APA 7th Referencing: Datasets, Software & Tests

Basic format to reference a dataset

The basics of a reference list entry for a dataset:

  • Author or authors of dataset. Surname followed by first initials.
  • Year (or year range where relevant).
  • Title of dataset. (in italics)
  • Version (in round brackets, where relevant).
  • Format [in square brackets].
  • Publisher.
  • DOI or URL
  • The first line of each citation is left adjusted. Every subsequent line is indented 5-7 spaces.

Example:

Paris, T., Kim, J., & Davis, C. (2015). EEG responses to two contexts of AV speech presentation [Data set]. Western Sydney University. http://doi.org/10.4225/35/54bf146fa4012

 

 
Material Type In-Text Example Reference List Example
Dataset

(Paris et al., 2015)

OR

Paris et al. (2015) collated data using...

Paris, T., Kim, J., & Davis, C. (2015). EEG responses to two contexts of AV speech presentation [Data set]. Western Sydney University. http://doi.org/10.4225/35/54bf146fa4012

Basic format to reference software & mobile apps

The basics of a reference list entry for a mobile app:

  • Author or authors. Surname followed by first initials.
  • Year.
  • Title (in italics).
  • Version.
  • Format [in square brackets].
  • Publisher. This may be the App Store or Google Play Store.
  • URL
  • The first line of each citation is left adjusted. Every subsequent line is indented 5-7 spaces.

Example:

Blub Blub. (2020). Speech blubs: Language therapy (Version 2.4.3) [Mobile App]. Google Play Store. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.blubblub.app.speechblubs

 
Material Type In-Text Example Reference List Example
Software            (Schoonjans, 2008)

Schoonjans, F. (2008). MedCalc statistical software (Version 9.5.2.0) [Computer software]. 3d2f.Com. http://3d2f.com/programs/13-638-medcalc-statistical-software-download.shtml

Reference list entries are not necessary for standard off-the-shelf software. Provide entries for specialised software. Add the version number after the name of the software.
Mobile App

Using the Speech Blubs app (Blub Blub, 2020)... 

OR 

Blub Blub's (2020) app is aimed at kids with...

 

Blub Blub. (2020). Speech blubs: Language therapy (Version 2.4.3) [Mobile App]. Google Play Store. https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.blubblub.app.speechblubs
Generative AI

ChatGPT (2023) provides the response to the input ...

OR

ChatGPT can respond to follow-up questions (ChatGPT, 2023).

OpenAI. (2023). ChatGPT (Mar 14 version) [Large language model]. https://chat.openai.com/chat

Basic format to reference a test, scale & inventory

The basics of a reference list entry for a test manual:

  • Author(s). Surname followed by first initials.
  • Year.
  • Title (in italics).
  • Format [in square brackets]
  • Publisher or Test Database.
  • URL
  • The first line of each citation is left adjusted. Every subsequent line is indented 5-7 spaces.

Example:

Tellegen, A., & Ben-Porath, Y. S. (2011). Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory–2 restructured form (MMPI-2-RF): Technical manual. Pearson.

Note: Most tests, scales or inventories will originally be published with their supporting literature, i.e. a journal article, or a manual in the format of an authored or edited book. For preference, reference this supporting literature when you wish to reference the test, (see also, Journals). Where supporting literature does not exist, the test itself can be referenced.

 
Material Type In-Text Example Reference List Example

Manual for a test, scale or inventory

...using the MMPI-2-RF (Tellegen & Ben-Porath, 2011).

OR 

Tellegen & Ben-Porath (2011) devised the MMPI-2-RF...

Tellegen, A., & Ben-Porath, Y. S. (2011). Minnesota multiphasic personality inventory–2 restructured form (MMPI-2-RF): Technical manual. Pearson.
Test, scale or inventory

...testing subject's implicit associations regarding healthy versus unhealthy (Project Implicit, n.d.).

OR

Project Implicit (n.d.) provide a number of implicit association tests...

Project Implicit. (n.d.). Healthy Self IAT. https://implicit.harvard.edu/implicit/user/pih/pih/selectatest.html

Cite the test, scale or inventory itself only if other supporting literature (journal article or manual) is not available to cite.