How to reference a dataset in APA 7
A dataset reference in APA 7 has 6 parts. See them labelled on an example, then build your own and copy it.
- In your essay: (Author, year)
- Checked 23 October 2026
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The 6 parts
Author. (Year). Title (Version Version) [Data set]. Repository. DOI
. 2 · DATE(2024). 3 · TITLEStudent sleep survey, 2024 (Version 4 · VERSION1.2) [Data set]. 5 · REPOSITORYNorthgate Data Archive. 6 · DOIhttps://doi.org/10.5555/sds.2024.12
- 2 · DateThe year. In round brackets.The year it was published.
- 3 · TitleIn italics.The dataset’s title.
- 4 · VersionThe number. After “Version”. All in round brackets.On the dataset’s page, if it has one.
- 5 · RepositoryAs the source gives it.The repository or archive that holds it.
- 6 · DOIAs a link: https://doi.org/ then the DOI.On the dataset’s page.
Two places, one source
The survey asked students how long they slept (Student Data Service, 2024).
The author and the year, in brackets.Student Data Service. (2024). Student sleep survey, 2024 (Version 1.2) [Data set]. Northgate Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.5555/sds.2024.12
The full reference, in A to Z order by surname.Build your reference
Fill in what you have. Anything still missing is highlighted. Nothing you type leaves this page.
What if…
No date
Write “n.d.” where the date goes.
Student Data Service. (n.d.). Student sleep survey, 2024 (Version 1.2) [Data set]. Northgate Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.5555/sds.2024.12
In your essay: (Student Data Service, n.d.)
Two authors
Give both names, joined with “&”.
Green, A., & Patel, R. (2024). Student sleep survey, 2024 (Version 1.2) [Data set]. Northgate Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.5555/sds.2024.12
In your essay: (Green & Patel, 2024)
Four or more authors
Name all four in the reference list. In your essay, give the first author and “et al.”.
Green, A., Patel, R., Okafor, D., & Lee, H. (2024). Student sleep survey, 2024 (Version 1.2) [Data set]. Northgate Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.5555/sds.2024.12
In your essay: (Green et al., 2024)
Easy to get wrong
The title not in italics
NOT QUITEStudent Data Service. (2024). Student sleep survey, 2024 (Version 1.2) [Data set]. Northgate Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.5555/sds.2024.12
RIGHTStudent Data Service. (2024). Student sleep survey, 2024 (Version 1.2) [Data set]. Northgate Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.5555/sds.2024.12
Check your university’s version
Some universities and departments make small changes to APA. Your module handbook always wins.
This guide follows the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, 7th edition.
Questions
How do I cite a dataset in the text?
Give the author and the year, in brackets: (Student Data Service, 2024)
What if there’s no date?
Check the page or document again first. If there really is none, here’s how APA 7 sets it out: Student Data Service. (n.d.). Student sleep survey, 2024 (Version 1.2) [Data set]. Northgate Data Archive. https://doi.org/10.5555/sds.2024.12
Is APA 7 the same at every university?
Some universities and departments make small changes to APA. Your module handbook always wins.
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