. Include the Specific Data Used (Optional)

If you are using specific data from the database, you can include this information in the citation. For example:

5. In-Text Citation

When referring to the database in your text, use the following format:

  • Example: According to the U.S. Census Bureau's Current Population Survey (2020), ...

Additional Tips

  • Check for Specific Guidelines: Some databases may have their own citation guidelines. Always consult the database's website for specific instructions.
  • Be Consistent: Make sure you are consistent with your citation style throughout your document.

Remember, it's crucial to cite your sources accurately and completely to avoid plagiarism.

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