How to Cite a Dataset in CSE (8th Edition)

This guide explains how to format a dataset citation in CSE (8th Edition). Follow the format template below, refer to the real example, and use the step-by-step instructions to build your citation correctly.

Format Template

The general pattern for citing a dataset in CSE (8th Edition):

Template

Author(s) or Organization. Year. Title of dataset. Version. [dataset]. Place: Distributor. [accessed Year Mon Day]. URL or DOI.

In-Text Citation Example

How the citation appears within the body of your paper:

In-text citation

(World Bank 2023)

Reference List Entry Example

The full citation as it appears in your reference list:

Reference list entry

World Bank. 2023. World development indicators. [dataset]. Washington (DC): The World Bank Group. [accessed 2026 Mar 28]. https://doi.org/10.57966/0bg5-6z29.

Step-by-Step Guide

1
Identify the creator
Use the person or organization name. For individuals, use Last Name plus initials with no periods.
2
Add the year
Place the year after the creator, followed by a period.
3
Write the dataset title
Use sentence case. Do not italicize. Include the version if applicable.
4
Add the content designator
Write '[dataset]' in square brackets after the title.
5
Include publication details and URL
Write the city, state/country, distributor, access date, and URL or DOI.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Italicizing the dataset title (CSE does not use italics).
Using headline-style capitalization instead of sentence case.
Omitting the [dataset] content designator.
Forgetting the access date.
Not including the state/country abbreviation after the city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CSE require a content designator for datasets?

Yes. CSE uses content designators in square brackets to identify non-traditional sources. [dataset] should appear after the title.

How do I include a version number in CSE?

Add the version number after the title before the content designator: World development indicators. Version 2.0. [dataset].

Does CSE italicize dataset titles?

No. CSE does not use italics for any element. All titles are in sentence case and regular type.

Information You Will Need

Before creating your citation, gather the following information from your dataset:

Author/Creator
Title
Version
Publisher/Repository
Year
DOI/URL

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Step-by-Step Guide

Identify the creator

Use the person or organization name. For individuals, use Last Name plus initials with no periods.

Add the year

Place the year after the creator, followed by a period.

Write the dataset title

Use sentence case. Do not italicize. Include the version if applicable.

Add the content designator

Write '[dataset]' in square brackets after the title.

Include publication details and URL

Write the city, state/country, distributor, access date, and URL or DOI.