How Do You Cite a Public Database in APA?

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:

• Example: U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Current Population Survey. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/cps.html

For Research Databases:

• Example: PubMed. (n.d.). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/

For Statistical Databases:

• Example: World Bank. (2023). World Development Indicators. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator

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:

• Example: U.S. Census Bureau. (2020). Current Population Survey. https://www.census.gov/programs-surveys/cps.html. Data retrieved on January 1, 2023.

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.