DOI Meaning and Role in Academic Writing
A Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to digital documents such as journal articles, books, or reports. It serves as a permanent identifier, ensuring that the referenced source can be easily located, even if the web address changes. DOIs enhance the accessibility and reliability of academic resources, making it simpler for researchers to find and cite materials accurately.
In academic writing, the inclusion of a DOI is crucial for maintaining consistency and credibility in citations. Unlike traditional URLs, which may change or become obsolete, DOIs provide a stable link to the source. This persistence helps avoid confusion and ensures that readers can access the original material without difficulty. Most academic formatting styles, such as APA, MLA, and Chicago, recommend using DOIs wherever available to strengthen citation practices and support research integrity.
How to Find a DOI?
Finding a DOI is essential for accurate citation and referencing in academic writing. Most DOIs are located on the first page of a journal article or near the publication details, such as the title or author information. In PDFs of journal articles, the DOI is typically found at the bottom of the page or on a dedicated cover page.
If the DOI is not readily visible, you can use tools like Crossref to search for it by entering relevant metadata, such as the article title or author’s name. If the source lacks a DOI, include the URL in your citation instead.
How to Use a DOI in APA Style
In APA style, a DOI is used to provide a persistent link to digital content such as journal articles or e-books. This ensures readers can access the source directly. DOIs should be formatted as URLs, starting with https://doi.org/ followed by the identifier. Here’s how to structure your reference with a DOI in APA style:
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APA in bibliography |
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Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of article. Title of Journal, volume number(issue number), page range. https://www.doi.org/ |
Smith, J. D., & Johnson, A. B. (2022). The impact of climate change on biodiversity. Environmental Science Journal, 15(3), 234-248. https://www.doi.org/ |
For in-text citations, the DOI is not used directly. Instead, include the author’s last name and publication year, like so:
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APA in-text citation |
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(Author, Year) |
(Smith & Johnson, 2022) |
How to Use a DOI in MLA Style
In MLA style, if a DOI is available for a source, it should be included in the citation. It helps provide a stable link to the source. The DOI is placed at the end of the citation and formatted as "doi:10.xxxx/yyyyyyyy". Below are examples showing how to use DOIs in MLA citations for different types of sources:
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MLA in bibliography (Journal Article) |
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Author, First Name. "Title of Article." Title of Journal, vol. number, no. number, Year, pp. page range, doi:10.xxxx/yyyyyyyy. |
Smith, John. "The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity." Environmental Science Journal, vol. 15, no. 3, 2022, pp. 234-248, doi:10.1080/1234567890. |
For in-text citations, the DOI is not used directly. Instead, you include the author's last name and page number, like so:
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MLA in-text citation |
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(Author page number) |
(Smith 245) |
How to Use a DOI in Chicago Style
In Chicago style, including a DOI in citations is recommended for sources such as journal articles, books, and other digital content. The DOI should be placed at the end of the citation in the format "https://doi.org/10.xxxx/yyyyyyyy". Below are examples demonstrating the correct usage of DOIs in Chicago-style citations:
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Chicago in bibliography (Journal Article) |
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Author Last Name, First Name. "Title of Article." Journal Title volume, no. issue (Year): page range. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/yyyyyyyy. |
Smith, John. "The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity." Environmental Science Journal 15, no. 3 (2022): 234-248. https://doi.org/10.1080/1234567890. |
For in-text citations in Chicago style, the DOI is not typically used. Instead, refer to the author’s last name and year of publication:
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Chicago in-text citation |
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(Author Last Name Year) |
(Smith 2022) |
How to Use a DOI in ASA Style
In the ASA (American Sociological Association) style, DOIs should be included in references whenever available, especially for journal articles and digital sources. This helps in accurately locating and verifying sources. The DOI is typically placed at the end of the citation, formatted as "https://doi.org/10.xxxx/yyyyyyyy". Below are examples demonstrating the correct usage of DOIs in ASA-style citations:
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ASA in bibliography (Journal Article) |
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Author Last Name, First Name. Year of Publication. "Title of Article." Journal Title Volume(Issue): page numbers. https://doi.org/10.xxxx/yyyyyyyy. |
Smith, John. 2022. "The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity." Environmental Science Journal 15(3):234-248. https://doi.org/10.1080/1234567890. |
You do not typically include the DOI for in-text citations in ASA style. Instead, use the author’s last name and the year of publication:
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ASA in-text citation |
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(Author Last Name Year) |
(Smith 2022) |
How to Use a DOI in Harvard Style
In Harvard referencing style, a DOI should be included in the citation whenever it is available, as it provides a stable link to the digital source. The DOI is typically placed at the end of the reference, formatted as "doi:10.xxxx/yyyyyyyy". Below are examples demonstrating the correct usage of DOIs in Harvard-style citations:
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Harvard in bibliography (Journal Article) |
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Author Last Name, First Initial., Year of Publication. 'Title of Article', Journal Title, Volume(Issue), page numbers. doi:10.xxxx/yyyyyyyy |
Smith, J., 2022. 'The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity', Environmental Science Journal, 15(3), pp. 234-248. doi:10.1080/1234567890 |
For in-text citations in Harvard style, include the author's last name and the year of publication:
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Harvard in-text citation |
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(Author Last Name, Year) |
(Smith, 2022) |
How to Use a DOI in IEEE Style
In IEEE referencing style, a DOI is included at the end of the citation entry, formatted as "doi: 10.xxxx/yyyyyyyy". This ensures a stable link to the source. Below are examples of how to use DOIs correctly in IEEE citations:
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IEEE in bibliography (Journal Article) |
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[Reference Number] Author First Initial. Last Name, "Title of Article," Journal Title, vol. Volume, no. Issue, pp. page numbers, Year. doi: 10.xxxx/yyyyyyyy |
[1] J. Smith, "The Impact of Climate Change on Biodiversity," Environmental Science Journal, vol. 15, no. 3, pp. 234-248, 2022. doi: 10.1080/1234567890 |
In IEEE in-text citations, reference the source by its reference number, enclosed in square brackets:
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IEEE in-text citation |
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[Reference Number] |
[1] |
How to Use a DOI in AMA Style
In AMA (American Medical Association) style, DOIs are included at the end of a citation and formatted as "doi:10.xxxx/yyyyyyyy." This element is crucial for ensuring a permanent and direct link to digital sources. Below are examples of how to correctly incorporate DOIs into AMA citations:
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AMA in bibliography (Journal Article) |
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Author(s). Title of the article. Journal Name. Year;Volume(Issue):Page Numbers. doi:10.xxxx/yyyyyyyy |
Smith JD, Johnson AB. The impact of climate change on biodiversity. Environmental Science Journal. 2022;15(3):234-248. doi:10.1080/1234567890 |
In AMA style, use a superscript number for in-text citations that corresponds to the reference list:
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AMA in-text citation |
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Superscript Number |
1 |
How to Use a DOI in ACS Style
In ACS (American Chemical Society) style, the DOI is used to provide a direct and permanent link to digital sources, particularly journal articles. It is usually included at the end of the citation. Below are some examples of how to use DOIs in ACS format:
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ACS in bibliography (Journal Article) |
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Author(s). Title of Article. Journal Name Year, Volume, Page Numbers. DOI |
Smith, J. D.; Johnson, A. B. The impact of climate change on biodiversity. Environ. Sci. J. 2022, 15, 234–248. https://doi.org/10.1080/1234567890 |
In ACS style, in-text citations use a superscript number or a reference in parentheses that corresponds to the reference list:
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ACS in-text citation |
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(Author(s) Last Name, Year) |
(Smith and Johnson, 2022) |
Conclusion: Mastering the Use of DOI in Different Citation Styles
Understanding how to use DOIs across various citation styles like APA, MLA, Chicago, ASA, Harvard, IEEE, AMA, and ACS is essential for accurate and consistent academic writing. By mastering these formats, you ensure the integrity and reliability of your references, making your research easily accessible and verifiable.
If you’re ever unsure about the proper use of DOIs in your citations, feel free to use citation tools or reach out for expert assistance to ensure that your references meet the highest academic standards.
For more guidance or to get help with your citations, visit our citation tool and make sure your references are accurate and correctly formatted.
