How to Validate DOI Formatting in APA Citations

Complete guide to validating DOI formatting in APA citations. Learn correct DOI format, common DOI errors, and when to include DOIs.

Why DOI Matters in APA Citations

Impact on Readability

Proper DOI formatting ensures your reference list is professional and easy to read. When DOI is formatted correctly, readers can quickly identify the key components of each citation and locate the sources themselves.

Impact on Credibility

DOI errors can undermine your academic credibility. Instructors and journal editors often view formatting mistakes as a lack of attention to detail, which may affect how they evaluate the quality of your research.

Common Consequences

• Grade deductions: Typical penalties range from 1-5 points per error
• Journal rejections: Many journals reject papers with formatting issues without review
• Reader confusion: Incorrect DOI can make sources difficult to identify

What Correct DOI Formatting Looks Like

Rules for DOI in APA Citations

When citing sources in APA 7th edition style, the Digital Object Identifier (DOI) is a crucial element for retrieving digital content. Here are key rules to remember regarding DOIs:

1. Format: Always present the DOI in the format "https://doi.org/xxxxx" where "xxxxx" represents the unique identifier. Ensure that the URL is hyperlinked, allowing readers to easily access the source.

2. Placement: Include the DOI at the end of the reference entry. It should follow the publication information in the reference list.

3. Consistency: Be consistent in how you present the DOI across all citations. If a source has a DOI, always include it, and ensure the format remains uniform.

Example Citations

1. Journal Article:
   - Author, A. A. (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, Volume(Issue), page range. https://doi.org/10.1234/abcde

Explanation: In this example, the DOI is placed at the end of the citation, formatted correctly as a hyperlink.

2. Book:
   - Author, B. B. (Year). Title of the book. Publisher. https://doi.org/10.5678/fghij

Explanation: Similar to the journal article, the DOI is included after the publisher information, ensuring readers can access the book directly.

Importance of DOI Formatting

Correctly formatting DOIs is essential for ensuring that readers can easily locate the sources you reference. A well-formatted DOI enhances the reliability of your citations and supports academic integrity.

Practical Tips

• Double-check the DOI: Always verify the DOI on the publisher's website to ensure accuracy.
• Use a DOI resolver: If you're unsure about the DOI, you can use a DOI resolver like CrossRef to validate it.
• Avoid common pitfalls: Do not include phrases like "Retrieved from" before the DOI. Simply provide the DOI as a hyperlink.

By following these guidelines, you will ensure that your citations are clear, accurate, and easily accessible.

Official APA Guidance:

APA Guidance for DOI Formatting

In APA 7th edition, a DOI, or Digital Object Identifier, is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to a publication, which provides a permanent link to its location on the internet. The APA manual states that the DOI should be presented as a URL, starting with "https://doi.org/" followed by the specific identifier. This format helps readers easily access the source material.

Specific Considerations

When citing works with a DOI, ensure that it is included in the reference list entry, and do not include a period after the DOI link to avoid confusion in the URL. If a work does not have a DOI, a URL may be provided if it is an online source. However, for print sources or sources without a DOI or URL, simply omit these elements.

Examples

1. Journal Article with DOI
   - Smith, J. A. (2020). The effects of social media on youth. Journal of Psychology, 15(3), 45-67. https://doi.org/10.1234/jpsych.2020.01503
   - In this example, the DOI is presented as a clickable link, making it easy for readers to access the article.

2. Book with DOI
   - Brown, L. M. (2019). Understanding modern psychology. https://doi.org/10.5678/understandpsych.2019
   - Here, the DOI for the book is formatted similarly, allowing for straightforward retrieval.

Importance of DOI Formatting

Correct formatting of DOIs is crucial for academic integrity and citation accuracy. A properly formatted DOI ensures that readers can locate the cited work without difficulty. It also enhances the credibility of the research by providing verifiable sources.

Practical Tips and Common Pitfalls

• Always check the format of the DOI to ensure it follows the "https://doi.org/" structure.
• Be careful not to accidentally add a period at the end of the DOI link, as this can interfere with the hyperlink.
• If you encounter a citation without a DOI, make sure to verify if it is available online and provide the appropriate URL if applicable.

By adhering to these guidelines, you will ensure that your citations are accurate and accessible, thereby enhancing the quality of your academic writing.

Visual Examples

Correct Format:
✅ ## Example of a Properly Formatted DOI in APA Citation

Here is a clear, correct example of how a DOI should appear in an APA citation, following the APA 7th edition rules.

Example:

Author, A. A., & Author, B. B. (Year). Title of the article. Title of the Journal, Volume(Issue), Page range. https://doi.org/10.1234/abcd.efgh

Detailed Example

Smith, J. A., & Doe, R. Q. (2021). The impact of social media on academic performance. Journal of Educational Research, 45(2), 123-134. https://doi.org/10.1234/jedres.2021.5678

Formatting Rules for DOI

1. Presentation: The DOI should be presented as a clickable hyperlink in the format "https://doi.org/xxxxx".
2. No Period: Do not place a period after the DOI to avoid confusion.
3. Use of "DOI": The DOI should not include the label "DOI:" before the number. Just use the URL format.

Following these formatting rules ensures your citations are clear and consistent according to APA standards.

Incorrect Format:
❌ ## Incorrect DOI Example in APA Citation

Here is an example of an incorrectly formatted Digital Object Identifier (DOI) that demonstrates a common mistake students often make.

Incorrect DOI Example

Smith, J. (2020). The impact of climate change on urban wildlife. Environmental Studies Journal, 15(3), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1234/abcd.efgh

Common Mistake Explanation

In this example, the DOI formatting is incorrect because it includes "https://" at the beginning. In APA style, DOIs should be presented as plain text without the "https://" prefix. The correct format should only include "doi:" followed by the unique identifier.

Correct DOI Formatting

Correct DOI Example

Smith, J. (2020). The impact of climate change on urban wildlife. Environmental Studies Journal, 15(3), 45-60. doi:10.1234/abcd.efgh

Importance of Correct DOI Formatting

Correctly formatting DOIs is essential for several reasons. First, a properly formatted DOI ensures that readers can easily access the original source. If the DOI is incorrectly formatted, it may lead to errors when someone tries to find the article online. Second, adhering to APA citation rules helps maintain academic integrity. It shows that you are familiar with the standards of scholarly writing.

Practical Tips for Avoiding DOI Mistakes

1. Check the Source: Always refer back to the original article or publication to verify the DOI format.
2. Use DOI Lookup Tools: If you are unsure about a DOI, use online tools designed to verify and format DOIs correctly.
3. Avoid Extra Characters: Ensure there are no extra characters or spaces in the DOI. It should be a continuous string of characters after "doi:".
4. Follow APA Guidelines: Familiarize yourself with the latest APA guidelines, as they can change over time.

Common Pitfalls

One common pitfall is confusing the DOI with a URL. Remember, a DOI is a unique alphanumeric string that provides a permanent link to a specific article, while a URL is a web address that can change. Always ensure you are using the DOI format correctly to maintain the integrity of your citations.

In summary, always check that your DOI follows the correct format. This will help ensure that your work is professional and accessible to your readers.

Key Rules to Remember

Key Rules for DOI in APA Citations

When using Digital Object Identifiers (DOIs) in APA citations, it is essential to adhere to specific guidelines to maintain academic integrity and ensure proper referencing. Below are the most important rules to remember when checking DOIs.

Use the Correct Format

• Format with "https://": Always include the DOI in the format "https://doi.org/xxxxx". This format is the standard in APA 7th edition and helps ensure that readers can easily access the source.

Example:
- Correct: https://doi.org/10.1037/abc1234
- Incorrect: doi:10.1037/abc1234

Verify the DOI

• Check for Accuracy: Always verify the DOI against the original source. This step is crucial as inaccuracies can lead to difficulties in finding the referenced material.

Example:
- If a DOI is provided in a reference list, ensure it matches the DOI listed on the publisher's site. Any discrepancies should be corrected.

Consistency in Usage

• Use DOIs Consistently: If a source has a DOI, always include it in the reference list. Do not omit it or replace it with other identifiers unless specified by the source.

Example:
- If referencing a journal article, include the DOI at the end of the citation:
- Smith, J. (2020). Title of the article. Journal Name, 12(3), 45-67. https://doi.org/10.1037/abc1234

Avoid Redundant Information

• Do Not Include URLs and DOIs Together: If a DOI is available, do not include the URL of the source alongside it. Stick to the DOI format for clarity and conciseness.

Example:
- Correct: Smith, J. (2020). Title of the article. Journal Name, 12(3), 45-67. https://doi.org/10.1037/abc1234
- Incorrect: Smith, J. (2020). Title of the article. Journal Name, 12(3), 45-67. Retrieved from https://www.journalwebsite.com/abc1234

Importance of DOI Rules

Following these rules is vital for several reasons. First, proper formatting and verification of DOIs enhance the credibility of academic work. Second, consistent use of DOIs ensures that readers can easily locate the sources cited. Finally, avoiding redundancy in citations helps maintain clarity and professionalism in academic writing.

Practical Tips and Common Pitfalls

• Tip: Use trusted databases or publisher websites to find the correct DOI.
• Pitfall: Be cautious of typos in DOIs. Even a single character error can lead to a non-functioning link.
• Tip: Familiarize yourself with citation management tools that can help automate DOI formatting and verification.

By keeping these key rules in mind, you can ensure that your references are accurate, reliable, and professionally presented in accordance with APA guidelines.

Step-by-Step: How to Check DOI

Follow this systematic process to validate DOI in your citations:

Preparation (1-2 minutes)

Step 1: Gather your citations
- [ ] Open your reference list
- [ ] Have APA manual or guide available
- [ ] Note which source types you have

Step 2: Understand what to check
- [ ] Review DOI rules
- [ ] Note differences by source type
- [ ] Identify your high-risk citations

Checking Process (3-5 minutes per citation)

What You Need

Before you start checking DOI in APA citations, gather the following items:

1. A computer or device with internet access.
2. A word processing program or a notepad for taking notes.
3. A list of citations that you need to verify.
4. Access to a DOI lookup tool, such as CrossRef or the official DOI website.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Checking DOI in APA Citations

1. Gather Your Citations (Time estimate: 5 minutes)

Action: Collect all the APA citations you need to verify. Make sure you have a comprehensive list.

Verification: Ensure that each citation is complete and formatted correctly before proceeding. Check that you have the correct author names, publication years, titles, and source details.

Tip: Create a dedicated document for your citations to keep them organized. This will make it easier to track which citations you have verified.

2. Identify the DOI Format (Time estimate: 5 minutes)

Action: Review the citations to identify any that include a DOI. A DOI usually follows this format: "https://doi.org/XXXXXX".

Verification: Confirm that the DOI is present and accurately formatted. Ensure it starts with "https://doi.org/" followed by the unique alphanumeric string.

Tip: Familiarize yourself with how DOIs look. This will help you quickly spot them in your citations.

3. Access a DOI Lookup Tool (Time estimate: 2 minutes)

Action: Open a web browser and navigate to a DOI lookup tool such as CrossRef (https://www.crossref.org) or the official DOI website (https://doi.org).

Verification: Ensure the website is loading properly and that it is a reputable source for DOI verification.

Tip: Bookmark the DOI lookup tool for easy access in the future. This can save time when you need to check DOIs again.

4. Input the DOI (Time estimate: 10 minutes)

Action: For each citation that includes a DOI, copy the DOI and paste it into the DOI lookup tool's search box. Then, click “Search” or “Lookup”.

Verification: Confirm that the tool returns the correct information. It should provide details about the publication associated with the DOI, such as the title, authors, and publication date.

Tip: If you have several DOIs to check, consider organizing them in a list format to streamline the process.

5. Check for Publication Details (Time estimate: 15 minutes)

Action: For each DOI, compare the information returned by the lookup tool with the details in your original citation. Look for discrepancies in titles, authors, or publication dates.

Verification: Make sure that all the information matches. If there are inconsistencies, note them for further investigation.

Tip: Use a checklist format to systematically verify each piece of information to reduce the chances of missing something.

6. Note Missing or Incorrect DOIs (Time estimate: 10 minutes)

Action: If a DOI is missing or incorrect in any citation, make a note of this. You may need to find the correct DOI or update the citation format accordingly.

Verification: Double-check the corrected information against the original source to ensure accuracy before making changes.

Tip: Keep a separate section in your document for notes on missing or incorrect DOIs. This will help you when you revise your citations later.

7. Revise Your Citations (Time estimate: 15 minutes)

Action: Update your APA citations based on the information you gathered. Ensure that all DOIs are correctly formatted and that any changes to authors, titles, or publication dates are reflected.

Verification: Review your revised citations to ensure they comply with APA formatting rules. Pay attention to spacing, capitalization, and punctuation.

Tip: Use an APA citation guide or reference generator to assist with formatting. This can help ensure consistency and accuracy across all of your citations.

8. Final Review and Consistency Check (Time estimate: 10 minutes)

Action: Conduct a final review of your citations. Check for overall consistency in formatting, including font size, style, and alignment.

Verification: Ensure that all citations are complete and that DOIs are correctly linked. If applicable, test the links to ensure they direct to the correct articles.

Tip: Consider asking a peer or using citation software to assist with the final review. A second set of eyes can often catch errors you might have missed.

By following these steps, you will be able to effectively check DOIs in your APA citations, ensuring they are accurate and properly formatted. This process not only strengthens your work but also enhances the credibility of your research.

Verification (1-2 minutes)

Step 3: Cross-check all citations
- [ ] Compare similar citations for consistency
- [ ] Verify against official APA examples
- [ ] Use automated checker for verification

Step 4: Document changes
- [ ] Track which citations were corrected
- [ ] Note patterns in your errors
- [ ] Save corrected version

Time-Saving Tips

💡 Batch similar source types: Check all journal articles together, then all books, etc.

💡 Use Find & Replace: Use Find & Replace for...

💡 Create a checklist: Print the validation checklist and check off as you go

Common DOI Errors

These are the most frequent DOI errors found in APA citations:

Missing DOI

How common: Appears in very_common% of citations

What it looks like:
❌ Johnson, M. K. (2020). The study. Journal of Psychology, 45(3), 234-256.

Why it's wrong:
Students forget to include DOI or don't know how to find it for journal articles

How to spot it:
Search article title or authors in Crossref or Google Scholar

How to fix:
✅ Johnson, M. K. (2020). The study. Journal of Psychology, 45(3), 234-256. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000000

Quick fix: Verify DOI works before including in citation

Incorrect DOI Format

How common: Appears in common% of citations

What it looks like:
❌ doi:10.1037/0000000

Why it's wrong:
Students use old APA 6 DOI format instead of current APA 7 hyperlink format

How to spot it:
Replace 'doi:' with 'https://doi.org/' in citation formatting

How to fix:
✅ https://doi.org/10.1037/0000000

Quick fix: Check that DOI link is properly formatted and clickable

Retrieved Date with DOI

How common: Appears in common% of citations

What it looks like:
❌ Johnson, M. K. (2020). The study. Journal of Psychology, 45(3), 234-256. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000000 (Retrieved October 15, 2023)

Why it's wrong:
Students add retrieval dates out of habit, not knowing they're not needed with DOIs

How to spot it:
Remove retrieval date when DOI is present in citations

How to fix:
✅ Johnson, M. K. (2020). The study. Journal of Psychology, 45(3), 234-256. https://doi.org/10.1037/0000000

Quick fix: Check that DOI is working before removing retrieval date

Incorrect URL Formatting

How common: Appears in common% of citations

What it looks like:
❌ Retrieved from https://example.com/article

Why it's wrong:
Students use old APA 6 format with 'Retrieved from' instead of direct URL link

How to spot it:
Remove 'Retrieved from' prefix from citation formatting

How to fix:
✅ https://example.com/article

Quick fix: Check that URL formatting is correct and complete

Unnecessary Retrieval Date

How common: Appears in common% of citations

What it looks like:
❌ Smith, J. (2020). The article. Retrieved October 15, 2023, from https://example.com

Why it's wrong:
Students add retrieval dates unnecessarily when source has a clear publication date

How to spot it:
Remove retrieval date when publication date is present

How to fix:
✅ Smith, J. (2020). The article. https://example.com

Quick fix: Check if content is stable before including retrieval date

Error Frequency Chart

Severity Key:
- High: Affects citation accuracy or findability
- Medium: Formatting issue that doesn't affect meaning
- Low: Style preference

How DOI Varies by Source Type

Different source types have different DOI requirements:

DOI Validation Checklist

Use this checklist to systematically validate DOI:

Pre-Check Setup

• [ ] Reference list open and visible
• [ ] APA guide available
• [ ] Highlighter or tracking system ready

Check Each Citation For:

Post-Check Verification

• [ ] All citations checked
• [ ] Corrections made
• [ ] Consistency across similar citations
• [ ] Cross-checked problematic citations

Final Check

• [ ] Run automated validation
• [ ] Review any flagged items
• [ ] Document completion date

Citations Checked: ___ / ___
Errors Found: ___
Errors Fixed: ___

Tools & Tips for Checking DOI

Word Processing Features

Microsoft Word:
- Find feature: To use the Find feature in Microsoft Word, press Ctrl+F (Cmd+F on Mac). This opens the Navigation pane. Enter 'doi' in the search box to locate all instances of 'doi' in your document. Review each instance to ensure it is formatted correctly.
- Find & Replace: To use the Find & Replace feature, press Ctrl+H (Cmd+Shift+H on Mac). In the 'Find what' box, enter 'doi'. In the 'Replace with' box, enter the correct DOI format. Click 'Replace All' to correct all instances at once.
- Styles panel: To use the Styles panel, go to the Home tab and locate the Styles group. Highlight your DOI text and select the appropriate style (e.g., Hyperlink) from the Styles panel to ensure proper formatting.

Google Docs:
- Find feature: In Google Docs, press Ctrl+F (Cmd+F on Mac) to open the search box. Type 'doi' to highlight all occurrences in your document. Review each highlighted instance for accuracy and formatting.
- Add-ons: To use Add-ons for citation checking in Google Docs, go to the Add-ons menu, then choose 'Get add-ons'. Search for citation tools like 'Paperpile' or 'EasyBib' and install them. Use these tools to check and format your citations correctly.

Keyboard Shortcuts

• Ctrl+F (Windows) or Cmd+F (Mac): Find
• Ctrl+H (Windows) or Cmd+Shift+H (Mac): Find & Replace

Search Strategies

To find potential errors:
Use specific search patterns like 'doi:' followed by 10 digits or 'https://doi.org/' to locate DOIs. Search for common mistake patterns such as missing colons, incorrect punctuation, or spacing issues in the DOI format. Systematically check each citation by reviewing the reference list and ensuring that all DOIs follow the correct structure.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• ⚠️ Mistakes users commonly make when checking doi: Incorrectly formatting DOI links, omitting 'https://doi.org/', or using lowercase letters.
• ⚠️ How to avoid these common errors: Always double-check DOI formats against the official source, and consider using citation management tools.
• ⚠️ Warning signs to watch for: Look for DOIs that do not start with '10.' or are missing critical components like 'https://'.

Before & After Examples

These examples show common DOI errors and their corrections:

Example 1: A student submitted a research paper that included a journal article citation with an incorrectly formatted DOI.

Context:

Before (Incorrect):
❌ Smith, J. A. (2020). The effects of study habits on academic performance. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(3), 456-478. https://doi.org/10.1234/abcd.efgh

Problem identified:

After (Correct):
✅ Smith, J. A. (2020). The effects of study habits on academic performance. Journal of Educational Psychology, 112(3), 456-478. https://doi.org/10.1234/abcd.efgh

What changed:
- Removed the 'https://' prefix from the DOI
- Ensured the DOI is in the correct format starting with 'doi:'

Rule applied: APA 7th edition guidelines for citing DOIs

Example 2: A student submitted a research paper that included a citation for a journal article. The student incorrectly formatted the DOI, leading to confusion about how to locate the article.

Context:

Before (Incorrect):
❌ Smith, J. A. (2020). The effects of climate change on coastal cities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 45(3), 234-250. https://doi.org/10.1234/jes.2020.6789

Problem identified:

After (Correct):
✅ Smith, J. A. (2020). The effects of climate change on coastal cities. Journal of Environmental Studies, 45(3), 234-250. https://doi.org/10.1234/jes.2020.6789

What changed:
- No changes were needed in this case; the DOI was already formatted correctly.

Rule applied: APA 7th edition guidelines for DOI formatting

Example 3: A student submits a research paper with a citation for a journal article, but the DOI is incorrectly formatted.

Context:

Before (Incorrect):
❌ Smith, J. A. (2020). The impact of climate change on urban wildlife. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(4), 345-360. doi:10.1234/jes.2020.0045

Problem identified:

After (Correct):
✅ Smith, J. A. (2020). The impact of climate change on urban wildlife. Journal of Environmental Studies, 12(4), 345-360. https://doi.org/10.1234/jes.2020.0045

What changed:
- Changed 'doi:' to 'https://doi.org/'
- Ensured the DOI is a complete URL

Rule applied: Use of DOI format in references

Example 4: A student is preparing a literature review and needs to cite a journal article. They mistakenly format the DOI, leading to an incorrect citation.

Context:

Before (Incorrect):
❌ Smith, J. A. (2020). The effects of climate change on urban planning. Journal of Environmental Studies, 15(3), 45-60. doi:10.1234/jes.2020.45

Problem identified:

After (Correct):
✅ Smith, J. A. (2020). The effects of climate change on urban planning. Journal of Environmental Studies, 15(3), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.1234/jes.2020.45

What changed:
- Changed 'doi:' to 'https://doi.org/'
- Ensured correct formatting of the DOI
- Retained all other citation elements as is

Rule applied: APA 7th edition requires that DOIs be presented as URLs beginning with 'https://doi.org/'

Example 5: A graduate student submits a research paper that includes a citation for a journal article. However, the DOI provided is incorrectly formatted, leading to confusion about how to access the source.

Context:

Before (Incorrect):
❌ Smith, J. (2020). Advances in psychological research. Journal of Psychology, 45(2), 123-135. doi:10.1234/abcd.efgh

Problem identified:

After (Correct):
✅ Smith, J. (2020). Advances in psychological research. Journal of Psychology, 45(2), 123-135. https://doi.org/10.1234/abcd.efgh

What changed:
- Changed 'doi:' to 'https://doi.org/'
- Removed unnecessary capitalization in 'doi'
- Ensured correct hyperlink format for the DOI

Rule applied: APA 7th Edition requires the DOI to be presented as a URL starting with 'https://doi.org/'

Example Summary

Related Validation Guides

Check Other Elements:

Complete Checking Guides:

• Complete Citation Checking Guide → /guides/
• Reference List Validation → /how-to-check-reference-list-apa/

Related Errors:

Source-Specific Guides:

Last Updated: October 28, 2025
Reading Time: 9 minutes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I find the DOI for a journal article?

To find the DOI for a journal article, first check the article itself. Many articles list the DOI on the first page, typically near the title or in the header or footer. If it is not there, you can search the article title in databases like CrossRef or the publisher's website. Enter the title in the search box to see if a DOI is available. Additionally, academic databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar often provide DOIs in their citation information. If you are still unable to find a DOI, try looking for the article in library catalogs or contacting the author directly. For further assistance, you can visit the CrossRef website, which offers tools for locating DOIs.

What should I do if there is no DOI available for my source?

If there is no DOI available for your source, you can still cite it in APA format. For print sources, include the publisher's information, publication date, and page numbers instead. For online sources without a DOI, provide the URL where the source can be accessed. Make sure that the URL is accessible and leads directly to the content being cited. Additionally, remember to check if the source is from a reputable publisher or organization. In cases where no DOI or URL is available, you can use a description of the source in your citation. For more information on how to handle sources without DOIs, refer to the APA Publication Manual or the APA Style website.

Can I use a URL instead of a DOI in my citation?

In APA style, the preferred method for citing online articles is to use the DOI if it is available. However, if a DOI is not present, you may use the URL of the article. The key is to ensure that the URL is permanent and directs readers to the content. Avoid using short links or URLs that may change over time. When including the URL, format it as a hyperlink if your document allows for it. If you are citing a source from a database that provides a DOI, it is best to use that DOI instead of a URL to ensure consistency and reliability. For further guidance, please refer to the APA Style website and their resources on citing electronic sources.

How do I check if a DOI is formatted correctly?

To check if a DOI is formatted correctly, ensure it follows the structure recommended by APA style. A DOI should begin with 'doi:' followed by the alphanumeric string. For example, it should look something like this: doi:10.1234/abcd.efgh. Additionally, you can verify the DOI by entering it into a DOI resolver like the one available at https://doi.org. This will lead you to the corresponding article or resource. If the link does not work, double-check the DOI for any typographical errors. For more detailed information on formatting DOIs, consult the APA Publication Manual or visit the APA Style website.

What if I have multiple articles by the same author and need to list their DOIs?

When you have multiple articles by the same author, list each article's DOI in the reference list alphabetically by the title of the article. If you are citing multiple works by the same author published in the same year, differentiate them by adding letters (a, b, c) after the publication year. For example, if you are citing two articles from 2021, it would look like this: (2021a) and (2021b). Ensure that each DOI is correctly formatted and corresponds to the correct article. This method provides clarity and helps readers locate each individual work easily. For more detailed guidelines, refer to the APA Style website.

What is the difference between a DOI and a URL?

A DOI (Digital Object Identifier) is a unique alphanumeric string assigned to a specific digital object, such as a journal article or a dataset. It provides a permanent link to that object on the internet, ensuring that the link remains stable over time. A URL (Uniform Resource Locator), on the other hand, is a web address that can change, which may lead to broken links if the content is moved or removed. In APA citations, using a DOI is preferred because it is more reliable for locating the source. If a DOI is not available, a URL can be used instead. For more information on the differences and proper usage of DOIs and URLs, consult the APA Style website.